In April 2009 One Cornwall became a reality as a unitary authority in the shape of Cornwall Council .The very best elements of the former County Council and the six former District Councils of Carrick, Kerrier, Restormel, Caradon, Penwith and North Cornwall were combined with a view to integrate and streamline to create a more efficient, effective and dynamic Cornwall Council. Sarah Goodwin spent 11 months working with the new Cornwall Council, initially to deliver Leadership Development but then as Programme Director for the People and Organisation Development Programme. Here is a sample of what colleagues at the Council had to say about Sarah's time working with the Authority.

“Thank you very much for your contribution in Cornwall.  You have made a very positive impact and you will be missed.  Good luck with your next assignment. Regards Kevin” Kevin Lavery, Chief Executive

“I know the context within which you have worked over the last year has been difficult. I think that given this your achievement has been excellent. I like your style and your approach – very straight and challenging but positive and solution focused. On a more personal note I have really enjoyed working with you.” Gill Steward, Corporate Director, Communities

“Sarah brought great energy and enthusiasm to Cornwall and helped to formulate plans that will serve us well in the future and enable us to get the best out of our staff. Thanks Sarah and good luck with your future ventures” Kim Carey, Corporate Director Adult, Care and Support

“A joy to work with” Paul Masters, Assistant Chief Executive

“Sarah brings excellent communication skills and creative solutions. She will challenge any organisation on their current practice in a friendly and supportive way enabling them to move forward and improve. Sarah is also a great facilitator and works well at any level of an organisation.” Cath Robinson, Head of Finance

“You have a great energy and drive which is infectious. You often saw the wider picture which was missed by those intent on achieving their narrow objective. I think, for me, your greatest contribution was to not be afraid to speak your mind but to do it in a way that was unlikely to cause personal offence. This organisation has many new to senior management and either through inexperience or fear of causing offence, they sit silent when something needs to be said. Even before the clock was ticking on your appointment, you weren’t afraid to be the much needed conscience of the organisation and I greatly appreciated the wisdom and timing of your contributions.” Richard Williams, Head of Legal and Democratic Services

“I worked with Sarah for approx a year. In that time she provided invaluable advice and guidance on a number of initiatives that we were working on, and brought a different perspective to organisational development. Her external knowledge and experience enabled us to think outside of the box and change the way in which we do things. Everything is always done with a smile and enthusiasm.” Sue Day, Head of Policy

“I thought I would just drop you a quick note to say thanks for all your help and support during the last 12 months or so. I really enjoyed our work on the MBTI and found your input really helpful personally and with the new EPE/ED team. I know from speaking to others around the organisation that your work has been well received and appreciated as well. Not a mean feat given the ‘challenges’ of the last year.” Glenn Caplin, Head of Strategic Development, Cornwall Development Company

“I have always found Sarah and her team to be open, honest and very helpful in my dealings with them. I believe the organisation has greatly benefited from all her efforts and others could learn a great deal from her approach on both professional and personal levels.” Allan Burns, Deputy Head of Procurement and Commissioning

“Sarah – It was refreshing to work with you, your energetic challenge and approach to cultural change in a very traditional environment. From my initial meeting with you to discuss my myers briggs profile I realised that you had a true understanding and knowledge of the performance management and personal development. Others also recognized the skills and hence your widened role to influence the creation of the corporate support service and the authority as a whole. Whilst being entertaining you also had substance to your challenges and quickly grasped the pertinent issues drawing discussions together and heading towards conclusions. It has been a pleasure to work with you I wish you all the best and hope our paths cross again. Bryan.” Bryan Skinner, Corporate Property Manager

“Should not be allowed to leave!” Dave Owens, Head of Waste Management

Wakefield District Housing (WDH) is a Registered Social Landlord and is the largest single housing stock transfer organisation, responsible for over 31,000 homes. Fiona worked with the Audit Commission 3 star rated organisation to lead their ambitious people focused change programme titled ‘Shaping our Future’. She later has responsibility for heading the Organisational Development (OD) Team. Here is a sample of the feedback received.

“You came in at a difficult time and when you reflect on this you can see how things have evolved and developed and you have been a part of that. Thanks also for the personal assistance you have given from time to time which was much appreciated”. Paul Wood, Service Director – ICT.

“It is always sad to loose a good egg and you are indeed one. It’s been great working with you and you have a fantastic attitude of working and having fun”. Martyn Gorton, Service Director – Investment.

“Thank you for all of your help and assistance you have provided to my team and myself since you were appointed”. John Morrison, Service Director – Finance.

"This has been the most interactive and stimulating course that I have ever attended. Totally interactive, comprehensive training materials delivered in a relaxed, informative way,"

Linda Weaver, Internal Consultant, DVLA

"An excellent course with training material that was very clear, comprehensive and delivered in a relaxed, supportive and informative way.

I would gladly recommend InDepth training to colleagues and am looking forward to doing the Diploma Course,"

Loraine Jenkins, Internal Consultant, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

"Excellent training material deliverd in a relaxed and jolly way led to an excellent and very enjoyable course. Sarah was happy to answer questions throughout."

"The delivery style and feedback sessions have given everybody confidence to move forward. Sarah's interest in the subject shines through and is infectious. One of the best training events I have attended anywhere."

Stuart Mellor, Business Support Services Manager, Building Services, Kirklees Metropolitan Council
 

"It exceeded my expectations";
"Very well presented";
"Interesting delivery of what could have been a very dry day";
"Thought provoking";
"Great trainer, presented and explained all well, kept attention";
"Interesting, well presented. It covered the topic on a personal level so each individual could relate it to their work and life. It made the policies real and make sense."
"Was far better than anticipated, London 2012 discussion made it relevant.";
"Very good delivery and made what could have been boring, interesting";
"Very informative and challenging".
"Excellent group participation. I had to really think about my personal thoughts and beliefs and link to (our) policy, UK legislation and the real world."