17/10/03 - Attracting the best - growing our own

At 10.00 on Monday 20 October at Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar, Carlisle, Cumbria Strategic Partnership (CSP) meets to discuss how the public sector can do more to improve the health, wealth and skills of Cumbria’s workforce.  Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the North West Development Agency (NWDA) is key speaker at the event.  He will present the findings of a report into the development of the public sector workforce and talk about the Agency’s commitment to this issue in the County.   

The public sector workforce (councils, the police, NHS etc.) currently makes up 23.3% of the working population in Cumbria.  That equates to around 45,000 people.  As such a major employer it has the potential to make a massive impact on local employment, the health of Cumbria’s communities and the skills of its workforce.   

Collaboration between public sector organisations and use of best practice around joint workforce planning, training and management could make a huge impact on the County.   

Bill Lowther, Chair of the CSP explains the importance of the issue and the structure of the meeting on the day.  He says;   

“I am delighted that the members of the Partnership are able to discuss this important issue and agree on joint future action. 

Having a job is absolutely central to people’s health and well-being. As a major local employer, I am convinced the public sector can do more to ‘grow our own’ in Cumbria.  Helping people from some of our most deprived communities access jobs is critical. This might mean looking at the way we recruit and what training is provided to help local people realise their full potential. This could include joint initiatives to help people move between organisations in Cumbria, growing their skills and keeping them for the benefit of our County. 

The CSP members will hear Steven Broomhead’s presentation before breaking into four workshop groups to discuss best practice in workforce development, hearing from Cumbria County Council, the NHS, Cumbria Police and the Learning and Skills Council.  After the workshops, Kath Reade, Chair of Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority will sum up the recommendations.”