The Urdd National Eisteddfod staffing team

The Urdd National Eisteddfod staffing team, led by Siân Eirian, rose to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and succeeded in adapting to create the entirely new ‘virtual’ Eisteddfod-T, the first ever Digital Eisteddfod

As face-to-face activities were forced to close down, Siân saw an opportunity to use digital platforms to do something new, which could be more inclusive, less traditional and more contemporary and progressive. Siân was responsible for raising standards and taking the lead through a period of huge uncertainty and change. She set out the vision for this new approach and inspired the team to support it; persuaded people to accept the change of direction and kept all stakeholders well informed. Siân’s approach was based on ensuring people had fun during a challenging time, and dealing with daily challenges by thinking outside the box. She led the team to do things differently and look for solutions, not obstacles. The first ever Eisteddfod T was held with just 6 weeks of planning, with 6,000 taking part and 57 hours of broadcasting on TV and radio.

The judging panel recognised the leadership skill required to lead a project of this type and felt that Siân and the team demonstrated the attributes of exemplary leaders, succeeding in particular with providing innovative solutions to meet the challenge of change.