Local Government Stories

🎧 Local Government Stories – Featuring Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City CouncilWhat shapes a leader who puts equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of modern public service? In this episode of Solace’s Local Government Stories podcast, we speak to Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, about his inspiring career journey and leadership approach in UK...

In this episode of Local Government Stories , we hear from Mark Wynn, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council , and Lukman Patel, Chief Executive of Burnley Borough Council , about leadership, collaboration and change across local government in Lancashire. The conversation also explores community cohesion in Burnley , place-based leadership, and the realities of leading in the public sector d...

What does ethical leadership really look like in local government today? In this episode of Local Government Stories, Nazeya Hussain is joined by Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, CEO and Executive Director of ICMA — and the first woman to lead the International City/County Management Association in its 110-year history. Together, they explore why ethics and professional integrity matter so deeply in publi...

In the first episode of Series 3 of Local Government Stories , we take a wider lens on leadership across the local government ecosystem. This week, Ali Whiteley , Chief Executive of London Councils (representing London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London), joins us to discuss what it takes to lead in complexity. We talk about how leaders build consensus (and recognise when “red lines” make agreem...

🎧 "It’s lonely at the top—but what if you had someone to lean on?   👥 We’re closing series two with a first: a Leader and Chief Exec in open conversation.  🗣️ Councillor Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, and Andy Donald, Chief Executive share how they’ve built a values-led partnership to lead through political transition, community challenge, and organisational change.  💬 From rebui...

Hackney faced a perfect storm:  At the centre of it all was Dawn Carter-McDonald—Chief Executive of Hackney Council, lawyer, and lifelong public servant—who led with calm, clarity, and conviction.   🎧 Dawn shares:  What it’s like to lead through unprecedented disruption.  How her legal background shaped her leadership.  Why governance, transparency, and community trust matter more than ever.  Her...

🚨 “Commissioning is a superpower.”  From delivering the UK’s first rural devolution deal to reshaping adult social care, Kate Kennally—Chief Executive of Cornwall Council explores the seismic shifts happening across local government and health reform.  🎧 Tune in for:  How Cornwall led the way on Devolution—twice.  Why social care must reclaim its voice.  Why commissioning is the public sector’s...

📢 “There’s no one way to be a Chief Executive or Director. It’s about fit—fit for the place, fit for the people, and a sense of smell, taste, and feel for where you are.”  In this episode of #LocalGovernmentStories, Robin Tuddenham, Chief Executive of Calderdale and Solace President—shares his leadership journey and vision for the future of local government, grounded in four core themes:  Place –...

Would you take the top job during a financial crisis? When Nottingham City Council issued a Section 114 notice and government commissioners were brought in, many would have stepped back. Sajeeda Rose stepped up. In this episode, we speak with Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council, about her decision to lead the council through one of its most turbulent periods. From shaping regi...

🎧 From growing up in Doncaster to leading Sheffield City Council, Kate Josephs story is one of passion, leadership and public service.  Now Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Chair of Core Cities CEO group and Resolution Foundation Trustee, her journey is inspiring.  In 2021, she was recognised with a CB for her contribution to public service.  View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠solace.org...

Devolution is reshaping local government – but what does that mean for leaders? The latest episode of our Local Government Stories podcast features Dr Henry Kippin, CEO of North East Combined Authority. With experience across multiple combined authorities, Henry discusses public service innovation, economic development, and why collaboration is key to navigating change. If you’re interested in dev...

How can leadership transform local gov? On the Local Government Stories podcast, Gavin Jones, Chief Executive of Essex County Council, shares his journey from private to public sector & how he’s tackling council challenges. View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠ Share on our Socials: X: @Solace_UK LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories Bluesky: @solace-uk.bsky.social Threads: uk_solace

Transforming Communities through Leadership with Shokat Lal of Sandwell Council Shokat reflects on a career spent supporting diverse communities through times of adversity and change—helping them not just to survive, but to flourish and thrive. He shares the lessons learned along the way, from early challenges to finally being acknowledged and accepted as a senior leader, and explores the vital ro...

