Hello PPMA Members and Friends

Spring is such a fantastic time of year. Coming out of what seems like a long dark winter, which has been exacerbated by the impact of Covid 19 and lockdowns, with daylight already getting noticeably longer and wildlife starting to burst into life, there can be a sense of optimism about the future.

With the continuing successful rollout of the Covid 19 vaccine and the recently announced government plan for easing and coming out of lockdown our organisations are starting to look forward to different models of operation and service delivery and asking us as HR&OD professionals to start planning for such changes.

The public services that we work in have done a brilliant job in supporting communities and going forward the challenges will possibly be even greater, with the likely impact of economic constraints, rising unemployment, continued coronavirus deaths and continued social distancing.

I know that HR/OD professionals are already looking at new ways of working. I said in my new year’s message that we need to continue being resilient but also need to stimulate and drive innovation and continue our focus on supporting our workforces in the right way, addressing any bias or discrimination, and looking after their wellbeing.

I said that we can WIN – with a focus on Wellbeing, Innovation and New thinking, ideas and technology.

PPMA colleagues are already collaborating in the Shires network and with South East colleagues to explore these challenges and new operating models, with a view to sharing the learning. This is a great example of what the PPMA is about and how we as community of HR/OD professionals benefit from the networking events and linkages that we make through the association.

The PPMA Peer into the Future programme launched last week with 15 participants from a range of public service organisations and with a range of skills, strengths and experience. I’m sure they will all grow and benefit from this great development programme and the mutual learning/sharing they get from each other.

We have launched our Apprentice of the Year search and will be announcing HR Rising Stars and Ones to Watch later in the year.

We are continuing our great programme of regular webinars with the help of our fantastic sponsors.

Our PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2021 and currently open. Please encourage your organisations and teams to enter and showcase the great work you have been doing over the last year or so. Here is the link to the page that provides you with the full details:  Excellence in People Management Awards 2021 – PPMA

We will celebrate our awards winners at our Virtual Conference which will take place on 14 & 15 September.

We have also launched PPMA:SOLVE, an HR/OD consultancy offer at competitive rates which we are looking to you and your organisations to use, commission and benefit from. Full details can be found here: PPMA:SOLVE – HR Consultancy – PPMA

So, with the onset of spring let us look forward with the hope and renewal that this season brings and utilise the benefits and opportunities that the PPMA gives us.

Steve Davies

PPMA President