Thu 21 Dec 2023
As we bid farewell to another transformative year, we reflect on the events and the speakers who played a part in shaping the next generation of leaders in the civil service
As 2023 draws to a close, the myriad lessons learned about becoming the leaders we aspire to be and what it takes to overcome leadership challenges stand out as the best of the year. Over the past 12 months, our team welcomed hundreds of civil servants at events held up and down the country, powered by executive coaches and inspirational government officials who came to our conferences to share their lived experiences, making an invaluable contribution to shaping the next generation of leaders.
Looking back at the 10 events that Dods Diversity & Inclusion hosted this year, highlights come from Unlocking the Senior Civil Service, where in-person and online events provided delegates with the essential tools to be prepared for the next role and break down glass ceilings. Richard Hillsdon, former senior civil servant and Success Profiles trainer, delivered hands-on advice for passing the sift and top tips to impresse the interview panel.
This year, we heard from Lord Lansley CBE, former Secretary of State for Health, discuss what ministers expect from their senior civil servants and learned what life in the SCS is like with the testimonies of Michele Anderson, Strategic Command, Ministry of Defence, and Andrea Beveney, Deputy Director, Government Legal Department, to name a few examples.
Unlocking the Senior Civil Service returns in 2024 with an online event on 25 January, and it will be your chance to hear Lord Lansley explain what ministers require from their SCS. Also joining us in January to share their route to the SCS are Laura Marquis, Deputy Director, Logistics & Supply Chain Policy Division, Logistics & Borders Directorate, Department for Transport, and Rebecca Hogg, Deputy Director, UK Home Office.
Hillsdon will also return to the January event. So, if you've decided you're ready for the challenge and want a leadership role in the SCS, Unlocking the Senior Civil Service is an event you don't want to miss. In this conference, Hillsdon will help you discover what it will take to make the most of your application using the new Success Profile process.
Learn more about Unlocking the Senior Civil Service
Diversity in the civil service
Listening to senior officials speak about their lived experiences, struggles and successes is an invaluable learning and development opportunity, and we had plenty of those through Ethnic Minorities into Leadership. Delegates say the event also provides a networking launchpad, helping them to connect with peers from differ departments, boost confidence and strengthen the ties across the communities within government.
This year saw Mel Nebhrajani, Director General, Government Legal Department, examine the current landscape for Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority leaders in the civil service, and we learned from Sherin Aminossehe, Director of Infrastructure, Ministry of Defence, about leading and learning through adversity.
Justin Placide, Head of Net Zero Governance, Briefing and Fiscal Events, and Chair of the Civil Service Race Forum, also joined our Ethnic Minorities into Leadership conference this year, reflecting on what leadership in action means and the importance of lifting others as you climb.
The next Ethnic Minorities into Leadership takes place in Birmingham on 7 March 2024. Save the date and register to attend. You will have the opportunity to hear Richard Hillsdon, former senior civil servant and selection specialist, explain the crucial steps for preparing for your next role, including what influences the selectors to be successful in your interviews.
Learn more about Ethnic Minorities into Leadership
Authentic leadership
This year, we learned that the overlooked ingredient to personal aspirations is understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and priorities and what it takes to align them with your values and authentic self.
The conference series Women into Leadership provided executive coaching to hundreds of budding leaders across departments at events in Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Belfast, London and, from this year, Newcastle. Sherin Aminossehe, Director Infrastructure and MoD Race Champion, joined us at this inaugural event, speaking about what it means to become an authentic leader. Her address illustrated the importance of determining your own leadership style and priorities.
In London, inspirational officials, including Sarah Munby, Permanent Secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, reflected on their journey in the civil service, on leading with purpose and inspiring a positive culture of inclusion in challenging times.
Equally motivational, Gillian Russell, Director of Health Workforce at the Scottish Government, looked back at her experience and, speaking at our event in Edinburgh, shared insights into using challenges and triumphs to power success, professionally and in your life.
Women into Leadership Liverpool on 18 January 2024 will see Madeleine Alessandri, Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee at Cabinet Office, and former Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office, open the plenary address with a presentation on purpose-driven leadership.
Alessandri's presentation will be followed by interactive breakout sessions about building your brand as an introvert leader, how to seek it out and optimise your support, and best practice in improving individual and team wellbeing.
The Liverpool event will have Tracy Bridgett, Deputy Director for Resettlement Services Corporate Delivery, Home Office, take the stage with a presentation about developing your profile and creating impact at any grade. Expect hands-on advice and inspiration.
We wish you all the best for the new year and hope to welcome you to our events in 2024!
Upcoming events
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