HR must play central role in sector’s modernisation

The new president of local government HR body Socpo has called on the
sector’s HR professionals to bully chief executives to allow their departments
to modernise authorities.

In her presidential address at the conference, Mary Mallett told delegates
they must stand up for the profession so they are central to the sector’s
reform agenda.

The strategic director of organisation and development at Kent County
Council said HR has a "once in a generation opportunity" to instigate
change.

"We must stop being HR advisers and drive organisations to better
service endeavour," said Mallett. "We cannot fudge this, we must
demand more from our managers – it is their job to manage people."

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Mallett also feels that HR is under-resourced compared to other departments
in local councils and should push for a greater slice of the pie.

"We must demand realistic budgets for the HR service so that we can
deliver."