How We Are Changing The Way We Think About Recruitment

05 May 2026

Recently, as a Council, we were named as a finalist in the Wales Business Awards 2026 for Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year.

This is a significant achievement, and one that recognises our collective efforts to make our organisation a welcoming and inclusive place to work.

But beyond this recognition, it signals something more meaningful — a shift in how we think about our workforce, our communities, and the future we’re building together.

This milestone isn’t just about our apprenticeship schemes, it reflects a broader commitment to delivering our vision of strong communities with a bright future. At its heart is the powerful notion that we are investing in people.

Through our Vale 2030 commitments, we are rethinking how we grow talent — focusing on creating a workforce that is not only skilled and adaptable, but deeply connected to the communities we serve. 

Apprenticeships are one part of that picture, helping us develop sustainable, long-term approaches to workforce development while continuing to deliver high-quality services.

Rethinking Recruitment

Traditionally, recruitment can be a reactive process. A role becomes vacant, and the default response is to refill it as it was before. But across the Vale, that mindset is beginning to change.

This shift is already taking shape in practical ways as managers are looking beyond experience alone, choosing instead to recruit for potential. They are investing in the development of people within their teams and creating clearer pathways into professional roles.

It’s about taking a longer-term view — one that recognises the value of nurturing talent and building capability from within. 

Lasting Impact

For those planning recruitment, this approach offers a valuable opportunity to think differently. Before starting the next hiring process, it’s worth reflecting: Are we simply filling a vacancy, or are we building future capability?

That small shift in perspective can have a big impact. It can help address hard-to-fill roles, strengthen team skills, and open up meaningful opportunities for local people.

In doing so, it brings our values to life — being Ambitious, Open, and working Together — not just in principle, but in practice.

Gemma Williams, Organisational Development Operational Manager, has seen this shift firsthand: “What’s been really encouraging is seeing managers across the Vale starting to take a different approach.  

“Instead of going straight to ‘we need to recruit’, people are beginning to pause and think, could we do this differently? 

“That shift might seem small, but it’s actually really powerful. It helps us build something more sustainable, while creating real opportunities for young people. 

“And for me, that’s exactly what being ambitious for our workforce looks like in practice.” 

Being named as a Wales Business Awards finalist is down to colleagues across the organisation who are embracing new ways of working. 

It also reflects the dedication of individuals who have helped turn ideas into action, including Delyth Miller and Gabby Thorne, whose work has made apprenticeships a practical and accessible option for services.

Looking Ahead

Being named a finalist is something to celebrate. But more importantly, it marks a clear direction of travel.

This is about more than filling roles - it’s about building a workforce that is resilient, future-focused, and rooted in the communities it serves - a workforce that will support the Vale for years to come.

Interested in Learning More?

If you’d like to explore how this approach could work in your service, the Organisational Development team would be happy to help. 

Get in touch at: ODandLearning@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk