Rob McHugh
Corporate Support and Policy Officer
Leeds City Council
What is your current role and what are the main responsibilities?
I am a Corporate Support & Policy Officer in the Chief Executive’s office. I support the Chief Executive by drafting briefings, speaking notes, correspondence, communications, coordinating visits to the city and the Council, and keeping them up to date on the regional and national policy landscape. I also support with key activities and projects, such as the annual State of the City event and the Leeds Anchors Progression Framework.
How is this different from your previous role?
I’ve moved service areas within the Strategy & Resources directorate, from Democratic Services to Strategy & Performance. Previously I worked directly with the Councillors, supporting them to carry out their civic role. Now I work within the corporate side of the Council, with the focus on making sure the Council meets its strategic aims, as outlined in our Best City Ambition.
What types of projects are you involved in?
I get involved in projects during the concept phase. For example, the Chief Executive may have an idea they want to develop following a meeting. They will set me a task to develop a rough prototype that stimulates debate with Subject Matter Experts who develop the idea further. I also get involved for the whole life cycle of some projects, such as planning and delivering the State of the City event.
Tell me about a project you are involved with & how you are applying you PM skills
I am part of a small team organising the annual State of the City event in December, we are currently in the design phase of project. The event is for Councillors and wider city partners and stakeholders, such as the voluntary and community sector, and private sector. The event has to have clear outputs and be approved by senior leadership. It involves several PM learning areas: governance; stakeholder and communications management; business case and benefits; context; collaboration and teamwork; communication; and integrity, ethics, compliance and professionalism.
Apart from the tools and techniques learned, how else did the apprentice help you?
The apprenticeship gave me an understanding of the language of PM; an opportunity to learn from others with more direct PM experience; confidence in my ability; and an acknowledgement that my work experiences did involve aspects of PM.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Absolutely. PL Projects were very supportive, and available to speak through any concerns. The team helped me frame things through PM perspective.
