Public sector HR managers will now have a single voice, following the merger of two professional bodies. The Public Sector People Managers' Association (PPMA) and Society of Personnel Directors Scotland (SPDS) have announced they are joining forces. Both organisations will keep separate identities, but will work together to exchange information and co-ordinate consistent policy development. Members of the SPDS will also benefit from corporate membership of the PPMA. They represent more than 800 HR professionals in local government, and fire and rescue services – the PPMA in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, SPDS in Scotland. The PPMA also represents HR in national government and the police. Stephen Moir, president of the PPMA said: ‘It is clearly important that this partnership delivers tangible outcomes and benefits for both. This announcement really is historic in bringing the voice of people-management professionals in public services truly together for the first time and it strengthens us both as a result.'
