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Bridging the Inequality Gap: Exploring the Impact of Devolution on Local Governance with Alison Dunn
In this episode, Jivan is joined by Alison Dunn, a prominent social activist and leader of the Society Matters Group which incorporates Citizens Advice Gateshead, to explore the North/South inequality that exists in the UK and the potential impact of devolution.
Alison’s journey with Citizens Advice Gateshead began in 2007 when she joined as Service Delivery Manager. By 2012, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer, spearheading the charity’s growth from a £1.4m turnover to over £4m. Under her leadership, the organisation has become a national and local leader in delivering free, impartial advice, information, and advocacy services, recognised for innovative approaches to tackling complex community needs.
Alison shares insights from her extensive work in the North East of England, highlighting the challenges faced by the region, such as infrastructure deficits and government policy shortcomings. She discusses the evolving demand for Citizens Advice services and how her team has implemented innovative solutions, including a four-day work week, to adapt to community needs and prioritise staff engagement. Alison also reflects on the importance of collaboration within the voluntary sector and the role of leadership in fostering an adaptive organisational culture, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Community Champion recognised during HRH Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations, Alison continues to drive a value-driven approach to fighting poverty and inequality while championing organisational change and development in the voluntary sector.
Key Takeaways:
Advocate for Equity in Your Community: Recognise and address the inequalities within your own community or workplace. Whether it’s advocating for better opportunities, improved infrastructure, or fairer policies, taking a stand against injustice can lead to meaningful change.
Explore Flexible Work Innovations: Consider bold initiatives like a four-day workweek to improve employee well-being, retain talent, and boost productivity. Success requires clear goals, phased implementation, and collaboration with employees to ensure alignment with organisational needs.
Make Services Accessible: Meeting the needs of diverse communities often means making services or support more accessible. Whether it's expanding operating hours, offering flexible solutions, or delivering services directly in the community, adaptability can significantly increase impact.
Lead with Values and Collaboration: Embrace leadership styles that prioritise transparency, curiosity, and accountability. Cultivate a workplace culture where people feel valued and inspired to contribute, and partner with others to amplify impact—it’s impossible to tackle big challenges alone.
Balance Technology and Humanity: As you explore the efficiencies that technology can offer, such as artificial intelligence, ensure that humanity and connection remain central to your services or business. People-first practices make a lasting difference in both customer and employee satisfaction.
Be Ready to Evolve: Growth requires adaptability. Whether you're leading an organisation or navigating personal challenges, being open to change, taking calculated risks, and learning from missteps can set the stage for progress and resilience.
About Jivan Dempsey:
Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement, she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved.
Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger.
As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all.
Connect with Jivan on LinkedIn:
Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn
Or send her an email at:
www.fiverivers-consulting.com
HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv
Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out:
https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR
View all episodes
By Jivan DempseyIn this episode, Jivan is joined by Alison Dunn, a prominent social activist and leader of the Society Matters Group which incorporates Citizens Advice Gateshead, to explore the North/South inequality that exists in the UK and the potential impact of devolution.
Alison’s journey with Citizens Advice Gateshead began in 2007 when she joined as Service Delivery Manager. By 2012, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer, spearheading the charity’s growth from a £1.4m turnover to over £4m. Under her leadership, the organisation has become a national and local leader in delivering free, impartial advice, information, and advocacy services, recognised for innovative approaches to tackling complex community needs.
Alison shares insights from her extensive work in the North East of England, highlighting the challenges faced by the region, such as infrastructure deficits and government policy shortcomings. She discusses the evolving demand for Citizens Advice services and how her team has implemented innovative solutions, including a four-day work week, to adapt to community needs and prioritise staff engagement. Alison also reflects on the importance of collaboration within the voluntary sector and the role of leadership in fostering an adaptive organisational culture, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Community Champion recognised during HRH Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations, Alison continues to drive a value-driven approach to fighting poverty and inequality while championing organisational change and development in the voluntary sector.
Key Takeaways:
Advocate for Equity in Your Community: Recognise and address the inequalities within your own community or workplace. Whether it’s advocating for better opportunities, improved infrastructure, or fairer policies, taking a stand against injustice can lead to meaningful change.
Explore Flexible Work Innovations: Consider bold initiatives like a four-day workweek to improve employee well-being, retain talent, and boost productivity. Success requires clear goals, phased implementation, and collaboration with employees to ensure alignment with organisational needs.
Make Services Accessible: Meeting the needs of diverse communities often means making services or support more accessible. Whether it's expanding operating hours, offering flexible solutions, or delivering services directly in the community, adaptability can significantly increase impact.
Lead with Values and Collaboration: Embrace leadership styles that prioritise transparency, curiosity, and accountability. Cultivate a workplace culture where people feel valued and inspired to contribute, and partner with others to amplify impact—it’s impossible to tackle big challenges alone.
Balance Technology and Humanity: As you explore the efficiencies that technology can offer, such as artificial intelligence, ensure that humanity and connection remain central to your services or business. People-first practices make a lasting difference in both customer and employee satisfaction.
Be Ready to Evolve: Growth requires adaptability. Whether you're leading an organisation or navigating personal challenges, being open to change, taking calculated risks, and learning from missteps can set the stage for progress and resilience.
About Jivan Dempsey:
Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement, she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved.
Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger.
As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all.
Connect with Jivan on LinkedIn:
Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn
Or send her an email at:
www.fiverivers-consulting.com
HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv
Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out:
https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR