Trailblazer: Melanie Williams

As part of our Trailblazers: Women Transforming the Public Sector and Beyond series, we’re continuing to highlight women whose leadership is making a meaningful impact across public services.

The next feature in the series is Melanie Williams, Executive Director – People Services. Melanie shares reflections on her leadership journey, from building confidence and finding her authentic style to influencing national conversations on social care. She also highlights the importance of diverse leadership, strong networks, and staying grounded in the impact public services have on people’s lives.

What’s your proudest career achievement so far?
Just after the Secretary of State announced the Casey Commission, as ADASS President I was asked to join Womans Hour. I spoke about social care, why it is important to women and why we should be interested in reform setting out the impact that we have on people’s lives. I really enjoyed the interview, and it was something that I could not imagine I would be able to do some five years ago – so a personal achievement to be interviewed live and enjoy the experience. Proud of myself for that! Then I was contacted by the show’s producer afterward, which is unusual, and was said they had an overwhelming response to my interview - that I was very human, was an inspiring woman and had explained complicated issues so simply. This feedback made me incredibly proud. I was able to impact other women’s lives in such a short 20-minute interview. A very proud moment.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions?
Two pieces of advice! Grow your authentic confidence. Your style should reflect your values, your strengths, your skills and feel true to yourself. Confidence comes from operating with authenticity and integrity.

Success comes from the support, advice and challenge from a diverse network so invest time in building and maintaining connection. Think about every conversation or interaction possibly counting at a time in the future. Give to gain!

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve?
Diversity in leadership always adds value and prevents us from slipping into group think. For public service, we are often leading workforces that are largely made up of women. Access to public service is often led by women. It is therefore intuitive that we would want more leaders who are women. This would model the ability of our public services to be responsive, grow talent, and foster future leaders from our communities and our workforce. 

What motivates you most about working in public service?
A real passion for making a difference – working to make the best use of our resources, being as good as we can, and keeping the resident in the room through decision-making are the things that keep me coming back to work and working through the difficult times. I know I have done a good job if I can see how I have impacted for the better that day. 

Who’s a woman that’s inspired you in your career – and why?
There are so many to choose from! Whilst there are many inspiring male leaders, I take inspiration, advice and wisdom from women more deliberately given the circumstances in which we operate – models of leadership dominated by male examples, impact of women’s issue on our leadership such as parenting, caring, menopause to name a few. Early on in my career I struggled to find my style and make the most of my strengths. My director at the time, Felicity, who appeared to me as incredibly confident and competent said I reminded her of herself – driven and determined to do the right thing. She said I was capable of doing great things (this was the first time I had heard that) and that when I can focus on the most important issue and learn to let other issues go, I would be much more effective. Advice that stays with me today.