& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: K7.1, S7.2, S7.3, B2.2, K6.1, K6.2, K6.3, S6.1, S6.2, B1.3, B3.3, K1.3, K1.6, S1.4, K4.3, S4.1, B1.1, B1.2, B1.4, K4.1, K5.1, B2.1, K5.2, K4.2, S5.1, S4.2, S5.2, S5.3, K8.1, S8.1, B4.1, B4.2, B4.3
Context: Community and Family Hub Programme. Dave conducted a data mapping exercise across internal and external partners to understand the breadth of prevention contacts and data held across different systems.
"Partners who commented that David had raised elements they had not previously considered. As a result, several partners indicated they were reviewing what data they collect and the formats they use."
- Scope: Structured stakeholder interviews across health, social care, public health, libraries, and voluntary sector. Diverse, multi-agency, sensitive.
- Impact: Partners changed their data practices as a direct result. Measurable behaviour change beyond the brief.
- Breadth: Covers nearly every KSB group. Broadest single testimony in the portfolio.
- Use for: Any KSB group where you need an internal senior witness with operational context.
- File: Witness Testimony Form - Charlie.docx
& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: K7.1, S7.2, S7.3, B2.2, K6.1, K6.2, K6.3, S6.1, S6.2, K4.2, S4.2, K5.2, S5.1, K1.3, S1.4
Context: Sickness absence process mapping project. Dave supported Claire to develop process maps documenting short- and long-term sickness absence procedures using coaching and mentoring techniques.
"His approach empowered me to take ownership of the process and develop solutions that worked in practice."
- Coaching in operational context: Not a formal coaching session. Coaching techniques applied within a work project to empower a colleague.
- Challenge and support: "Confident in constructively challenging existing approaches, encouraging me to reflect on alternative methods."
- Use for: K4.2, S4.2 (coaching embedded in day-to-day work), S7.3, S6.1. Shows coaching is not limited to formal settings.
- File: Witness Testimony Form - Claire Allen.docx
& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: B1.4, B2.1, B2.2, B4.1, B4.2, K6.2, K7.1, K8.1, S6.1, S6.2, S7.2, S7.3, S8.1
Context: Multiple settings including meetings, workshops, 1:1s, and casual conversations. Specific example: Carbon Literacy training course where Dave's questioning helped the team gain perspective on a complex topic.
"David has always been keen to understand more than just how to do something. He has a vested interest in why."
- Communication in practice: Specific Carbon Literacy example of Dave using questions to deepen group understanding. Not a generic statement.
- Creates psychological safety: "I have always felt safe and able to share my perspective when working with David."
- Self-directed learning: Proactively approached Emily for guidance on project management. Models B1.4.
- Use for: K7.1, S7.3, B2.1, B2.2, S8.1. Communication and personal development KSBs.
- File: Witness Testimony Form - Emily Goodhead.docx
& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: S7.3, B2.2, B2.1, K6.2, K6.3, S5.1, K4.4, S5.2, S5.3
Context: Group learning activities during the apprenticeship programme. Leanne observed Dave in group exercises and discussion settings.
"David was able to manage team dynamics to ensure cohesion and that we all had an opportunity to play a role. He stepped up as a natural leader."
- Leadership in a peer setting: Evidences stepping up without being assigned authority. Links to the "leading without a title" theme.
- Team management behaviours: Aligned the group, analysed and reflected, offered constructive feedback. The team improved as a result.
- Authentic challenge: "Never afraid to share his thoughts and judgement which allowed me a different perspective and influenced the way I thought."
- Note: This is a course peer context. Useful for behaviours (B2.1, B2.2) and team skills but less weighty for strategic KSBs.
- File: David Witness Testimony Form, Leanne Morrissey.docx
& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: Managing Projects (general: Early Help, Fostering, Residential transformation programmes)
Context: Multiple transformation programmes at Shropshire Council including Early Help, Fostering and Residential transformation.
