This year, The Staff College reaches a significant milestone – our 25th anniversary. Since our foundation in 1999, we have been at the forefront of developing leadership and management capacity within local authorities and children’s services. It’s a journey that has seen us evolve from a small team with a big vision to a leading voice in the sector, championing the cause of effective leadership across the UK. Reflecting on this journey, Jane Parfrement, Chief Executive of The Staff College, shared, “Celebrating 25 years is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that have been the hallmark of The Staff College since its inception. We have been committed to empowering leaders who make a real difference in the…

It’s a moment of pride and celebration at The Staff College as Meera Spillett, a trailblazer in social work and children’s services, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (Gold) at the Social Worker of the Year Awards. With an illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Meera has not only been at the forefront of initiatives that have shaped the landscape of social work but has also held various significant roles, including that of Director of Children’s Services. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in addressing the underrepresentation of black leaders in the social care sector. Meera’s written works, such as ‘Leading in Colour’, ‘Black Leaders Missing in Action’, and ‘Cultural Competence,’ have sparked essential conversations on race…

YouTube, October 2021 HBO’s three-part documentary, OBAMA: IN PURSUIT OF A MORE PERFECT UNION chronicles the personal and political journey of President Barack Obama, as the country grapples with its racial history. View the complete season on YouTube

Beleaf in Fatherhood, October 2021 The history behind the Black community’s relationship with swimming and water is a painful one. We were transported against our will across seas, drowned, and kept out of water throughout our years in America. Why can’t Black people swim? It’s not a question of whether we can, it’s a question of whether or not we will.

After just over three years at the helm of The Staff College, it’s with great sadness that we share the news that our Principal, Jo Davidson, plans to step down from her role in the summer. Jo has overseen an incredible transformation in her time at The Staff College, which has seen the team, associates, and most importantly, the impact the college has had on public services, grow & develop. While Jo is stepping down, in her own words, she’s actively avoiding using the ‘R’ (retirement!) word, and looks forward to continuing her work at The Staff College as an associate. Of course, this means that we’re set to welcome a new leader of The Staff College, and we’re incredibly…

The idea that underpins the Cues for change is that as policy-makers and those in leadership roles, within the public sector and local government in particular, you must be able and willing to explore the forces that drive change, to anticipate change and to develop an understanding of the possible impact that these changes may have. If leaders are more aware of the bigger picture, the prize is being better able to plan for uncertainty and become more adaptable in meeting change as it happens. The pace of change facing local government is unrelenting. Budget constraints, increasing demand, assessing more complex needs, technological advances, party politics and constitutional reform all create a turbulence and challenge for the public sector. The…

We are so sad about the death of Patrick Scott. Patrick had a huge influence over the offers we have now, particularly the Black and Asian Leadership Initiative and Aspiring and New Directors programmes.  As we and our partners remember and celebrate Patrick’s legacy, warmth and integrity, Anton Florek has written this tribute.   As a recently retired Director of Children’s Services, Patrick was invited by Steve Munby, the then Chief Executive of the National College of School Leadership to join our advisory team for the Directors of Children’s Services Leadership Provision, which was commissioned in November 2008 by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Patrick brought a wealth of experience to the advisory team having served as a…

The idea that underpins the Cues for change is that as policy-makers and those in leadership roles, within the public sector and local government in particular, you must be able and willing to explore the forces that drive change, to anticipate change and to develop an understanding of the possible impact that these changes may have. If leaders are more aware of the bigger picture, the prize is being better able to plan for uncertainty and become more adaptable in meeting change as it happens. The pace of change facing local government is unrelenting. Budget constraints, increasing demand, assessing more complex needs, technological advances, party politics and constitutional reform all create a turbulence and challenge for the public sector. The…