I’m often struck by the different skills we have to be able to demonstrate as part of our jobs. Some might be fairly obvious like the need to have an HGV licence or an environmental health degree but others are less obvious.
A team from Birmingham University have identified 10 characteristics that capture the skills needed from a 21st Century Public Servant.
You can read more details here The 21st Century Public Servant – Revisited – 21st Century Public Servant
I facilitated a an online seminar this week with Prof Catherine Needham who led this work and was stuck by the similarities and links to our own Connect for Success Principles. For example, a One Council approach is effectively “thinking whole system” and being data and evidence led and maximising our use of technology requires us to be “data curious”.
But the need to be a “Relationship curator” has been front and centre of my mind this week. At a session with future leaders from across Scotland, at which they heard from chief executives, councillors and COSLA officers, the need to build strong positive relationships came top of the list of skills. As Prof Needham’s work says, this is not a “nice to have”, it’s the job. Those relationships can be with each other, our communities, our councillors, businesses and other organisations.
As we navigate some tricky issues like the debate about the visitor levy, the selection of a site for the new school on Mull or a challenging customer complaint we have to navigate some difficult conversations and work at relationships even if we don’t always agree.
If you do engage with communities as part of your job, there’s a new guide to help you develop skills and build confidence. We developed the new Framework, following an extensive consultation with council staff, an officer group, senior officers and key partners.
The guide includes:
- a step by step process to carry out engagement
- information on legislation and guidance
- a range of tools and methods to help you engage
- contacts for advice and support
- case studies and examples.
It covers all types of engagement across the full range of participation from informing, consulting, collaborating and moving towards empowerment and self-determination.
You can access it on MyCouncilWorks. All the information you’ll need is organised under key headings for easy access.
I’ve no doubt that you are all “hardy perennials” who can navigate these challenges and demonstrate the skills needed to operate as 21st Century Public Servants.
This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week and a fantastic opportunity to say thanks to our 21st Century apprentices and highlight all the benefits they can offer us as an employer. We know how important it is to hire the right people for the right jobs – have you considered hiring an apprentice to support your team? There is lots of information on how to hire an apprentice here Modern Apprentices – My Council Works. It’s a great way for us to add to our workforce and help our young people get started on their career journeys.
Have a great weekend,
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
