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Younger staff shine on the national stage!

Readers will know Human Resources sponsors and manages Generation BEST, the Council’s engagement network for younger employees. This year Birmingham City Council was offered a complimentary place in the well respected ‘Young Public Sector Programme’. Stephen Ssejjemba, Senior Planning Officer, volunteered to take part and speedily prepared a 900 word paper to present to other young people from across the UK.

The Young UK and Ireland Programme exists to develop the communication skills of people in the early stages of their working lives or who are performing voluntary work in the community.

Stephen was keen to take part and focussed his paper on ‘a social adventure’ which discussed building a great new Britain, and energising people to making a long and lasting contribution to society. Stephen said, "One way to achieve this is to train our minds to reflect, capture and amplify or utilise positive information and experiences – enriching mental energy with positivity can be truly life-changing."

Before setting off for this event, Stephen put himself under pressure by circulating an email to all colleagues in Planning and Regeneration and reassuring them that he will make the most of this opportunity as well as making everyone proud.

He says: ‘‘I am now delighted to inform everyone that I have managed to fulfil my promise of making you proud. After an intense, rigorous but hugely rewarding conference, my team was declared the overall winner of 2010 Young Public Sector Programme!

It was extremely gratifying as the challenges compelled us to think outside the box. For example within my team, which included delegates from other public sector bodies, we were challenged to debate the concept of equality. This revealed insights that we generally pay no attention to and which could have significant policy implications. ’’

Cllr Alan Rudge – sponsor of Generation BEST and Cabinet Member for Human Resources and Equalities – said, “I am delighted that Stephen had a good experience and I hope he brings back his energy and enthusiasm to share with others in the Council and within Generation BEST. My Human Resources service is a key supporter of our younger staff and the unique and valuable contribution they make to the City of Birmingham.