Truth about Local Government

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Wade, the Head of Spatial Planning at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Jonathan brings over 30 years of experience in local government, focusing on policy, design, growth, and delivery . We delve into the transformative power of planning, exploring how it can act as an enabler rather than a blocker in local government. Jonathan shares insights...

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of creative thinking within local government. Our guest, Andy Begley, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, shares insights on how fostering and sustaining innovation can drive positive change and improve public services. We explore practical strategies for nurturing a culture of creativity, the challenges faced, and the tangible benefits seen with...

Today we interviewed Kate Fairhurst, Director at Summerly Consulting, delving into the complex relationship between political accountability and officer responsibility in local government. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing these two aspects, especially during local government reorganisation. Key points include: Political Accountability : Ensuring elected officials are answerabl...

In this episode we sit down with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to discuss her ambitious plans to tackle child poverty in the region. With nearly a third of children in the North East living in poverty, Mayor McGuinness shares her insights and strategies for creating a brighter future for these young lives. We delve into the innovative measures being implemented, such as the Mayor’s Childcare Gra...

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Handby to delve into the dynamic intersection of leadership and technology in the realm of public services. We explore how innovative leadership can drive the transformation of government operations, making them more efficient, transparent, and responsive to citizens' needs. Claire shares her insights on the essential leadership qualities required to manage...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Patterson to explore the intricate process of setting up a Combined Authority (CA), focusing on the East Midlands CA as a case study. Paul shares his expertise on navigating the complexities and challenges involved, from the initial shadow form setup to securing royal assent and preparing for the election of the first mayor. We discuss the critical elements o...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Henning, Executive Director of Place at Derbyshire County Council, to discuss the pressing housing crisis and the recently published ADEPT Housing Policy Position paper. Chris shares insights on how local authorities can partner with the government to meet ambitious housing targets, improve existing housing stock, and create sustainable, resilient communitie...

In this episode, we sit down with Amal Uddin, to explore the intricacies of delivering a successful disposal program. With extensive experience supporting local authorities, Amal shares his expertise on the key elements that contribute to effective property disposal, the common challenges faced, and the best practices to overcome them. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice on how...

In this episode, we sit down with Jonny Birkett, Managing Partner (Joint) at Genecon Ltd, to explore the evolving priorities in place regeneration. We delve into the critical question: Is social and environmental impact now equally as important as economic growth when regenerating towns, cities, or regions? Jonny shares insights into contemporary approaches to place regeneration, emphasizing that...

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Cookson , the Chief Executive Officer at DFN Project SEARCH , to discuss the critical role of local government, education, and businesses in supporting individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Claire shares her extensive experience and valuable insights on three key topics: Supporting SEND Transition to Employment : Claire discuss...

In this episode, we delve into the pressing challenges faced by the public sector in attracting and retaining young talent. With the private sector often offering higher salaries, the public sector struggles to compete. Additionally, an ageing workforce and a lack of clear career pathways for younger professionals exacerbate the issue. We also explore the role of parents, carers, and teachers in g...

Today we interview Robert Burns, the forward-thinking Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council. With a robust background in transforming community services and housing, Burns brings a wealth of experience to the table. The Council, serving a population of 65,000, boasts an impressive annual revenue budget of €90 million and is set to invest €373 million in capital projects over the next three ye...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Bally, the Chief Executive of East Suffolk Council, to explore the dynamic changes and initiatives shaping East Suffolk. Chris shares his insights on the council’s efforts to represent the community authentically and transform public perceptions of the region. We begin with an overview of East Suffolk’s unique characteristics and challenges, highlighting the...

In this episode, we sit down with Huw Russell, a Director in the Climate team at Local Partnerships LLP, and Liz Vango, Sustainability and Climate Change Officer at Hart District Council, to explore the pivotal role of local councils in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We'll discuss how councils, including Hart District Council, are leveraging free tools, jointly delivered to you by the Local Go...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Amanda Hopgood, the Leader of Durham County Council, to discuss the transformative journey of the North East Combined Authority (NECA). Formed on May 7, 2024, the NECA aims to harness the full potential of the region by fostering collaboration among its seven local authority areas: County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, S...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Paula Braynion, Managing Director & Samantha-Jo Scarbrough-Lang, Assistant Director Of Operations at Director of Future Directions CIC, to discuss the groundbreaking shift towards outcome-based procurement in social care. Paula shares her extensive experience and expertise, shedding light on why focusing on outcomes rather than hours of service can...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore the findings of their latest report, "Restoration and Resilience: Building Capacity and Capability to Deliver Local Services in the South East." Despite its reputation for prosperity, the South East of England faces significant challenges in local governance, including financial strain, workforce shortages, and fr...

In this episode we have the pleasure of interviewing Koen Bartels, the Departmental Director of Research in Public Administration and Policy at the University of Birmingham. Koen shares his extensive knowledge and insights on the latest innovations in public administration, discussing the importance of research in shaping effective public policies and the role of academia in addressing contemporar...

In this insightful episode we sit down with Sonia Bussu and Koen Bartels from the University of Birmingham’s Department of Public Administration and Policy to delve into the findings of their recent INLOGOV report. The discussion centers around the concept of participatory culture and its critical role in enabling local governments to drive meaningful change. We explore the definition and signific...

In this episode we sit down with two industry leaders to explore the future of sustainable leisure facilities. Keith Ashton, CEO, and Natalie McGuire, Director of Business Development and Engagement, share their insights on the critical role of decarbonisation in the development of modern leisure spaces. Keith discusses the strategic initiatives his company is implementing to reduce carbon footpri...

In this episode, we delve into the innovative approach taken by Eric Owens, Director of Planning and Environment at Buckinghamshire Council. Eric shares his insights on shifting from a process-driven to an outcome-led strategy to meet the ambitious place-shaping aspirations of the region. With reduced budgets and an increasing demand for impactful results, Eric discusses how focusing on outcomes r...

In this episode, we delve into the world of organisational development with Kim Davies, a strategic and results-oriented leader who has guided diverse organisations through transformative change. Kim shares their expertise in building high-performing cultures, fostering effective leadership, and empowering individuals and teams to achieve their full potential. We explore Kim’s journey, from spearh...

.In this insightful episode, Alex Frith, Senior Business Manager at Michael Page, delves into the strategies for attracting and retaining top interim talent in blue-collar trades and maintenance. Alex shares his expertise on the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector, offering practical advice for businesses looking to build a robust and reliable workforce. Key Points Discussed: Un...

Simon Bullimore delves into the transformative potential of procurement in modern business. He explores how strategic procurement practices can significantly enhance engagement, drive commercial success, and generate social value. Bullimore discusses the importance of aligning procurement strategies with broader organizational goals to foster a more integrated and effective approach. He highlights...

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of unlocking greenfield development with exclusive insights from industry experts at Catesby Estates. Our guests share their expertise on how planning, design, and communication strategies are pivotal in transforming undeveloped land into thriving communities. Anna Parsons – Associate Design Director Anna discusses the importance of innovative design...