2024 Public Sector Learning & Development

As a highly experienced, innovative, results-oriented learning and development professional I have a proven track record leading high-performing Learning and Development teams and supporting senior leaders of FTSE 350 companies, charities, the Civil Service and professional associations achieve their strategic goals. As Head of Learning, Development & Talent at the National Audit Office I have insight to the public sector and deep understanding of the challenges of delivering on an ambitious L&D strategy. Over ten years’ experience of successfully managing learning and development for one of the Big 4 global professional services firms provides me with practical experience of working for a complex organisation, as well as establishing skills in influencing senior stakeholders, leading teams and working collaboratively.

Specialities: Leadership, Talent and Management development design and delivery. Coaching and facilitation. Change management. Senior level assessment and development centres including Board evaluation and development. Induction. Implementing Learner Experience Platform (LXP). An accomplished influencer at all levels of an organisation up to and including executive management.

Core skills: Consulting with business leaders and senior managers. Translating business needs and corporate objectives into learning and development needs. Designing and implementing blended learning and development solutions . Achieving results through personal influence and relationship management skills. Training delivery and group facilitation. Leading teams.

Barbra has nearly 30 years of experience in the public sector with nearly 20 in L&D. She has a background as a secondary school teacher and specialist leader of education in Computing. She now leads digital learning for the Government digital and data profession in the Cabinet Office.

Ciaran is an expert in funded learning and has worked at a senior level in the L&D space for over fifteen years. In his current role, Ciaran is part of one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship and training providers, working in partnership with enterprise organisations across both the Public and Private sectors to develop and deliver high-impact learning programmes that deliver meaningful skills and service outcomes.

As the Director of Policy and External Affairs at the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the professional body for management and leadership, I lead the CMI's thought leadership, research, public policy and external engagement activities. With over 15 years of experience in public policy, political economy, social impact, sustainability, institutional change and reform, I have a proven track record of delivering innovative and influential solutions for complex and dynamic challenges in the 21st century.


I am also the author of two books, including 'Left without a future? Social justice in anxious times', which explores the challenges and opportunities for progressive politics in the 21st century. Previously, I was the Chief Research and Impact Officer at the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA), where I led the RSA's impact programmes, including research, policy, design, innovation, network building and external content/relations. I am passionate about creating positive social change, sustainable transition and empowering people to shape their own futures.

Councillor Nick Kemp was elected to Newcastle City Council in 2002 and has proudly represented the East End Ward of Byker ever since. He has held a series of council roles including Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods. He was elected Leader of Newcastle City Council in May 2022 and leads his Cabinet to address the city’s most important priorities, including tackling the cost-of-living crisis, eliminating poverty and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

He has worked across sectors, holding diverse roles such as caseworker for a local MP and as business development manager for the Tyne and Wear
Development Company. He currently runs a public affairs agency.

Nick is a trustee of the National Centre for Children's Books.

Emma’s background is in learning and development in the housing and care sector before joining the newly established Digitally Enabled Workforce team in NHS Education for Scotland in 2021. Emma now leads on national work building digital leadership skills across the health and care workforce in Scotland.

Alan joined the Civil Service 25 years ago and has worked in the Scottish Government Health & Social Care Directorates for the last 16 years. Over those years his work has been at the heart of the health & wellbeing of our health & care workforce including equality, recruitment, employment checks and a wide range of staff governance policies and aims. In more recent times Alan has taken his workforce experience into the world of Digital Health & Care where the focus of his work is on the digital skills and leadership that is required across the workforce at all levels to drive forward and deliver our transformation of health & care services now and for the future. 

Mr Paul Starkey

 

Adult Learning Service Manager

 

With a career spanning over two decades in the field of education, I am a dedicated professional with a diverse background in education. My extensive experience includes roles in Early Years, offender education, primary education, 16-18 education, and adult education.

 

For the past decade, my focus has been on post-16 education, reflecting a commitment to the critical transition phase for learners. In my most recent position, I have assumed a leadership role within a local authority, where I currently serve as the manager of the Adult Education Department.

 

In this role, I am implementing initiatives to bridge the gap between local skills gaps and economic development. By leveraging my expertise, I am actively involved in developing strategies that not only address immediate educational needs but also contribute to the long-term economic growth of our community.

