On the 10th working day before #PPMAHR18, we’re really excited to talk more about our amazing keynote speaker.

Choosing our opening session is quite a challenge! We wanted to take a slightly different tack this year. We’re mindful that as HR & OD professionals, we absolutely have to show our colleagues that we understand the challenges they face – whatever part of public service they are in.

We know that demonstrating our understanding of the business issues our organisations face and our ability to apply knowledge and experience to delivering solutions is what gets us a place at top table.

So, it really matters that we know what it’s like to be a service user. In mulling on this we thought that its possibly even more important to learn from people who have had to act because there was limited support available when they needed it.

Lack of support can be a capacity issue. BUT, as we know from some of the recent terrible child sexual exploitation issues, sometimes public service organisations have failed to tackle sensitive cultural issues. These days, you only need to say Rotherham, Newcastle, Oxford, Rochdale and we all know what we mean.

Jasvinder Sanghera CBE is an inspiring role model. She embodies the courage, commitment and determination to act when a complex, culturally sensitive issue needs to be addressed. You can find our more about her here.

We are confident that her story will inspire you and remind you why public service is about public good.

To honour her support for our conference, Jasvinder’s charity Karma Nirvana is one of two charities we are raising funds for at our Gala Dinner.