The Spirit of Salford lies at the heart of our organisation, embodying our culture and social conscience. It reflects the city's resilience, creativity, and determination to overcome challenges and thrive. This spirit is underpinned by our core values of Pride, Passion, People, and Personal Responsibility, which influence every decision we make, shape our behaviours, and guide how we transform and deliver services. These values create a supportive environment where we can all strive to “be the best we can be” as we work towards our collective vision to create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all.
At the core of this approach is values-based leadership. Our leaders are the driving force behind the Spirit of Salford, playing a critical role in inspiring, motivating, and empowering teams to succeed. Leadership in Salford is not defined by hierarchy or position, it is about action and behaviour. Our leaders model the values we hold dear and embed them into the way services are delivered, ensuring everyone is empowered to take ownership and embrace innovation.
Central to this transformation is Innovate Salford, our ambitious programme running alongside the corporate budget process from 2022 to 2025. Innovate Salford provides us with a unique opportunity to rethink the way we work and serve our residents. It challenges us to balance the need for efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery while maintaining our commitment to innovation and improvement. The programme encourages us to explore new ways of delivering services, engaging with our communities, and managing resources creatively, all while ensuring we remain responsive to the changing needs of Salford’s residents.
For leaders in Salford, Innovate Salford represents a chance to demonstrate the power of values-based leadership in action. It calls on us to think differently, embrace change, and lead with both vision and practical creativity. We are not just adapting to change, but actively shaping the future of Salford.
So, what does this mean for you, joining as our Chief Executive?
Stepping into the role of Chief Executive in Salford means becoming the embodiment of the Spirit of Salford, where leadership is not just about holding a position but about driving meaningful action. This is an opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation that thrives on resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to its people and communities.
As Chief Executive and place-based lead for health and care, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and championing our vision to create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all; working alongside our people to deliver high-quality outcomes for residents. You will be the catalyst for innovation, creating an environment where teams feel inspired and empowered to embrace change, think differently, and deliver services that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our city. Your ability to inspire and motivate will set the tone for the organisation, ensuring that every colleague, team, and partner feels connected to our vision and committed to delivering excellence.
Your leadership will also be instrumental in promoting collaboration across the council and beyond. By working closely with stakeholders, communities, and partners, you’ll strengthen relationships that are essential for co-designing innovative solutions and achieving our shared goals. At Salford, leadership is defined by its inclusivity and collective approach, you’ll be leading with people, not just for them.
Salford’s resilience and ambition mean this role comes with challenges, but also unparalleled opportunities. You will lead an organisation that is known for its ability to adapt and thrive, even in uncertain times. This is your chance to not only shape the future of the council but also to have a tangible, lasting impact on the lives of Salford’s residents.
Leadership Behaviour Framework
To ensure strong leadership at every level, we have developed the Leadership Behaviour Framework, co-designed with input from colleagues through interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
This framework builds on our core values of Pride, Passion, People, and Personal Responsibility and provides a clear, shared language about how we want our leaders and managers to fulfil their roles and contribute to the city’s success.
The framework highlights the importance of aligning leadership behaviours with Salford’s vision and values. It emphasises leading in three key areas: Leading Self, Leading People, Leading Salford. Each area focuses on the qualities and behaviours needed to inspire and guide teams effectively. Encouraging leaders to take a proactive, reflective approach to their work, the framework ensures that efforts are rooted in our values and prioritise the best outcomes for residents.
In addition to leadership behaviours, the framework outlines the attributes and skills required for managers to succeed. Practical management skills, such as clear communication, strategic thinking, and effective decision-making, complement these qualities, enabling leaders to address challenges and seize opportunities in a fast-changing environment.
This framework ensures that leadership across Salford is not only consistent but also deeply connected to the city’s identity.
Expectations of a Salford Manager
Expectations of a Salford Manager are our essentials to good management. Our leaders are the role models for our organisational culture, demonstrating behaviours that align with the Spirit of Salford and promoting a sense of purpose and belonging within their teams. Managers create opportunities for individuals to grow, providing the support and encouragement needed for colleagues to achieve their full potential.
The expectations for Salford managers are designed with this in mind, to ensure that they are not just overseeing performance, but leading by example, creating opportunities, and inspiring others. Our managers are expected to create positive, inclusive environments where teams feel supported and motivated.
An effective Salford manager goes beyond simply delivering high-quality services, they play an integral role in ensuring that services meet the evolving needs of our residents. This requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on involvement, balancing the ability to see the bigger picture while remaining responsive to the day-to-day realities and challenges that teams face. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as managers must be able to respond to new opportunities, challenges, and changing circumstances.
Ultimately, the expectations of a Salford manager are about creating a thriving, innovative, and empowered environment. Managers lead by example, support their teams’ growth, and drive the delivery of services that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people of Salford.