 

My current position demonstrates my dedication to shaping education policies and practices to reach those furthest from the job market and identify suitable routes for economic prosperity. I am passionate about leading by example, and in my role, I am exploring innovative internal approaches that can set benchmarks for other organisations to follow suit.

 

With a vision for empowering individuals through education and a commitment to community development, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute significantly to the advancement of education and skills development within our local authority.

Currently Head of Employment Skills and Adult Education at Derby City Council; I help organisations improve their relationships between Finance and Operations. Reducing bottom line and increased income.

 

With over 17 years Senior Leader I lead teams & organisations through change & turnaround to achieve exceptional award winning results. My approach is dynamic & motivational getting quick sustainable results.

 

Appointed MBE for services to Social Enterprise and Community 2013

 

Specialist in achieving commercial outcomes within the Social Impact space. A proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary, multi-sector & national teams. I have worked across sectors, developing a multi-sector portfolio of Senior Management Interim assignments, including local authority, charity & Private Equity.

 

I coach staff to create operational practices that support real time financial budgets, improving internal relationships between finance & operations. Sector expertise in Health & Social Care, Construction, Education, Employment & Training, Regeneration, Procurement,  Social Value, Strategic Influence & Change. I incorporate complete staff skills analysis; funding review & redesign & restructure organisations & departments.

 

"Anna has a proven record of managing strong personalities with often conflicting priorities through times of change to reach positive conclusions. She brings new ideas to organisations & the political arena which can initially be resistant to alternative views. Anna has a great deal of courage & manages conflict & bias with integrity". David Ralph CEO LEP

 

Proven organisation-building skills, Writing competitive tenders I competed with larger companies winning construction contracts/frameworks. Working with senior politicians & government officials to influence public sector procurement.

 

"Anna has incredible drive, determination, enthusiasm, & unshakable vision. I witnessed 1st hand Anna’s ability to work with, understand, & get the best out of people, from MP’s, Council leaders, Executive Directors of large private companies to people from deprived council estates”. – Steve Hale  Director Social Housing ALMO

Matt Bungay boasts a distinguished career marked by transformative leadership and innovative business development. With a proven track record spanning over a decade, Matt has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing bespoke apprenticeship programs, earning recognition as an Ofsted Nominee with multiple successful outcomes.

Education and Early Career Summary

Embarking on his journey at HIT Training, Matt quickly ascended the ranks, showcasing exceptional performance as a Sales Executive and Hospitality Assessor. His dedication to vocational training led him to the role of Berkshire Area Manager, where he excelled in operations and performance management. Matt's commitment to nurturing talent continued at Wiser Academy, where he served as the Executive Director of Training and Apprenticeships.

In 2017, Matt founded Tate Apprenticeships, an initiative that seamlessly merged recruitment experience with apprenticeship expertise. Under his leadership, Tate Apprenticeships became a nationwide success, capturing the market with over 200 learners and earning the distinction of being the first in the recruitment sector with external clients.

Currently spearheading the apprenticeship agenda at City, University of London, Matt Bungay remains at the forefront of higher education, leveraging his visionary approach to training and development. Beyond his professional pursuits, Matt actively engages in philanthropy, serving as a Trustee for Kallums Rainbow—a charity he co-founded to support families affected by cot death, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact in both education and community welfare.

I am currently working as the Deputy Head of Business Management for Adults Services.  I have worked in the public sector for over 7 years across Childrens and Adults Services, following a successful career in the legal services sector where I decided I wanted a career change and followed my desire to work in the social care sector.  I am now near completion of my CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership apprenticeship, and have recently also supported a Level 3 CMI Management apprentice through to completion.  I have completed various professional qualifications over the years since leaving university, always striving to gain knowledge and acquire new skills to enhance my performance and add value to the workplace and my personal development, as well as supporting colleagues to do the same.

Jonathan Mitchell has been a deputy director at the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education since its formation in 2017. He has led divisions leading on apprenticeship standards development, communications and external affairs, portfolio management, and several other areas. Before joining IfATE, Jonathan was a teacher and senior leader in a number of schools in Scotland and England. He is now heading up IfATE’s ‘Future Skills & Innovation’ Division, where he oversees work to improve how IfATE detects changing labour market requirements, the coordination of skills system responses to meet these, and engagement with regional skills bodies.

