London

Chair - Tracey Connage
Tel: 0208 937 1611 - 07985 668581
Email: tracey.connage@brent.gov.uk

Secretary - Susan McNally
Tel: 07990 808277
Email: susan@transformingworks.co.uk

Annual Report

1) Activities and professional development during 2008

We have enjoyed a rich programme of activities for our members throughout 2008. In March we were very fortunate to have a presentation from David Vere about his leading edge research completed with Lynne Butler in conjunction with the CIPD; culminating in a published research paper. This session had real resonance and relevance for regional members as the focus was on public sector HR transformation and making the HR function fit for business in the public sector.

In June we seamlessly maintained the theme of HR transformation and this session was the highlight of our year with our president, Stephen Moir, presenting his national conference exposition on HR evolution or HR extinction. London region members, never slow to engage with a speaker, were thoroughly ‘fired up’ by Stephen’s presentation and he facilitated a highly interactive and lively debate about how HR in public service is evolving (with Stephen citing many examples of good practice from across our region and community). Several London colleagues described the session as ‘inspirational’ a true testament to Stephen’s professional and leadership prowess. We consider ourselves very fortunate that London was one of the regions Stephen was able to visit in his busy presidential schedule.

In September we headed to the Eastern reaches of the region and were magnificently hosted by the London Borough of Havering at their (relatively) new and splendid learning and development centred sited at the Thames Gateway. In a very practical session led by Equality Works, we examined how employers responsive to the diversity agenda enhance their performance and service delivery – i.e. there is demonstrable cause and effect correlation between employer diversity action and improved business performance. Jonathan Sandford and his colleagues drew upon examples of public sector organisations they have worked with and provided hard evidence of the diversity/performance fulcrum. Janice Joannou, from the London Borough of Croydon, and new lead officer for PPMA Diversity was also at this session, so we enjoyed a fulfilling diversity ‘fest’!

We ended our 2008 programme with another excellent session aimed to provide professional development for our regional members. We continued with the theme of diversity but this time provided linage to recruitment, promotion and the ‘glass ceiling’. Graeme Ratten, good friend and sponsor of the PPMA, from Opportunities magazine led us through a fascinating expose of online advertising and how to derive the best from it, simultaneously linked to the issue of diversity. Carmelita Charles from the IDeA led us through research evidence of the continuing disadvantages experienced by many people in public sector organisations. We may have travelled a long way from the 1970’s when diversity-led legislation was first introduced but it’s clear we still have a way to go and Carmelita’s findings and presentation were a sobering reminder of the continued hard work required from public sector HR professionals to address institutionalised discrimination.

2) Looking ahead in 2009

We’ve planned a bumper programme of activities for London region members throughout 2009. Our March meeting, facilitated by Benenden Health Care, and PPMA sponsors, was a session dedicated to employee wellbeing. The correlation between absenteeism, ‘presenteeism’ and employee engagement are issues that continue to vex many public sector organisations.

In June we return to the theme of HR transformation to be co-led by our very own PPMA transformation group (led by Martin Rayson) and DLA Piper.

In September we’ve planned to dedicate time to contemplate how HR professionals move across sectors - and in particular the metamorphosis from HR public sector professional to self-employed consultant. As well as the practical issues of becoming a limited liability company, we will consider the skill sets required for successful transition and sustainable business practise. We plan to receive ‘hot’ tips from those who’ve managed to make the seismic shift. In these current difficult economic times we see support through practical sessions - such as this subject theme - as key to what the PPMA has to offer by way of support and guidance to our members. The downturn is affecting all sectors – sadly, no one is immune.

Our year-end finale will be an assessment of the relationship between the HR function and excellent organisational performance – put that one in your toolkit and you won’t go far wrong!

3) Membership

We are proud that London continues to enjoy the largest membership of any PPMA region and that we have great diversity in our membership. The region has a variety of consultancies, consultants, and a breadth of public sector organisations that adds to the vibrancy of our region and our activities. We have seen a steady increase in corporate membership in the region and this all adds up to a region that flourishes with good health and good member development.

4) Personal thanks

My thanks to Sharon Taylor and SOLACE Enterprises for Sharon’s invaluable support tom the London region. Sharon’s professional, but often background work, may go unnoticed by many but her significant contribution deservedly needs to be acknowledged here.

Thanks also go to the many organisations and sponsors of the London region that have kindly supported our activities and hosted our events. Reflecting on 2008 particular thanks go to London Borough of Camden, the Local Government Association, London Borough of Havering and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

My personal thanks also go to the PPMA team - particularly John Tonks, Carol Sands and Kim McInery – who are always consistently helpful and supportive.

March 2009