Truth about Local Government

.In this episode, we delve into the fascinating history of collaboration between Ian Davidson, Chief Executive of Tendring District Council, and Matthew Gladstone, Chief Executive at Peterborough City Council. We begin by exploring the remarkable story of their ancestors, who worked together as the Prime Minister and Archbishop, tackling health inequality and supporting place shaping in their era....

: In this episode, we delve into the world of adult social care with Alex Fox OBE, Delivery Director from IMPOWER. We explore the concept of strengths-based practice and discuss how it can be effectively scaled during times of austerity. Alex shares valuable insights on the impact of this approach on sustainable public services and the profound effects it has on people’s lives. Join us for an enli...

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Begley author of the insightful new book, I Didn't Row the Atlantic #sowhat . Andy shares his unique perspective on creative business thinking, drawing from his personal experiences and the wisdom of others. We delve into the key lessons from his book, exploring how creativity can drive success in business. Andy also discusses the importance of having hobbies...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Haynes, a seasoned expert in local government services, to delve into the current challenges facing customer and digital services in local government. Mark shares his insights on the complexities and hurdles that local governments encounter in delivering efficient and effective services to their communities. We explore how a well-crafted customer experience s...

In this episode, we sit down with Sami Haque, a renowned Public Sector Finance Recruitment expert, to delve into the pressing issue of recruitment and retention during challenging global events. Sami shares his insights on how local authorities can navigate turbulent periods effectively. He discusses innovative strategies to attract top talent, the importance of maintaining a supportive work envir...

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of total reward and Employee Value Proposition (EVP) within Local Authorities (LAs). Our discussion highlights the need for a shift from a purely monetary focus to a more holistic approach that includes emotional and non-financial rewards. We explore how this shift can enhance employee engagement and retention. We also examine the latest findin...

In this insightful episode, host Matt Masters sits down with Alex Atherton, an expert in generational studies and human resource strategies, to unravel the complexities of integrating Gen Z into the local government workforce. As local authorities grapple with the challenges of recruiting and retaining young talent, Atherton sheds light on the innovative approaches needed to attract this tech-savv...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Patterson to delve into the critical issues facing local government today. Paul shares his insights on: Insourcing and Regulator Compliance : Discover how ALMO insourcing can help councils regain compliance with regulatory standards and improve service delivery. Planning Culture and Government Ambitions : Learn about creating a robust structure and changing t...

In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Bridget Smith, the Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, to delve into the council’s pioneering shift to a four-day working week. Bridget shares insights on how this innovative approach has not only boosted productivity and employee well-being but also enhanced service delivery to the community. We explore the tangible benefits observed since the i...

Professor Andy Pike, is a leading voice on local government finances. We discuss the current state of local government finances, the impact of austerity and what the future holds unless something is done to reform local government finances. There is undoubtable need for change, but how we deliver that change proves hard to pin down. Check out Andy's book Financialization and Local Statecraft for m...

In this episode, we sit down with Sandra Flannery to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for women aspiring to leadership roles in facilities management. Sandra shares her personal journey, offering valuable insights and practical advice for breaking barriers and succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated field. From building confidence and developing essential skills to navigating w...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Matt Wilton, the Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, to explore the pivotal role of policy in local government leadership. Matt shares his extensive experience and provides a deep dive into how well-crafted policies can drive progressive change and effective decision-making at the local level. Key Discussion Points: The Importance of Polic...

In this episode we sit down with Rachel McKoy, currently the Director of Law & Governance at the London Borough of Newham and the London Borough of Havering. Rachel, who is also the Immediate Past President of Lawyers in Local Government and a Board Solicitor/Non-Executive Director at Solace, will soon be taking on a new role as the Director of Law and Governance at the London Borough of Newha...

In this episode, we interview Steph McKay, a Senior Business Manager at Michael Page with over 15 years of experience in recruitment and talent acquisition. Steph shares her expert insights on how candidates can excel in interviews by effectively utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. Listeners will learn how to structure their responses to highlight their skills and exper...

In this episode, we sit down with Simon Bullimore, Head of Group Procurement at Norse Group and Hannah Quinn-Hill, Director of Procurement Recruitment at Page Group, to delve into the evolving landscape of procurement within local authorities. Simon shares his insights on how procurement leaders can effectively drive commercial success and social value, ensuring that procurement is not just a cost...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Claire Handby, a renowned expert in public sector innovation, to explore the intricacies of commercial improvement within the public sector. Dr. Handby shares her extensive knowledge on optimizing commercial engagement between public and private entities, highlighting the importance of authentic leadership in driving successful outcomes. We delve into practica...

In this episode, we sit down with Joanna McCrae, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Client Solutions Director at Page Group. Joanna shares her insights on the critical issue of the lack of diversity in Non-Executive Directorships (NEDs) and why it’s essential to address this imbalance. We delve into the challenges and barriers that have historically limited diversity in these roles and discuss...

In this episode we delve into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by legal professionals within political local government settings. Our guest, esteemed legal expert Asif Ibrahim, Director of Legal Services at Manchester City Council, shares his wealth of experience and knowledge on navigating the intricacies of local governance. From addressing community-specific legal issues to impleme...

In this heartfelt episode we delve into the profound impact of mental health in the workplace. Join us as we sit down with Gemma Platt, the Head of HR at c2c, and Matt Gofton, Senior Employer Engagement at CIPD. Both have experienced the devastating loss of Gemma’s husband, James, to suicide in 2019, and have since dedicated themselves to advocating for mental health awareness and support. Gemma a...

In this insightful episode of ‘Paving the Future,’ we delve into the transformative world of parking solutions with Sarah Randall, Director of Local Government & Propositions at Smarter Parking Group. Sarah shares her expert insights on the pressing challenges faced by the parking sector and unveils two groundbreaking initiatives: the National Parking Platform (NPP) and the National Persistent...

We are shaking up our normal structure and have our guest Simon Lewis, a highly experienced Director of Property, who has recently become an interim, interviewing our host Matt Masters about how to navigate the world of contracting. A honest conversation, with some useful tips for interims either working in local government or considering becoming an interim in local government. No questions are o...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Pawa, Group Strategic Development Director, to explore how local governments can enhance their resilience through strategic joint ventures and Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs). Paul shares his expertise on the benefits, challenges, and best practices for implementing these innovative approaches to public service delivery. Tune in to discover how the...

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Fitzgerald-Guy, a highly experienced local government director renowned for his expertise in transformational and commercial strategies. Jonathan shares his journey of leading significant organisational and operational changes, including his remarkable success in transforming the County Council property function. We delve into his unique approach to under...

In this episode, we sit down with Jon McGinty, the Chief Executive of Gloucester City Council, to explore the council's transformative journey towards embracing evolution in local government. Jon shares his insights on the challenges and successes faced by the council as they implement innovative strategies to improve public services and community engagement. From digital transformation to sustain...

In the episode we sit down with public sector build environment recruitment experts Steph McKay and Joe Glendon from Page Group, where we delve into the evolving landscape of recruitment across the public sector for 2024. There are key pieces of advice for both candidates and clients as to how to stand out in a busy and competitive market place.