Finegreen 'Setting the Pace' Conference 2013

A fantastic day was had by all at the Finegreen annual conference this Thursday at the Manchester Central Conference Complex.

Themed on leadership once again, Finegreen Chief Executive Neil Fineberg introduced the day’s events before passing over to Chair and Host for the day John Rostill OBE.

Our first guest speaker was Professor Aidan Halligan, Director of Education at University College London Hospitals. Aidan gave an excellent & thought provoking talk on re-discovering lost values, commenting that "you get your authority not from your badge but from how much you care...leaders must have resilience, belief, courage and humility".

Next up, John welcomed Karen Lynas, Deputy MD of NHS Leadership Academy, who spoke about how to deliver outstanding leadership; “Invest in your teams around you - it should not be seen as a cost or perk but should be routinely done...Whatever choices you make about who you are & how you behave, do it consciously & live it out to the best of your ability.”

Our third speaker in our morning session was Jon Restell, Chief Executive of MiP (Managers in Partnership) the trade union organisation for the UK’s senior healthcare managers. “Reflection is always pushed out when the pressure is on. Reflection is needed for a true perspective”

A panel Q & A followed the morning talks before lunch was held, during which delegates were treated to the ever impressive skills and tricks of magician Paul Roberts alongside having the opportunity to help acclaimed Artist Ian Fennelly create a water colour painting (to be won by one luck attendee!).

For the afternoon session we welcomed former Olympic champion Roger Black MBE who gave a truly memorable and inspirational motivational talk, recapturing our hearts and minds back to the 2012 Olympics and reminiscing about the fabulous 4 x 400m relay team from 1991!

The event then hosted a second panel Q & A featuring Roger and wound down with a champagne reception and presentation of prizes. Congratulations to both Liz Aldridge and Fiona Davies who were the winners of our 2 water colour paintings.

Liz took home a signed water colour painting of Roger Black in action and Fiona won a landscape of Snowdon.

Thanks to all the fantastic speakers and to the delegates who attended and we very much look forward to welcoming you back next year!