A message from Rob Kelly, Managing Director

Last week we welcomed our new Managing Director into the business, Rob Kelly. In Rob's first week at NCSL, he has already brought a noticeable sense of optimism and momentum across the organisation. Teams across NCSL have responded positively to the renewed sense of purpose, and Rob has kindly provided some words of encouragement and direction after his first week with us.

"Over this first week I've been incredibly encouraged by what I've seen - not just in the work itself, but in the attitude, collaboration, and willingness to move forward together. There's a real sense that people are ready for a new chapter, and I want to take a moment to reflect on that and set the tone for where we're heading.

What has struck me the most is the positive energy. People are stepping up, asking questions, and starting to think about their role in something bigger. I've seen early signs of strong behaviours: curiosity, accountability, and a real desire to work with each other rather than around each other. That matters. Because how we show up as individuals directly impacts what we can achieve as a whole.

It's also been useful to notice where people feel energised and where they don't. There's clearly appetite for work that has meaning: developing others, shaping the system, influencing policy. There's far less patience for inefficiency and unclear processes. That's helpful. It tells us where to focus.

We're laying the foundations for consistency, using frameworks not to constrain, but to support. A production framework to guide our outputs. A management framework to strengthen leadership and create clarity. These aren't just tools, they're enablers - ways to help everyone deliver with purpose and confidence.

One area I want to be really clear on is health, safety and wellbeing. Everyone has the right to feel safe at work and NCSL’s Mission to Zero reflects our unwavering commitment to optimum safety across the business. If something's not right, I want people to feel confident in speaking up. We won't tolerate a culture where concerns are brushed off or ignored. Raising an issue shouldn't be a challenge - it's a sign of leadership and care. I want every person here to feel empowered to prioritise wellbeing, to look out for each other, and to expect the same in return.

This is a new era for NCSL. We've got the benefit of years of hard work behind us - and now we've got the chance to lead with intent. That means improving working conditions, embedding health and safety outcomes in everything we do, and lifting our commercial maturity. Not just as an organisation, but as a community of people who care about the work and each other.

So, this is my ask: stay curious, stay honest, and don't wait for permission to lead from wherever you are. Everyone in this business has something to offer. Let's make sure the plan we formulate and deliver, is one that includes every voice, skill and ambition.

We're here to work together - for something that matters. Making a fine city, finer!"’