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Flintshire officer wins leadership award

Published: 23/06/2016

Flintshire County Council is celebrating after one of its officers won a prestigious leadership award. Rhian Evans, a Team Manager in Mental Health Services, has been recognised for showcasing extraordinary leadership by winning the “Leadership in the Public Sector” award, sponsored by Academi Wales at this year’s Leading Wales Awards, in association with Cardiff Metropolitan University. Rhian was nominated by San Leonard from Social Firms Wales who said: “Rhian leads a team in social services which supports people in Flintshire who are managing mental health issues. In 2011, Rhian was inspired by service users’ requests to develop one mental health service to transition to an independent Social Firm that could provide employment for people managing mental issues, yet retain a relationship with the local authority. She had a clear vision of her intended destination, but knew that she could not achieve it alone and needed to take others on the journey with her.” Rhian was praised by judges for being an “incredible example of talent and leadership that has made a real contribution to the Welsh economy.” Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones, said: “Rhian has led a ground-breaking initiative which has led to the creation of the first employment enterprise which supports people managing mental health issues in the County. This has created an environment where people feel included, valued, can grow and develop. I would like to congratulate Rhian on behalf of Flintshire County Council.” Wales’ long-established and only dedicated leadership awards are now in their twelfth year. They seek to recognise and celebrate the role of leadership as a key driver of economic success in Wales. Chair of the Leading Wales Awards Consortium, Barbara Chidgey said; “It is 100% clear that really good leadership comes in all shapes and sizes and that it is essential in all walks of life in order to drive positive & sustainable change. The challenge is identifying and recognising authentic, transformational and effective leadership since the way in which individuals lead is in itself diverse. However, our inspirational finalists and winners have some very important factors in common: they are passionate about their cause, business or organisation; their energy and effort is directed at making that vision of their cause a reality and they really care about the people with whom and for whom they work; they have integrity and they are authentic. We offer every winner and finalist this year our sincere congratulations.” Rhian receiving her award from Zoe Sweet of Academi Wales, sponsors of the Leadership in the Public Sector category