Join us to hear from two library services who are taking different approaches to building the future public library workforce as part of our Shared Ambitions workforce development series.

Our speakers are:

• Anna Plucknett, Head of Service, Essex County Council
• Clover Anyon, Collections, Engagement and Access Manager (Libraries), Blackpool Libraries

This one-hour webinar will explore how library services are investing in people, creating opportunities for growth and building the workforce needed for the future.

Anna Plucknett will share how Essex Libraries has attracted talent from outside the library sector, bringing fresh perspectives and transferable skills into library roles. She will reflect on the benefits and challenges of opening recruitment pathways to people from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and the impact this has had on workforce diversity, innovation and service development.

Clover Anyon will discuss how Blackpool Libraries has created opportunities for library assistants to develop new skills, lead projects and contribute to service innovation. Through practical examples, she will demonstrate how relatively small opportunities can build confidence and support career development.

Together, the speakers will reflect on the benefits, challenges and lessons learned from attracting new talent and investing in the potential of existing staff, demonstrating how library services can put the ambitions of Shared Ambitions: Developing the Future Public Library Workforce into practice.

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