"Not afraid to speak out or challenge assumptions. Willing to explore difficult areas to ensure meaningful change." Also: "Offered to help engage the Senior Leaders Forum around the development of the council's improvement plan."
- Strong on initiative: Volunteered to engage Senior Leaders Forum. Evidences B1.4 and leading upward without mandate.
- Process mapping expertise: Named specifically as a strength across multiple programmes. Useful for operational planning KSBs.
- Calm under pressure: "Calm nature and use of humour help him communicate effectively." Relates to B1.2 and B2.1.
& Pippa's developmental note on horizon scanning?
Say this (3 points)
- Acknowledge: fair observation October 2025 — acted on since
- SWANN Phase 2: connects early intervention to financial recovery mandate
- Rec 3: measurement framework parallel — strategic alignment not afterthought
Full version
Developmental note in this testimony. Prepare your response. Pippa writes: "One area of continued growth could be around strategic horizon scanning, ensuring that project delivery is always aligned with longer-term organisational goals and external drivers."
Your prepared response if raised: "That is a fair observation Pippa made in October 2025. It is something I have actively addressed since then. The SWANN Phase 2 project is specifically designed around that principle. The proposal explicitly connects early intervention investment to Shropshire Council's financial recovery mandate, and Recommendation 3 (building the measurement framework in parallel) exists precisely to ensure we do not repeat Phase 1's mistake of treating strategic alignment as an afterthought. I would say that feedback landed well and I acted on it."
- File: Witness Testimony Form - Pippa.docx
& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: S7.3, K6.2, B4.2, B4.3, K4.2, B2.1
Context: West Midlands Employers hosts the Public Sector Coaching and Mentoring Pool. Shanda provides administrative and coordination support. Dave has been a volunteer coach for 5+ years, dedicating 25 hours per year to coaching employees across member organisations.
"David has given me the tools and thought process to change my life."
"His approach is consistently described as challenging but supportive. Clients highlight how he encourages them to step outside of their comfort zones while maintaining a safe, non-judgemental space."
- Your strongest external testimony. Independent of Shropshire Council, based on sustained multi-year practice.
- Quantified outcomes: Fundamental mindset shifts, returns to work from burnout, promotions. All referenced in client evaluations reviewed by Shanda.
- Coaching credentials: Level 5 coaching qualification, 5+ years active, CPD completed including systemic coaching, wellbeing, and transitions.
- Use for: K4.2, S4.2 (coaching distinction level), B4.2, B4.3, B2.1.
- File: Witness Testimony Form - Shanda Reid.docx
& how do you use this testimony in the room?
Say this (3 points)
- Name and role: state the witness name and their relationship to the work
- What it evidences: one phrase — what this testimony proves about your practice
- Evaluative close: say this after quoting them
What this showed me was that independent evidence of impact is more powerful than anything I could say about my own work.
KSBs covered: K7.1, S7.2, S7.3, B2.2, K6.1, K6.2, K6.3, S6.1, S6.2, B1.3, B3.3, K8.2, S9.1, K8.1, S8.1, B4.1, B4.2, B4.3, K1.3, K1.6, S1.4, K4.3, S4.1, B1.1, B1.2, B1.4
Context: Joint project work and meetings. Testimony structured across four KSB groups with specific examples in each.
"David remained positive and adaptable, ensuring project objectives were met." Also: "Operated as a role model, consistently demonstrating fairness, openness, and integrity."
- Well-structured testimony: Covers all four KSB groups with specific examples. Easiest for the assessor to navigate.
- Personal development focus: Strong on K8.1, K8.2, S8.1, S9.1, B4.1 to B4.3. Use when asked about self-awareness and values.
- Conflict and adaptability: Specific example of stakeholder conflict facilitation and consensus-building. Covers K6.3, B3.3.
- Use for: Personal and professional development KSBs, and as a second internal witness to complement Charlotte Saywell.
- File: Witness Testimony Form, Sunanda Bailey.docx