Blog by PCF Chair, David Ereira OBE
Our conference certainly looked a little different this year. Handshakes were substituted for waves and we had to supply our own refreshments. But despite this being the first PCF conference ever held online, it certainly felt like one of the most vibrant.
For one, getting almost forty chairs into a room on the same day – virtual or otherwise – is no mean feat. Indeed, the increased ease with which you can arrange a board meeting with colleagues around the country was something raised by members during the session. It has been evident in all PCF seminars since the pandemic, that members are finding great value in speaking about what is working well. But there is also great benefit to discussing what can and must be improved – something which came to the fore in this conference, entitled Governing Public Bodies of the Future.
Sarah Healey CB, who oversees the largest number of public bodies of any department, praised the pace of delivery achieved by public bodies throughout the recent crisis. These sentiments were echoed by Loyd Grossman CBE, who delivered our closing speech and reflected on the potential for Arm’s-Length Bodies to improve the diversity of their boards.
As is so often the case, the discussion between members was a highlight of the conference, prompted by an excellent panel which included Roger Taylor, Chair of Ofqual and CDEI; Professor Simon Gaskell, Chair of QAA; and Alison Thorne, Chair of Chwarae Teg. From data, to public appointments, to cultural transformation, the debate came thick and fast. Whilst the discussion was under Chatham House Rule, I am able to share a few talking points:
Data: We reflected on the cultural barrier to using data in the public sector and the need to address the public’s concern by demonstrating maximum transparency and risk management processes.
Public Appointments: It appears that there has been a positive increase in the number of diverse applicants since Covid. However, members agreed that there is still more to do and we listened with great interest to the experience of our colleagues in Northern Ireland who run a ‘Board Apprentice’ scheme.
Cultural transformation: We remarked on the challenges of leading major change, noting that it is crucial to have concrete targets (aligned to your organisation’s values), even if the strategy itself may flex through time.
We also had stimulating breakout sessions with Jonathan Morgan from Saxton Bampfylde, who kindly sponsored the conference, and Gavin Freeguard, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.
Last year, if you had suggested that PCF members would be participating in an online breakout session in 2020, I would have been astounded. And therein lies the silver lining. As you have no doubt experienced in your own organisations, we have adapted and risen to the challenge. There is never a true substitute for face-to-face contact, however I know that when we are able to meet again, we will relish it all the more.