Union expands commitment to the regions with Manchester conference

More than 100 delegates across 22 departments and agencies attended the 'Unlocking the SCS' Manchester conference on 8 December. The audience - two-thirds women, a quarter fast streamers, and 62% grades 6 and 7 - heard Terry Moran, chief executive of the Pension, Disability and Carers Service talking about the opportunities for operational delivery careers at SCS level. FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume spoke about how the union is helping its members face the current SCS-specific challenges and Andy Ross, deputy director of the Government Economic Service, addressed the socio-economic barriers that exist at SCS level.

Chairing the event was Neil Rider, manager of the FDA's Professional Skills for Government project. He said: "The FDA was pleased to be working with the civil service in the English regions as part of our commitment to delivering for members who are based out of London. We will be carrying this forward next year with a conference in Scotland in addition to one in London.

"The reason for developing the 'Unlocking' conferences is to help identify and address some of the barriers some of our members face when thinking about moving into the SCS. We know that, increasingly, members have caring responsibilities and over 50% of delegates identified work-life balance as a primary issue."

A survey of delegates revealed that the main barriers to moving into the SCS are a lack of development opportunities (30%), a lack of understanding of the process (22%) and a lack of support from senior managers (8%). A fear of putting themselves forward was identified as a barrier by 12% of those attending.

Around 100 delegates attended the Manchester conference on 8 December. Speakers included (left to right): David Weaver, Government Skills' standards and competence policy manager; Neil Rider, manager of the FDA's Professional Skills for Government project; and Jonathan Baume, FDA general secretary.