Up to 20 local authorities across the north-east of England have teamed up to launch a skills service for 1,500 middle managers and 1,500 customer service staff.
The councils are working with talent management firm JGP to conduct a skills audit using its skills portal. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that staff can implement change across the region, in response to the improvement agenda and local government reorganisation.
Results can be analysed and ensure that skills gaps or training or development can be targeted and resources deployed more effectively. And JGP believes local authorities also benefit from implementing the same skills and competency frameworks across the area.
Northumberland County Council is one of the partners. Mark Henderson, chief executive, said: “Middle managers are tomorrow’s leaders and are critical to organisational success. They will make or break initiatives, so investment in them is vital for the future of public services in the north east which is why this work is essential”.
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Aditional partners include: Teesdale District Council, Alnwick District Council, Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Blyth Valley Borough Council, Wansbeck District Council, Sedgefield Borough Council, Darlington Borough Council, Hartlepool Borough Council, South Tyneside Council, North Tyneside Council, Middlesbrough Council, Sunderland City Council, Durham County Council, Newcastle City Council, Durham City Council, Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council, Derwentside District Council, Berwick-Upon-Tweed Borough Council, and Durham And Darlington Fire And Rescue Service.