Hello PPMA members and friends
Have you ever wondered about how our fabulous Association came about and when that happened? As part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations we shared the story of our beginnings in the special 50th anniversary supplement and you can read it below if you missed it.
The establishment of what is now the PPMA (Public Services People Managers Association) has its roots in the late 1960s and early 70s, a time when several attempts were made to create a professional association representing senior personnel officers in local government. As the human resource function grew more sophisticated, particularly in the challenging industrial relations climate of the era, it became increasingly clear that personnel officers needed a body to stand alongside the well-established professional organisations in local government. However, early efforts to form such a group did not take hold.
By 1974, the landscape had changed. The local government reorganisation of that year, along with the influential Bain’s Report on the Staffing of Local Government, created an environment where the idea of a professional society could take shape. That autumn, a small group of county personnel chiefs convened in a modest venue in Derby to explore the possibility once again. It was a grassroots effort—funds were even collected among attendees to cover the cost of the meeting. From that gathering emerged a determined commitment to establish a professional body modelled after other chief officer groups.
Despite initial skepticism from some chief personnel officers, who questioned the need for a national organisation, key advocates for the initiative remained steadfast in their belief that a unified body was essential for the advancement of human resources in local government. A concerted effort was made to bring colleagues on board, with the eventual agreement that membership would be limited to those holding chief officer status in their authorities.
In March 1975, the Society of Chief Personnel Officers (SOCPO) was officially established at a meeting in London. The first year presented significant challenges, including securing recognition from key local authority associations and employer bodies of the time. However, these organisations soon saw the value in working alongside SOCPO and sought its advice on a range of critical matters. A testament to its early success was the attendance of senior representatives from these organisations at the society’s first annual dinner in Harrogate in October 1976, where Lord Greenwood of Rossendale was the guest speaker.
From those early days, the organisation has evolved significantly. What began as a small group of committed professionals has grown into the PPMA, a thriving and influential association dedicated to the development and recognition of human resources in public services. As we celebrate 50 years, we reflect on the dedication and vision of those who laid the foundation for what has become an enduring and essential institution in the sector.
Happy anniversary, PPMA—here’s to the next 50 years!
