Today we have the pleasure of being joined by Martin Samuels. Martin has had (in his words) a slightly unconventional career. He currently works within local government and operates as a strategic director for social care and education. Before this he worked for the NHS and in the civil service. All different sectors but one common theme, impacting people’s lives positively. Martin shares a brilliant story about helping an individual find employment, which to this day is one of the highlights of his career.

Martin’s passion to help people has been the driving force which has guided him through several different jobs, proving that you don’t need a strict career plan to succeed and be happy, just a willingness to make a difference. This is a great lesson to all of us. Don’t limit yourself to the possibilities of life, go with the flow and follow your passion.

Baltimore Consulting, the Senior Appointment and niche recruitment experts to the Public & Third Sector: https://www.baltimoreconsultingltd.com/

For episode 4 of this ‘Public Sector Leaders - Unsung Heroes’ special series, we’re joined by Rashida Baig. She is a highly experienced senior leader in all aspects of children and families with over 20 years of experience. Rashida has lead local authorities through significant periods of change, transforming services from inadequate to good. She currently sits on the Family Drug & Alcohol Strategic board, Family Justice board for East London and she is chair of the Youth Crime board in Croydon.

On top of all of that, Rashida has been awarded an MBE from the Queen for services to children & family social work and race equality.

Rashida shares with us the difficult conditions that social workers and vulnerable families are enduring due to COVID19 and how the need for social services are greater than ever. She also talks about how her upbringing in both Pakistan & the UK highlighted social inequalities in the world. She uses life experiences such as this, as a driving force for positive change in the communities that she serves and she works hard for that positive change to happen now! Later is not a word in her vocabulary.

Baltimore Consulting, the Senior Appointment and niche recruitment experts to the Public & Third Sector: https://www.baltimoreconsultingltd.com/

Sarah has worked in education for 18 years as a qualified teacher and senior leader. This has included roles in psychiatric in-patient services, hospital schools and pupil referral units. She specialises in supporting disadvantaged children. Sarah is a teacher, researcher and currently the president of the national organisation PRUsAP.

Despite being made redundant she has continued to succeed by starting her own consultancy company, Phoenix Education Consultancy. This move has allowed her to have more influence over policy and change at a national level.

For her, school was incredibly empowering and supported her emotional well being, however she was aware that this isn’t the case for all children. This has been the driving force in her adult professional life, the desire to help all children feel like they are included and belong in school.

Listen to hear her amazing journey so far as a successful leader and don't miss her secret top tip on dealing with anxiety!

For more info on PRUsAP: https://www.prusap.co.uk/

Baltimore Consulting, the Senior Appointment and niche recruitment experts to the Public & Third Sector: https://www.baltimoreconsultingltd.com/