Join us to hear from two library services that are responding to future workforce challenges in different ways as part of our autumn workforce development series.

Our speakers are: 
Jacqueline Widdowson, Business Development Manager, Oldham Libraries 
Nicola Dengate, Area Librarian East, North Yorkshire Council

This one-hour webinar will explore how library services are building resilient and sustainable workforce models for the future.

Jacqueline Widdowson will share how Oldham Heritage, Libraries and Arts has created a more integrated and flexible workforce following the merger of libraries, heritage and arts services. She will discuss how cross-service working, continuous learning and knowledge-sharing have helped staff develop new skills, adapt to changing community needs and build organisational resilience.

Nicola Dengate will explore North Yorkshire Libraries' collaborative workforce model, where professional staff and volunteers work together across a network of 42 libraries. She will reflect on the benefits, challenges and lessons learned from developing a mixed workforce, and how this approach has helped sustain high-quality library services while strengthening community ownership and engagement.

Together, the speakers will demonstrate how different workforce models can help library services adapt to change, make the most of local strengths and build capacity for the future.

This webinar will be recorded. Please book even if you are unable to attend and would like to receive the recording.

Member Only Event

Most public libraries in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies are members so if you work or volunteer in one of these libraries register on our platform before booking to attend.