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About the Programmes

PPMA’s Talent Development Programmes recognise and develop the next generation of HR & OD professionals across the public sector. Through assessment, leadership development and residential programmes, participants build the confidence, resilience and skills needed to progress their careers and become future leaders.

PPMA HR Rising Star 2026

Congratulations to the 2026 HR Rising Star Winner 🏆

Ben Straffon – Wokingham Borough Council

Congratulations to Ben Straffon from Wokingham Borough Council, winner of the 2026 PPMA HR Rising Star Programme.

Following an outstanding programme of leadership development, practical challenges and assessments, Ben was recognised for his leadership potential, professionalism and commitment to the future of public service HR & OD.

Congratulations also to all of this year’s shortlisted participants for their dedication and achievements throughout the programme.

2026 Shortlisted Candidates

  • Dom Condron – Salford City Council
  • Lisa Hancock – London Borough of Hackney
  • Emma Cornwell – Cheshire East Council
  • Rosie Landers – Manchester City Council
  • Rhiannon Collins – Brentwood Borough & Rochford District Council
  • Laura Owen – Cheshire East Council
  • Fiona Gande – Manchester City Council
  • Ben Straffon – Wokingham Borough Council (Winner)
  • Kris Crawford – Cheshire East Council
  • Wesley Gordon – London Borough of Southwark
  • Holly Gammage – Herefordshire Council

PPMA One to Watch 2026 

Congratulations to the 2026 One to Watch Winner 🏆

Olivia McLaughlin – Southwark Council

Congratulations to Olivia McLaughlin from Southwark Council, winner of the 2026 PPMA One to Watch Programme.

Following two inspiring days of development activities, practical challenges and assessments at Warwick Business School, Olivia was recognised for her confidence, resilience, collaborative approach and leadership potential.

Congratulations also to all of this year’s shortlisted participants for the enthusiasm, commitment and support they demonstrated throughout the programme.

2026 Shortlisted Candidates

  • Nikhita Chandar – Sheffield City Council
  • Jordan Woodward – Wigan Council
  • Jack Unsworth – Wigan Council
  • Dylan Beaver – London Borough of Hounslow
  • Salma Begum – London Borough of Hackney
  • Zahra Ali – Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
  • Jack Waby – Lincolnshire County Council
  • Rhiannah McDonnell – Epping Forest District Council
  • Jasmine Taylor – Sutton Council and Royal Borough of Kingston
  • Amy Usbas – London Borough of Waltham Forest
  • Rachel Gibson – Manchester City Council
  • Katrina Williams – London Borough of Waltham Forest
  • Gail Holiday Scott – Lincolnshire County Council
  • Olivia McLaughlin – Southwark Council (Winner)

Past Programmes

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact [email protected].

Here is a fabulous taster from our previous One to Watch and Rising Star cohorts:

FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR’S PROGRAMMES

Very powerful, insightful and uplifting. I have learnt a lot about positive speech and
building confidence. I am excited to feedback my experience back on the workplace.
I will be recommending that my Council gives this opportunity every year.

Really enjoyable couple of days, met some great peers and excellent coaches and
judges.

Amazing experience which has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and boosted
my confidence. I will be recommending the course to other HR professionals.

Started off so apprehensive but an amazing opportunity. Really pushed me out of my
comfort zone. You get a lot from the 2 days and I have loved meeting everyone.

I can honestly without hesitation say it is the best form of development I have had in my
15 years here – both professionally and personally.

It has given me a huge and much needed confidence boost and I am just so grateful for the
opportunity to take part and to meet you all.

A thought-provoking and engaging session. Learnt a lot outside of my comfort
zone. The participants, coaches and judges are all lovely.

This has been the best training/development/learning I have had! I feel I have found
my authentic self because of this!