Five organisations and individuals working in the public services across Wales have been recognised at the annual 2018 Leading Wales Awards, in association with The Institute of Leadership & Management.

Viv Buckley, Deputy Principal at Bridgend College, Helen Prosser, Strategic Director of The National Centre for Learning Welsh, Cerys Furlong, Chief Executive of Chwarae Teg and the NHS Wales Finance Academy all won their respective categories and were selected from over 100 nominations across industries and sectors Wales-wide.

Professor Martin Kitchener, who until very recently was Dean of Cardiff Business School at Cardiff University was also awarded an honorary 2018 Leading Wales Award, which was supported by Academi Wales.

He was given this in in recognition of his highly successful work during his tenure as Dean of Cardiff Business School in delivering visionary leadership in the creation of the world’s first Public Value Business School.

Barbara Chidgey, Executive Chair of the Leading Wales Awards, said:

“This year we focused on unearthing nominations from across Wales of individuals whose leadership is inspirational and transformational. Individuals whose leadership is contributing to the delivery of the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

“Wales may well be ‘the land of our fathers’, but if we are to ensure that it is also the ‘land of our grandchildren’ then it is essential to transform how we work, learn, look after ourselves, each other, our communities, our economy and our culture.

This is all about leadership with a huge “T” for transformation. On behalf of the Consortium we extend our thanks to all who were nominated and our huge congratulations to all the well-deserved winners.

Jo Hicks, Director of Academi Wales added:

“Leaders and Managers at all levels of public life work tirelessly to transform services that deliver better lives for the people of Wales. This transformation often happens quietly and from within and as a result often goes unnoticed and uncelebrated. Therefore, it is fantastic to see Pubic Service leaders receiving such well-deserved accolade and praise for the work they do every day and for their leadership.”