Events
Achieving Impact in Public Service. With Special Guest, Sylda Langford
Date: 30/03/2022
8.15am, Wednesday 30th March 2022. (Informal Networking from 8am)
Achieving Impact in Public Service
Sylda Langford spoke about her background and training in social policy and social work which led her to the civil service. She referred to her previous work with the national children service council and social services around Ireland. Sylda highlighted the importance child protection services drawing on her experience in the office of the ombudsman, the department of social welfare and the department of justice equality and law reform as well as the department of health. As a policymaker and legislator working in parallel with the political system, Sylda emphasised better relationships and cooperation across government departments. She referred to the challenges of public sector leaders having to be professionals, generalists and researchers with regards to parliamentary questions. Sylda spoke about her work on the front line, delivering services effectively. She told members that trust was needed for effectiveness in the civil service. Work should be delegated and cooperation should be forthcoming Departments should be constructive with DPER.
Sylda referred to the role of leaders in the public sector and 5 key features of good leaders : motivation, vision, resources and an action plan. Members were actively engaged with Sylda and asked about her views and thoughts on current challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the role of the public sector.
About Sylda Langford: Sylda Langford has had a remarkable public service career, which culminated in her appointment as the first Director General of the Office for Children and Youth Affairs. Sylda’s working life was devoted to developing evidence-based policies and services to improve the lives of children and to address social exclusion.
She pioneered the structures and systems underpinning childcare policy, juvenile justice, adoption, child protection and equal status that exist today. Her ground-breaking work has had a major impact on the welfare of children and young people in Ireland. Sylda was an Assistant Secretary General in the Department of Justice and Law Reform for nine years. Sylda’s career was honoured recently with the publication of essays in her honour published by the Institute of Public Administration. Read more here: IPA Essays in honour of Sylda Langford.