Paul Medd
Executive Director
Fenland District Council
What made you choose the public sector?
In pursuing my career I made a conscious decision to work in the public sector for 2 main reasons. Firstly, the variety of the work ensures that no two days are exactly the same and this provides for many different experiences. There is no way you can become bored in such a dynamic environment that is the public sector. Secondly, and increasingly I realise that as an individual within a 'One-Team' environment that is commtted to delivering defined priorities you really can make a difference to the lives of people within the communities you serve. This helps to provide a constant buzz and real meaning to your work within the public sector.
How did you get to your current role?
Scarborough BC - Lifeguard 1994 to 1995
Yorkshire & Humberside Training Services - Management Traineee 1995 - 1997
Scarborough BC - HR Development Manager 1997 to 1999
The Wilf Ward Trust (Delivering Services for Disabled Adults) - Director of Human Resources 1999 to 2002
South Tyneside MBC - Personnel & Development Manager 2002 to 2004
Ipswich BC - Head of HR & OD 2004 to 2006
Fenland DC - Executive Director 2006 to Present
What does your job involve?
Economic Development, Community Development, Policy, Communications, Partnerships (LSP/LAA), Planning Policy, Strategic Housing, Business & Infrastructure, Strategic overview of FDC as part of the Corporate Management Team and the 'One-Team' ethos that is at the heart of Fenland DC.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The unique 'One-team' culture that Fenland DC has created which values all employees equally and provides the opportunity to work closely with talented people and gain new experience by being involved in a range of exciting customer focussed projects i.e Housing Stock Transfer, Shaping Fenland's Future i.e the Social, physical and economic development of Fenland.
What has been your greatest achievement within your career?
Being part of the Fenland team that ensured the Council became the first District in the country to jump two CPA categories from 'Fair' to 'Excellent' and that has been recognised through being shortlisted for 5 different award categories at the prestigious national LGC Awards. This included 'Council of the Year' and 'Most Improved Council i.e 89% of PI's improving with 44% in the upper quartile for 2006/07'.
What are your aspirations for the future?
To help Fenlands' elected members deliver their their vision for improved quality of life for local people through the key corporate plan objective of Shaping Fenlands' Future. Longer term to be considered as sufficently credible to become a Chief Executive within local government (lifeguard turned chief exec now there's a public sector career fairytale if it happens!!).
What advice would you give to those interested in a management or executive career within the public sector?
Care for those that work for you and they will return that care. More importantly they will help you to deliver the key ambitions of both elected members and yourself. I have witnessed this first hand at Fenland and through a people centred 'One-Team' approach the goodwill and overall organisational capacity is beyond what could reasonably be expected within a district council. Whilst Unitaries and Counties are very different animals I believe such principles, with the right leadership, are transferable.
www.fenland.gov.uk