As new president one of my key objectives for the PPMA is to build on the work of the previous president to strengthen relationships across public sector membership bodies including West Midlands Employers. I value the reach and influence you have with local authorities and their HR and OD professionals.

As local government seeks to embrace new technology and transform public services, greater collaboration between the PPMA, WME, SOCITM, HPMA, UHR, CIPD will enable us to broaden our thinking and collective power than working alone. It is by working together we will solve some of the big problems we face in the delivery of public services. To find solutions to drive wider sector improvements and productivity. It is here where system leadership will be key.

To strengthen the PPMAs contribution to the partnership, I have set six further objectives. First, to continue championing the people that lead and support our workforce. Public services is all about the people and people managers. Sometimes, the connection between good public services and the people that deliver them is not recognised or appreciated.

Second to continue our impressive membership growth spurt. More members means we can offer more people to share best practice, solutions, and idea.

As a third priority, to enable the HR/OD talent pipeline to flourish and grow, I will promote the PPMA’s talent development programmes spanning early career to preparation for Directorship.

There never will be a blueprint to respond to the ever-evolving challenges to public services which makes the willingness of our community to share, adapt and learn from best practice our strength. My fourth priority is therefore to encourage the continuous exchange of learning between members and partners.

Related to this point a fifth, we will increase local government workforce capability and efficiency by driving the case for ongoing investment in workforce development. We are all delivering services in a tough financial environment. With the current focus on cost control, we must not lose sight of the need to develop our people and skill base.

Sixth, I will ensure the PPMA continues to speak truth constructively to power. To counter unwarranted, negative narratives in the media, preserve workforce morale and positively impact public perception.

Together, we have a powerful voice, and the PPMA is looking to play its part contributing conversations about ED&I, ways of working, employee relations, workforce planning and skills.

Pam Parkes, Commissioner, Birmingham City Council and President, PPMA.