Council leadership scheme wins national award for excellence

Shropshire Council’s leadership programme designed specifically for council officers has been recognised with an award for excellence in learning and development.

Called Getting Leadership Right (GLR), the programme won Best Learning and Development Award in the Public Services People Managers Association (PPMA) Excellence in People Management Awards 2024.

This award recognises the importance of learning and development and the contribution it can make to service delivery as well as enhancing the skills, experience and approach of individuals, teams and the wider workforce.

Hundreds of participants from across the council have gone through the programme to develop their leadership skills which will be vital as the council transforms and seeks to reduce demand and costs, particularly for adult social care.

It’s given them practical skills as well as showing them how working together towards a common, ambitious goal of transformation and change is achievable.

Shropshire Council’s chief executive Andy Begley said:

“I’m delighted that our Getting Leadership Right programme has been recognised in this way.

“As chief executive of a confident and capable council, I know it’s our colleagues who will ultimately deliver transformation and culture change, so we must continue to invest in and believe in them.”

Lezley Picton. Leader of the Council added:

“I’m pleased and proud that the council has won this award. It shows that we are creating the right culture of personal development for our leadership as we face the challenges that lie ahead.”

To date more than 350 people have completed the course, which is delivered by a Shropshire-based training provider.

The judges commented that GLR was:

“…a very comprehensive leadership development programme which has been developed with a sustainable approach for delivery and has proven impact on individual learning and development, along with achievement of organisational priorities.”

GLR is closely aligned with the Shropshire Plan as it provides the tools, techniques and support to help staff deliver the plan effectively.