Kersten discusses the challenges of leading large and complex organisations through change and illustrate how, with the right approach, it is possible to take charge of a situation & successfully steer your organisation towards its desired goals.

1. Taking Charge of Change
– Surfing the waves of
change
Kersten England
Chief Executive, City of York
Council

2. A bit about me
• Chief Executive of City of York Council
• Background in
• equalities, organisational development
• communities
• central/ local Government
•Belief in agency of individuals and
communities
•Necessity of respect and collaboration

3. Our Context –
Paradigm Shift
From
‘paternalistic’
and
‘benevolent’ To catalyst
and
facilitator

4. Two Overriding Priorities
•City of Enterprise
•Resilient, capable communities
….And for the Organisation
•Innovative
•Entrepreneurial
•Resident focussed

5. Organisational Development Agenda
•Structural change
•Investment in
leadership
•Mature,
professional
relationships

6. Organisational Development Agenda
•Investment in
communication
•Recognising and celebrating
contributions and excellence
•Crowd-sourcing ideas

7. First Fruits
•Co-producing the future –
developing a co-operative
library service
•Each one teach one on the
service to city programme
•Utilising untapped skills

8. First Fruits
•GeniUS ideas
•Closing the digital
divide
•Corporate Social
Responsibility
•# TeamYork

9. Things I have learnt / am learning
•Find ‘True North’
•Develop strong narrative
•Conscious constant articulation
•Unlock potential
•Co-create / produce

10. Things I have learnt / am learning
•Honour the past
•Dissent
•Hurt
•Create safe uncertainty
•Work in the circle of influence
•Rest, recuperate
•Celebrate

11. 800 Years of the City of
York