Leadership Development Training

Latvian Visit to Wales

UDiTE facilitated a visit to Wales for members of the Latvian National Association to take part in a Leadership Development Programme in advance of their forthcoming Local Government re-organisation.

A group of eleven Mayors and Executive Directors from different regions of Latvia joined the UDiTE President Byron Davies in Cardiff for a week’s training programme developed and delivered by Public Service Management Wales (PSMW).

The study visit funded by UDiTE, the Latvian Association, and the Welsh Local Government Association, focused on developing new ways of thinking, skills and behaviours to enable leaders to be innovative during times of constant change.

It addressed the needs of the Latvian Leaders meeting the challenge of major public service reform. The innovative programme involved the application of leadership theory to the Latvian’s own cultural and political context.

One of the delegates, Mudite Priede, Executive Director of Jelgava District Council, said: “The study week we had in Wales was really inspiring. It challenged our leadership, our thoughts and behaviour. There were many useful ideas to take home and implement as soon as possible. We are really grateful for this opportunity and hope to become good ambassadors in Latvia.”