Generation BEST takes off!
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Generation BEST members
Since its launch in December, Generation BEST is taking off! A dynamic new group created for younger people in the council, Generation BEST is open to council employees who are young in years, career terms or who simply feel young at heart. Word is spreading, and with over 140 members benefiting already, new members are joining every week
The idea of the network is to support younger staff in reaching their full potential, encourage talents and ideas and offer new experiences to help make Birmingham City Council a positive place to work for staff of all ages.
Generation BEST gives younger staff a voice within the council and provides regular opportunities to meet up with colleagues from other teams and directorates through social events, volunteering activities, and networking. Membership also offers opportunities for career planning, training, and development of personal and professional skills.
Last month alone, Generation BEST members had the opportunity to go on a ‘Seeing is Believing’ tour of St Basils homeless shelter, represent the UK at a highly prestigious Anglo-German conference, mentor young people in planning community projects, join a city-wide network of other young professionals as members of Birmingham Future, and sign up for tailor-made professional training courses.
In February, three Generation BEST teams took part in the Young Local Authority of the Year Award, to pit their public speaking prowess against teams from other councils. Paul Lowney and Catherine Poyner from Excellence in People Management took home the Young Metropolitan Borough Council of the Year Award for Birmingham and all six competitors have since celebrated their success over lunch with the Chief Executive and been invited to a BEST Recognition event along with other Generation BEST supporters.
Just about to launch is the Shadow CMT, an innovative opportunity exclusive to members of Generation BEST, which will allow employees to step into the footsteps of Council Leaders and have their say in real decisions affecting the city. Generation BEST members will form a shadow Corporate Management Team and, using the same agenda and papers, debate and resolve live issues which will feed into the real CMT’s thinking, giving network members a strategic overview of the council and the city and a chance to shape its future.
Future activities planned include a fundraising picnic in the park, summer socials, camping out for the St Basils Big Sleep Out, and Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.
Don’t miss out on your chance to take part! If you are young in age, beginning a new career, or feeling youthful, get in touch. For an online membership form go to the council’s staff intranet, Inline, and visit the Generation BEST page within the BEST pages. Alternatively email generationbest or call 675 1548.
