Skills
Strategic Workforce Planning Expert in designing and delivering long-term workforce strategies across large, complex organisations. Led strategic planning for over 5,500 staff at South Yorkshire Police, aligning workforce growth with operational and budgetary needs. Skilled in workforce analytics, scenario modelling, and business intelligence reporting. Talent Acquisition & Development Delivered high-volume, niche, and executive-level recruitment campaigns across public sector, utilities, and media. Developed talent pipelines and career pathways to address skills shortages and succession planning. Led early careers programmes at the BBC and Severn Trent, including apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and outreach initiatives. Learning & Leadership Development Integrated leadership learning into workforce strategies to ensure readiness and capability. Designed and delivered training, induction, and promotion programmes aligned with operational needs. Champion of inclusive learning, supporting diverse leadership pipelines and positive action initiatives. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building Built strong relationships with schools, colleges, employers, and regional agencies (e.g. DWP, Combined Authorities). Represented organisations at national forums, influencing policy and promoting best practice. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Led positive action strategies to improve workforce representation and inclusion. Delivered targeted outreach and interventions for underrepresented groups. Reported to governance boards, Police and Crime Commissioners, and independent panels. Technology & Transformation Led implementation of Oracle Cloud HCM, ORC, and EPM systems to modernise workforce planning and recruitment. Developed digital attraction strategies and virtual selection tools. Experienced in managing change programmes and service transformation. Employer Branding & Communications Created award-winning employer brands and attraction campaigns (e.g. Tap into your Potential at Severn Trent). Skilled in copywriting, social media strategy, and candidate engagement. Delivered internal and external communications aligned with organisational values.
About
Mark Smith FCIPD is a strategic workforce leader with deep expertise in designing and delivering learning and leadership development programmes across complex public sector and corporate environments. His skills include: Strategic Learning Design: Developed end-to-end learning strategies aligned with organisational goals, including cradle-to-career pathways and leadership development frameworks. Leadership Development: Integrated talent and leadership learning into workforce planning, ensuring critical roles are filled with skilled, qualified individuals. Led promotion and career pathway strategies for police officers and senior leaders. Workforce Capability Building: Delivered training and induction programmes for apprentices, graduates, and internal talent, ensuring operational readiness and skills alignment. Inclusive Learning Initiatives: Championed positive action and EDI-focused learning interventions to support diverse leadership pipelines and improve workforce representation. Technology-Enabled Learning: Led the implementation of Oracle Cloud HCM and EPM systems to support digital learning, performance management, and workforce analytics. Stakeholder Engagement in Learning: Partnered with internal departments and external agencies to co-create learning solutions that address skills gaps and future workforce needs. Recognition and Impact: Achieved national awards for apprenticeship programme excellence and improved social mobility ratings through targeted learning and outreach strategies.