‘These are some of societies biggest challenges, that require really good people to solve them.’

Public body leaders are no strangers to change. From taking on new responsibilities post-Brexit, to responding at pace to the pandemic, chairs and chief executives remain acutely aware of their responsibilities to deliver efficient, effective, and trusted public services.

Still, compounding fiscal pressures of recent years place additional demands on public bodies. Public leaders today are seeking to achieve efficiencies, whilst grappling with transformation in a fiercely competitive recruitment market, building trust and confidence in their services, whilst supporting a growing number affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

This year’s ACE and PCF annual conference explored ‘change and the public body leader’. ACE and PCF members, chief executives and chairs of public bodies, discussed the significant response required from public leaders to inspire staff through the current challenging economic conditions and emerge transformed, delivering even more effective, efficient and trusted public services.

With thanks to our speakers:

• The Rt Hon Jeremy Quin MP, Paymaster General and Minister for Cabinet Office
• The Rt Hon the Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston, first civil service commissioner and chair of Wilton Park
• Oliver Griffiths, chief executive of Trade Remedies Authority
• Sir Jon Thompson, chief executive of Financial Reporting Council and deputy chair, HS2
• Lord Jonathan Evans KCB DL, chair of Committee on Standards in Public Life

And our hosts:

• Helen Pitcher OBE, PCF chair
• Martin Jones CBE, ACE chair

Embracing reform

Public bodies play an important role in British civic life, delivering vital public services, from nuclear safety regulation to providing driving licenses and school inspections. For many citizens, the use of these services underpins their views and expectations of the public sector as a whole.

In the current context of public leaders recognise their responsibility to ensure that public money is spent wisely to deliver on the Prime Minister’s long-term vision for UK prosperity.

Launched in June 2021, the Cabinet Office ‘Public Bodies Programme’ seeks to ensure that all public bodies are running efficiently and effective services, securing the best talent possible across the country, and practicing good governance.

Delegates were encouraged to embrace reform as an opportunity to streamline and achieve efficiencies to improve the future of public service delivery.  

Driving innovation

Public bodies have been tasked with securing savings of at least 5% from Department Expenditure Limit (DEL) budgets. Against this backdrop, driving innovation is considered both a challenge, yet vital to sustaining responsive public services.

High performing leaders can inspire creativity and flare amongst their workforce by investing in their development and empowering them to consider new, efficient ways to deliver services.

Members discussed the importance of leaders visibly owning the change agenda yet being willing to co-create change and the significance of listening to staff. Stakeholder participation was considered vital to deliver successful large-scale transformative change.

Attracting talent

A diverse range of talent is required to ensure excellence in public service delivery. Given the cost-of-living crisis, attracting and retaining talent is pressing concern for many leaders.

Public bodies have a unique employment proposition, described by some as a ‘fantastic route’ into public service. Leaders were encouraged to be pro-active in their search for talent across the whole of the UK, spreading a positive message about the opportunities for a rewarding career in public service and highlighting the opportunities available to contribute to solving some of society’s most complex challenges.  

Creating a welcome and inclusive culture remains essential to retaining talent, especially when drawing from beyond public service. The unwritten expectation to abide by public sector cultural norms is recognised a barrier faced by those transitioning from the private sector.  

Nurturing culture

Leaders play an integral role in establishing trust and confidence of their staff. Members discussed the importance of leading with consistency, ensuring that the entire executive espouse a single mission and values.

Leaders also considered it their responsibility to build trust with the public, being open and transparent about their organisation’s purpose and use of public funds. Rather than shying away from negative public opinion, they discussed contributing to the forum for public debate and seeking a diverse range of views to inform improvement and the case for public service change.

Ethical foundations

Members discussed the Committee on Standards in Public Life latest report ‘Leading in Practice,’ an exploration into how public leaders embed ethical standards across public sector organisations. ACE and PCF members contributed to the recent inquiry, sharing how public body leaders ensure they embody the Nolan Principles.

Key themes emerging included the co-creation of values, leading by example and promoting a ‘speak up’ culture. Members considered the importance of intentionality in nurturing ethical behaviours and routine action to promote a culture of trust and transparency.

The future for public leadership

‘The changing nature of public leadership’ is the focus of a new research project led by ACE, PCF and Windsor Leadership.

During breakout sessions, members identified areas ripe for change in public leadership. Conversations centred around what systems, policies and procedures, along with behaviours, attitudes and values leaders wish to see shifting to strengthen service delivery for the public.

What next?

The annual conference opening a year long series of conversations for ACE and PCF members focussed on ‘change and the public body leader.’ With opportunities for executives and non-executives to contribute to research, join peer networks, attend events, and development opportunities.

Take a look to see how you might get involved:

• ACE member programme
• PCF member programme

ACE and PCF will continue to ensure we are reflecting the full diversity of today’s public service talent as speakers and hosts in the upcoming member programme.

If you have recommendations for new and inspiring voices, email ACE and PCF secretariat at secretariat@associationofchiefexecutives.org.uk

ACE and PCF are also committed to amplifying ACE and PCF member voices.

If you have a question to share with The Rt Hon Jeremy Quin MP or an example of public body excellence, post on public bodies forum  or email the ACE and PCF secretariat at secretariat@publicchairsforum.org.uk