Hello PPMA members and friends

Keeley Metcalfe is this our 2018 HR Rising Star runner up and in this post, she gives us an update on what has been happening since the competition.

“Thanks to the PPMA and the LGA I recently had the unique opportunity to share my business case with the UK’s Chief Social Worker for Adults, Lyn Romeo, in Westminster.

It was a great privilege to be invited to Westminster, kindly arranged by Suzanne Hudson from the LGA, but presenting the case was the easiest part; it’s now implementing elements of the project that is requiring some hard work, determination and creativity.

As a participant in the PPMA’s Rising Star competition I wrote a business case based on a project that proposes new approaches to attract and recruit staff to work in the care sector, a sector which is extremely difficult to recruit to nationally. Once the case gained recognition from the PPMA I was supported by my employer, North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) to implement elements as a pilot project.

In the last month I have started to build networks with partners who can make this become a reality, explaining the project and the benefits to their organisation, whilst also keeping it realistic.  There’s also the important factor of practicalities to consider; ensuring safeguarding requirements are met, time logistics and locations. The most difficult part is to think creatively and not to become fixed on the original format of the business case, to ‘make it happen’ is requiring me to look at it from different perspectives and let it evolve.

Taking part in the 2 day PPMA Rising Star event was a fantastic learning experience and the PPMA and LGA have set up some hot irons in the fire for me, but what I am learning most is that it’s down to me to seize these chances to ignite the flame and bring the project to reality.”

Keeley Metcalfe

PPMA Rising Star Runner Up, 2018