🎧🚀 Series 2 is LIVE! 🚨 It's what we've been waiting for, the NEW series of #LocalGovernmentStories podcast has landed. We begin our first podcast episode with Kath O'Dwyer, Chief Executive of St Helens Council. Kath has dedicated over four decades to local government, starting her career in Children's services and becoming the Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council. In March 2...

We're excited to bring you the 11th and final episode of Series 1 of The Local Government Stories Podcast! 🎉 This episode features a compelling conversation with Stephen Gabriel, the CEO of Tamworth Borough Council, just as we approach the General Elections.  What to Expect in Episode 11:  From Streets to Leadership: Stephen shares the pivotal moment when he chose to pursue work over life on...

We are thrilled to announce the 10th episode of The Local Government Stories Podcast, featuring a special guest, Andrew Kerr, CEO of Edinburgh Council. Andrew began his career in Leisure Services and has since built an impressive 42-year journey in local government, serving as Chief Executive across four major local councils in North Tyneside, Wiltshire, Cornwall, and currently in Edinburgh. In ad...

With a career spanning over 28 years in Local Government, Pippa Milne brings a wealth of experience and insights. As Scotland Solace Leadership Lead, a member of the electoral management board for Scotland, a qualified coach, and now a podcast host, Pippa's journey is nothing short of remarkable.  We are excited to announce the release of Episode 9 of our podcast series, featuring an inspiring...

In this episode, Matt Prosser shares his remarkable journey spanning over 30 years in local government, from his early responsibilities in the Royal Marines to his current role as a national policy leader in local government reform. As the President of Solace and a prominent figure in the National Leadership Forum, Matt brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the challenges and o...

Dr Grace Vickers, Chief Executive at Midlothian Council, is a dynamic leader in local government. She has improved school performance and played key roles in addressing pandemic-related schooling issues as co-chair of the Scottish Government's National Children and Families Collective Leadership Group. In 2023, she chaired Solace Scotland, highlighting her extensive leadership experience.  Gra...

Natalie Brahma-Pearl, newly appointed Chief Executive of Portsmouth City Council shares her vast experience in local government spanning over 26 years. Natalie's career journey on Episode 6  gives us a comprehensive account of her impressive portfolio in environmental health to managing large front-line services focussed on transformation and change, paving her way into local government. From...

In recognition of her exemplary contributions to both local and central government, Carolyn Downs was honoured with the title of Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2011 New Year's Honours list. Boasting a rich four-decade-long career in Local Government, Carolyn currently serves on various boards, focusing on advancing health and social care integration. Carolyn Downs shares her incredi...

Joanne Roney, CEO at Manchester City Council earned an OBE in 2009 for her exceptional service to local government. As Solace's president during the pandemic, she was an strong and authoritative voice for the whole sector. Joanne adds a CBE to her accolades this year in the King's New Year's Honour List. In this podcast episode, we delve into Joanne's remarkable career journey. Sta...

Tom Stannard, a regeneration and economic development professional, shares his experience of diversity and cultural changes. Tom is a former West Londoner turned Director of Comms in East Lancashire, where he led Blackburn's council to multiple 'Council of the Year' victories. With a background in regeneration and economic development, Tom unveils his secrets of effective leadership, e...

Althea Loderick, a stalwart in London government for over two decades, currently serves as a Chief Executive at Southwark Council. With a background in HR and OD, she transitioned into transformational roles across various London authorities before becoming a chartered professional in the civil service. Notably, she successfully led Newham Council during the pandemic, showcasing her leadership in...

Nazeya Hussain speaks with Tom Riordan in Leeds, one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK. Tom was born and bred in Yorkshire and his career spans national, regional and local government. He started his journey in the Civil Service fast track before returning to Leeds to set up the Regional development agency. In 2010 he joined Leeds City Council and local government. Under Tom's leadership...