After a period of significant staff turnover and instability, Mitchell Shire Council’s new leadership team has a clear focus on learning and development as a platform to enhanced organisational performance.
The People and Performance Team at Mitchell Shire Council have initiated a suite of training and professional development opportunities to stabilise the workforce, build capacity and create a healthy work/life balance.
Their monthly Let’s Talk Leadership sessions have created an engaging and informal environment for leaders to come together and build their confidence and capability through a series of guest speakers, workshops and discussion points. They are also a great opportunity for networking with colleagues from across Council, and for sharing experiences through storytelling, a key knowledge management principle.
Creating awareness of health and wellbeing is another initiative that has been implemented with the aim of ‘looking after our staff’ as a staff retention strategy. This has included work health checks, flu vaccinations, lunchtime yoga sessions and an Employee Assistance Program.
Finally, there has been an increased focus on continuous learning and development.
Mitchell Shire Council has fostered this Learning and Development culture by appointing a Learning and Development Officer.
As a result, a number of learning opportunities have been identified, allowing Mitchell Shire the exciting opportunity to implement an innovative, leading edge Learning and Development program.
Multiple initiatives have been launched in 2013. These include a revitalised corporate induction program including a guided tour of the municipality, contemporary leadership development programs, conflict resolution and negotiation workshops, TRIM and other current technical training, iPad training and time management workshops.
Many more exciting elements of the program are coming soon to Mitchell Shire – exciting things are ahead in the Learning and Development space.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Melbourne said Council had reaffirmed their commitment to being a great place to work through a renewed emphasis on learning and development.
“We are a progressive and forward thinking Council, and want to be a role model to other local employers, and within the wider sector.
“Through supporting life-long learning and professional development we will rise above our challenges, enabling us to work with the community to build a sustainable future.”
