Governance Matters

Ever wondered how moving from a stable local authority role to the dynamic world of consultancy can transform your career? Our guest, Shilpa Manek, shares her inspiring journey from democratic services to consultancy, highlighting how embracing change can drive both personal and professional growth. Her story reinforces the vital role of democratic services in governance and how new opportunities...

In this episode of Governance Matters , host Kirsty Hunt speaks with Matthew Barber, the current Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, about the recent government announcement to abolish PCCs by 2028. The conversation explores the implications of this major governance shift, the vital role PCCs play in community safety, and the challenges of maintaining accountability and public t...

What if the key to transforming local governance lies in the hands of those we elect, not just within council chambers but beyond? Join me, Kirsty, as I sit down with Aidan Rave from the Good Governance Institute to explore this unique opportunity for councillors. We navigate the complex landscape where councillors play an essential role in external organisations, from commercial entities to small...

Can small, unnoticed compromises in governance lead to significant failures within local authorities? Join me and Matt Masters, host of Truth About Local Government, as we unpack the subtle but impactful risk of incremental creep in local government governance. We discuss how outdated governance documents and informal practices can gradually erode transparency and accountability. Our conversation...

Catherine Mangan from the University of Birmingham returns to our latest episode of Governance Matters to dive into the evolving roles of 21st-century councillors, influenced by modern societal dynamics like the pandemic, climate change, and the ubiquitous presence of social media. Our discussion explores how these factors have reshaped local governance, demanding new skills and attitudes from cou...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Andy Ferrier, Chief Executive of Test Valley Borough Council, to explore how Test Valley is redefining the role of councillors in the community. Discover how Test Valley’s innovative community council model is empowering councillors to lead grassroots change, attract more diverse representatives, and shift perceptions of what it means to serve in local go...

What makes a local council truly effective? Join us as we uncover the secrets of inclusive governance with Andy Bailey, the trailblazing youngest Mayor of Whitney Town Council. Discover how Whitney Town Council, one of the UK's largest, embraces diversity and innovative community engagement. Andy shares the council’s cutting-edge strategies, including the empowering youth council and initiati...

Welcome back to Governance Matters! Join us in our first episode of Season 2 as we welcome Robin Tuddenham, President of Solace, to the podcast.   In our conversation, Robin shares his expertise on the vital roles of chief executives, section 151 officers, and monitoring officers, and how they work together to ensure effective council operations. This is captured in the newly republished guidance...

In the final episode of our series, we ask the big question: Why does effective training matter—and what difference does it really make? We explore the transformative power of the Councillor Development Charter, a framework that’s reshaping how councils approach leadership and learning. Join us on Governance Matters, where Rachel Basham and Councillor Gareth Barnard share their invaluable perspect...

Unlock the secrets of effective communication and transform your workplace dynamics with our latest episode of Governance Matters. We're thrilled to feature Lynn Mead, our associate and a career transition coach, who brings her wealth of knowledge on DISC behavior profiling to the table. Discover how the four communication styles—dominant, influential, conscientious, and steady—can enhance yo...

Jake Bowers is a Romani journalist, producer, media teacher, film maker and blacksmith who joins us on Governance Matters for an insightful discussion on the critical role of governance, particularly for ethnic minorities such as the Gypsy and Traveller communities. Listen in as Jake's unique perspective as he explains the significance of executing governance with morality and equality in min...

What if the backbone of a well-functioning society isn't just its people, but its governance? Join me, Kirsty, as we continue our new series, Governance Matters, with a deep dive into the intricacies of allowances. Our special guest, Mark Palmer, the Director of Development and Governance at South East Employers, shares his insights on their critical role of independent remuneration panels, w...

Discover the art of conflict management in public forums with our returning guest, Councillor Minas-Bound from Basingstoke and Deane. Minas-Bound shares how asking the right questions can transform discord into productive dialogue. We discuss the nuances of chairing meetings and why ensuring that every voice is heard is crucial for achieving meaningful outcomes. Get an inside look at common source...

What if prioritising mental health could transform your career and personal life? Join us for an enlightening conversation with David Beeney, a former commercial director who has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the workplace. David candidly shares his own story and discusses the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by local government councillors.   It's...

Unlock the secrets to transforming local governance and enhancing accessibility with Councillor Knowles, an independent councillor and former mayor from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council. Discover how he improved council meetings, turning them from contentious battlegrounds into constructive arenas. In a candid conversation, Councillor Knowles shares his personal journey, highlig...

What if your community's voice could shape its future? Join us for a compelling episode of Governance Matters, where we promise you'll uncover the transformative power of community engagement in governance. We welcome back the insightful Councillor Minas-Bound from Basingstoke and Deane, who shares an incredible tale of a community rallying together to build a much-needed primary school....

Discover the art of effective chairing and governance with Councillor Knowles, the previous Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, as he draws from his extensive experience in local government meetings. Councillor Knowles reveals his strategies for creating an environment that encourages participation and curbs hostility, likening his role to that of a ringmaster orchestrating a res...

What if the key to effective governance isn’t just in the words we choose, but in how we ask questions?  Join us on Governance Matters as we unravel the complexities of communication with Lynn Mead, a distinguished local government professional and career transition coach. Together, we uncover the fascinating nuances of body language and tone, exploring how they, alongside word choice, shape the q...

Join me, Kirsty Hunt, for an insightful episode of Governance Matters as we explore the art of designing truly inclusive services. In this conversation, I sit down with Councillor Minas-Bound, the Conservative group leader at Basingstoke and Deane, to discuss how governance can be more than just policies and procedures—it’s about putting people first. We don't just talk about doing things rig...

Discover how to be a 21st-century public servant by mastering the blend of professional expertise and leadership qualities. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Catherine, a distinguished Professor of Public Management and Leadership at the University of Birmingham, as we uncover transformative insights that could redefine your approach to governance. What role does governance play in buil...