Elsewhere in the public sector Gateshead council…

…created the country's first Public Service Academy (PSA) in 2003 to help with the recruitment, retention and development of good staff members. More partners have joined over time, and now also include Gateshead College, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, the NHS South of Tyne and Wear PCT, and Northumbria University.

The PSA offers a wide variety of courses to staff at all levels. There are 27 different learning events on offer, including project management, confidence building, presentation skills and interview techniques. The PSA has also delivered a series of master classes with leading academics and high - profile speakers.

In the longer term, the PSA hopes to expand the joint learning and development opportunities offered to help build a talent pool of public sector workers who can move easily between organisations.

To find out more go to: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8055142