Trailblazers: Shelley Prince

As part of our Trailblazers: Women Transforming the Public Sector and Beyond series, we’re continuing to spotlight women whose leadership is helping shape the future of organisations, services, and communities.

The next feature in the series is Shelley Prince, Interim Director of All Age Commissioning at Thurrock Council. With more than two decades of experience in local government, Shelley reflects on the leadership lessons that have shaped her career, the importance of championing others, and what continues to motivate her work in public service. In her responses, she also shares the advice she would give to women aspiring to leadership roles and the impact greater representation can have across public services.

What’s your proudest career achievement so far? 
Seeing people that have worked hard within the services that I have led achieve their career goals and being able to play a small part in their achievements. Fair and intentional planning for succession and intentional professional development is key to local government.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions? 
Don't wait for a title to view yourself as a leader. Take up the space that you are in, leadership is not a title, titles change, leadership is the manifestation of learning and nurtured behaviours, which create action, trust and movement.

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve?
There is power in difference and diversity of thinking. More women in leadership roles bring a unique perspective to service provision and ways of working.  

What motivates you most about working in public service? 
I am values-driven, enjoy working with others, and get energised by finding solutions where others see obstacles.  Commissioning brings all of this together.  Over 22 years ago, I left a secure career trajectory at GSK, much to my mother's dismay, and took a significant pay cut to become an admin officer so I could enter local government.  I worked my way up and have never looked back. My career choice was born from lived experience and a desire to shape real change and services that impacted people’s lives in a pronounced and far-reaching way. 

Who’s a woman that’s inspired you in your career – and why?
Laura Johnson, who served as the Housing Director at RBKC over 10 years ago, taught me about the power of truly seeing people, planning for succession and advocating for others. She would often remind me that, as women, we tend to do the work without asking for what we need or want.  She encouraged me to understand my worth and the power of overcoming the fears that so often hold women back. Laura spoke my name in rooms, as an advocate and an ally highlighting the work I was doing and she created a blueprint that I now use to advocate for others.