Hello PPMA members and friends

I hope you all had a good Christmas break. For those in our sector who were on call and still working, I hope it wasn’t too eventful and that you’ve managed to carve out a little time to relax and enjoy the season in some way before we head into the New Year.

This year, I was fortunate to spend Christmas with my partner abroad in the sunshine. I only mention this because it was my first time spending Christmas away from immediate family and friends, forgoing the traditional rituals I’ve embraced for so many years. I decided to go all in and skip all the usual “Christmas” stuff—no carol service, tree, decorations, baking, cards, or gift wrapping.

As a big fan of Christmas, I started to pine for my traditional celebrations as soon as I began packing. However, I had a brilliant time away and learned two things about myself:

  1. All the Christmas traditions I usually immerse myself in are things I genuinely love doing. They’re part of who I am, and I’m already looking forward to them next year. That said, they can be exhausting, and I hadn’t realised how tired I was. Note to self: next year, I’ll rein things in (a little) and ensure I make time to properly relax.
  2. I missed my family and friends during Christmas. Technology, particularly FaceTime, became invaluable—it’s a tool I usually associate with work but now deeply appreciate for maintaining human connection. While it’s not as impactful as in-person interactions, it was a meaningful substitute for staying connected with loved ones.

Being away gave me the time and space to reflect on the past year and think about what the year ahead might bring. What a year it has been! I entered 2023 knowing I would be transitioning through some significant milestones. I left my role in Essex to embark on a new role as a government commissioner at Birmingham City Council. These were big decisions for me, and no matter how confident one feels, there’s always some trepidation when leaving the familiar behind for the unknown. I’ll save the lessons I learned for another blog next year.

In April, I accepted the privilege of becoming PPMA President—coinciding with a significant birthday. I had no idea what either event would bring or how I would “show up” to the world.

Reflecting on my time as PPMA President, one thing is clear: it has been a whirlwind! I could never have anticipated what was to come—thankfully, it’s been filled with more highlights than lowlights, each bringing valuable learning and personal growth.

Highlights (and a few challenges)

  • PPMA 2024 Conference
    Of course, this was a highlight! It’s when I became President. The event was exciting and slightly nerve-wracking, but it was an excellent conference—the second in-person gathering since the pandemic and stronger than ever. The well-planned conference featured great speakers, contributors, and our signature gala awards night, celebrating the remarkable work within our sector. It was a chance to slow down, reflect, recharge, and reconnect.
  • PPMA Senior Board Members
    Working with a dedicated team committed to making PPMA the best it can be has been a privilege. While forming a new team comes with its bumps, I’ve appreciated their collective and individual contributions. Special thanks to the Vice Presidents,  Sandra Farquharson, Nichola Mann, Natasha Brown and Steve Walker Whitehead who have made this first year a wonderful experience. I look forward to next year—onwards and upwards, with hopefully more laughs along the way!
  • PPMA Development Programmes
    This year, I had the honor of participating in the delivery of the “One to Watch,” “Rising Star,” and “Peer into the Future” programmes. These initiatives are carefully curated, expertly delivered, and essential for personal and professional growth in our sector. Witnessing participants emerge more confident and focused has been inspiring. Despite funding challenges, I firmly believe professional development must remain a priority—it’s never cost-efficient to de-skill or under-develop talent.
  • PPMA Sponsors and Advocates
    We’re fortunate to have great sponsors and advocates who have been instrumental in supporting PPMA’s activities. They challenge us constructively, helping bring external perspectives into our work. This year, in collaboration with sponsors, we’ve hosted excellent webinars, roundtables, and bite-sized conferences. These events provide invaluable opportunities for networking and learning. I’m excited to do even more next year and extend my thanks to our joint associations—HPMA, UHR, and CIPD—for fostering partnerships that strengthen our collective efforts.
  • Looking Ahead to PPMA’s 50th Year
    Our 50th anniversary celebration is on the horizon, culminating in an exciting conference on April 9-11, 2025, in Manchester. Planning is already underway, and I encourage you to book your early bird tickets and submit your award entries before the deadline. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic year of celebration, and I look forward to seeing our members connect and thrive.

As we step into the New Year, I wish you all a wonderful break and joyous celebrations. Let’s approach the year ahead with hope—that’s all we can ask of ourselves.

Pam Parkes, PPMA President & Commissioner (Equal Pay & Workforce) Birmingham City Council