As the public sector and its leadership face unprecedented challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic, organisations across the public sector community are re-focussing their offers to support them.
Below, we have curated a selection that is particularly helpful to CEOs. The support and guidance comes from the National Leadership Centre and its partners across the public sector.
Cross-sector events and reports
National Leadership Centre podcasts
These NLC podcasts share inspiring leadership stories of cross-sector challenges. Janice Nicholson shares her story of improving support for young people in care, and Donna Hall shares her experience leading the Wigan Deal, an innovative reform of local government.
The episodes are also available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.
Army leadership research
The Centre for Army Leadership asked a range of people across the public sector to reflect on their leadership experiences during the pandemic. Their report on leading through crisis holds many important insights for every CEO.
Wellbeing
Every part of the public sector is focusing on supporting staff and community wellbeing during the pandemic. Some particularly useful resources for CEOs include:
- The Associate of Chief Executives (a body supporting those leading Arms Length Bodies) published this blog by the CEO of CIPD, Peter Cheese. He reflects on the importance of wellbeing for senior leaders, including actions you can take today.
- The NHS Leadership Academy have published an Executive Suite of support for senior leaders. Health staff can access all the support, and everyone can watch the videos about why it is important to prioritise wellbeing right now.
- The National Fire Chiefs Council summarised new research by Kings College London and the Open University. The report, focusing on the mental health of emergency responders, has lessons for all CEOs.
- The Local Government Association has collated these helpful resources about supporting the wellbeing of staff, applicable beyond Local Government.
- NHS Providers have provided a list of great innovation happening across the NHS to support staff during the pandemic.
Crisis management
The Centre for Army Leadership - as well as publishing the report on leadership across the public sector - have also produced resources on crisis management.
The Associate of Chief Executives published this crisis management checklist by Delivery Associates to help CEOs have good, targeted discussions with their teams.
Adapted offers and support
For local government leaders, the LGA and SOLACE are offering emergency coaching support.
The Civil Service Leadership Academy is continuing its events, development, and network offers, but it has been adapted to deliver material virtually.
COVID-19 resource hubs
For more resources and inspiration, have a browse through these hubs of information and guidance from different parts of the public sector.
- The College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs Council have jointly published this hub.
- The Education Foundation Trust's COVID-19 hub
- Universities UK COVID-19 hub
- The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives updated their guidance on reducing conveyance to hospitals with COVID-19 examples.
- The Association of Colleges COVID-19 hub
- The NHS Leadership Academy Executive Suite
- NHS Providers COVID-19 hub
- National Fire Chiefs Council COVID-19 hub
If you would like more information or if you would like to promote your team's work on this page, please get in contact with the NLC.