Making a difference with Trevor Holden

As a managing director of two district councils in Norfolk, Trevor sees the role of localised delivery to be essential for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of local communities.Leading in the public sector is a privilege, vital and supporting how services are designed and improved it’s important. It is vital to be honest about money, resources and availability of support and wrap help around localities.With the Government embarking on a devolution agenda, there are huge opportunities for change.“Organisations are the way resources are brigaded to deliver something” - clear and simple message from Trevor.“Everyone is responsibility to lead” and design how services are delivered to improve outcomes. Good example in the Norfolk area is social prescribers from local councils working directly in GP practices to support people to make good choices about their health.Trevor is huge supporter of developing joined up public sectors in neighbourhood teams - allowing a joint/single view of the citizen and family; working without hierarchy - leadership is helping people unblock the problems they come against and allow success to flourish and provide cover when things fail (which they will).Trevor describes his 26 years in the military and the trainning that provided. Everything is subordinate to the overall mission. His observation is that often inter public sector working fails because leaders don't find commonality and share the same mission. Ego needs to be left at the door; focus on creating success and understanding the human dimensions of change. Final thoughts - look for opportunities; exploit them to reap benefits and overall - look to make a difference in the people we serve. Matthew Winn, podcast host and an experienced leader in healthcare in the UK.