An innovative pan-Wales scheme, launched today, provides secondments to trainees in other parts of the public sector to give them deeper insight and expose them to different cultures.
Participating bodies include NHS Wales, the Wales Audit Office, local government, the police, fire and rescue services, the Welsh Government and other Wales-based public organisations such as the DVLA, the Office for National Statistics and the Royal Mint.
It is being delivered by a finance skills development group, with regional networks being set up for training. A junior leadership programme may follow.
Huw Vaughan Thomas, auditor general for Wales, said: “The scheme demonstrates a commitment to encouraging and developing the very best people to start careers in public sector finance.
“By working collaboratively across the public sector, we can develop the necessary financial skills and expertise needed to cope with the challenges ahead – and Wales is a small enough country for us to be able to do this, and do this well.”
Alan Brace, finance director for health and social care at the Welsh Government, said the scheme was “a great example of collaboration in action as it’s being delivered by a Finance Skills Development Group, comprising committed individuals from across the entire public sector in Wales”.
Umar Hussain, South Wales Police chief financial officer, commented: “I know how rewarding a career in public finance can be and I also know the challenges that finance directors in Wales face. That’s why I’m delighted to be a part of the Finance Skills Development Group, to help inspire and develop my successors.”