Helen is an Associate Professor of Leadership Development and Work based learning, and the Head of Executive Education for Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University. 

After a career in senior HR management in the not-for-profit and arts sectors, she has taught within HRM-related programmes in FE and HE for over fifteen years, and has specialised in the development of academic, employability and professional skills. Helen's current teaching focusses on practice related HRM at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as pedagogic development for academics, particularly around AI use. Her research interests focus on the impact of apprenticeships in HE, and the development of the professional roles supporting these programmes.

Helen holds a Doctorate in Education and a Masters in Human Resource Management.  She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, and a Chartered Manager and Fellow of CMI. 

My role involves overseeing the talent transformation programmes within the Havering and Newham portfolio and supporting the Talent Hub Manager in developing and implementing talent strategies and continuous improvement initiatives, as well as ensuring that everything we do meets our values.

I work closely with senior managers to identify future development needs and help develop our workforce – improving skills, professional development and creating career pathways through apprenticeships, to ensure that we have the right people, in the right place, with the right skills at the right time.

• Dr Diamond is a consultant in Emergency Medicine. She has trained in the UK and Australia. She was an international examiner for the Royal College before taking position as the deputy medical director of the Southern Trust in Northern Ireland. Her portfolio covers workforce and training.
• She developed an out reach service to manage intoxicated patients rather than using the default position of send to ED.
• She has developed several apps and cloud based technology in partnership with the University of Ulster.
• She has developed and grown 2 companies which have seen growth through periods which were associated with austerity.

Mark is a senior officer within NIFRS serving for over 30 years with expertise in Incident Command and Wildfire response. A trained coach and an advocate of the Collective Leadership ethos & Coach Approach within the Fire sector. Mark is currently the Area Commander for Eastern Area Command (Belfast & Lisburn), covering an area of 63 Sq. Miles, population of +700K.

He is the co-chair of the Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Group and is instrumental in the development of the Northern Ireland Wildfire Strategy. Mark has been involved in many wildfire projects within the UK and across Europe working alongside NFCC and the Pau Costa Foundation (Catalonia).

Mark has implemented the use of Collective Leadership managing within NIFRS as Area Commander in Western & Eastern Area Commands and the benefits in achieving high engagement and safer communities. From the fire sector in Northern Ireland, Mark will provide insight into how he has embedded this ethos within multi-agency management and how the strategy is effective as a senior officer within NIFRS.

Mark is a graduate of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) holding an MSc in Fire & Rescue Service Management, a BSc Hons in Management Practice from the University of Ulster. He has an ILM Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Administration Management and IFE Level 4 papers in HR and Operations. 

Ian Kirke LLB (Hons), MSc., Cert Ed, PGDip Adv. Prof. Res.

In a previous life I was a senior police officer and former elected member at Bracknell Forest Council (standing down in May 2023). A professional educationalist and author, nowadays I prefer to write about things that have puzzled, surprised, and overwhelmed me!

 

As a journalist and feature writer for several international whilst domestically I pen for Sorted and Central Bylines (part of the Byline Times network).

 

Also, a frustrated Speedway promoter, Notts County fan and part-time philosopher

Liz Green has been a councillor for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames since 2002. Over the years, she has held several portfolios including Environment services, Children's social care and Education, Assets, Corporate services. She has also been Council Leader and Leader of the Opposition, as well as Chair of Audit, Governance and Standards committee and currently is Chair of Planning Committee.

 

Liz is also an accredited peer for the Local Government Association undertaking corporate peer reviews and one-to-one mentoring. She was previously the vice-chair of both Children & Young People and Improvement & Innovation Boards, and currently she is Chair of the Culture, Tourism & Sport LGA board.

 

Her knowledge and experience has led her to become a trainer, coach and facilitator for local government and public sector organisations. She currently trains/coaches councillors in leadership skills, chairing, governance, community engagement and climate action as well as offering facilitation for top team sessions and political awareness for officers. "Working with others, my aim is to ensure councillors and officers have the training and skills they need to lead their organisations and their communities successfully."