Truth about Local Government

In this insightful episode host Matt Masters engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Ian Billham, the esteemed Chair at the Community Safety Advisors Network. They delve into the multifaceted role of local authorities in fostering secure communities and explore the innovative strategies being implemented to address contemporary safety challenges. Ian shares his expert perspective on the colla...

In this episode host Matt Masters engages with the esteemed Ciarán Hayes, a veteran in Irish local government service with 42 years of dedicated experience. As the former Chief Executive of Sligo County Council and a current board member of both the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), Mr. Hayes brings a wealth of knowledge to the t...

Brand is so much more than a logo and the graphical support of an organisation. It is about the essence of what that organisation stands for, who they are and how they live that. Ta6, is a brand within Alliance Leisure, which Paul Woodford, Strategic Engagement Director leads. Today we talk with Paul about the power of brand in leisure, looking at global, venue and product within the brand proposi...

In this episode, Simon Goacher - Partner at Weightmans LLP we delve into the critical role of governance within local authorities. With recent high-profile interventions and financial pressures leading to section 114 reports, the need for practical solutions has never been more urgent. We explore the systems and processes that provide essential checks and balances on decisions, emphasizing that th...

Today we sat down with Dr Peter Eckersley who is an Associate Professor in Public Policy and Management at Nottingham Business School. His research focuses on central-local government relations, public policy, climate change, sustainability and public accountability. Peter is also Managing Editor of Local Government Studies and Co-Convenor of the UK Political Studies Association's Specialist Group...

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Nicola Hallworth-Rudd, Head of Public Sector UK at Michael Page, to delve into the intricate challenges and innovative solutions in public sector recruitment. Nicola brings her extensive experience to the table, discussing the complexities of various organizational structures like CA, UA, and MBC, and how they can be perplexing for those outside the...

In this episode, Sarah Clein, who has over 30 years of experience working in the public sector and with small businesses, discusses the challenges faced by midlife women in this field. Let’s dive into the key questions and points covered: Who does Sarah Clein work with and why? Sarah collaborates with midlife women in the public sector. Her goal is to address their unique needs and empower them to...

This episode delves into Stockport’s place shaping journey, with Paul Richards, Director of Development and Regeneration, Stockport Council and Chief Executive, Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation. Stockport is transforming itself into an attractive place to live, work, and connect, with ambitious investments in heritage buildings, architecture, and green spaces. The challenge of effective p...

In this episode, Jim Savege, Chief Executive in Aberdeenshire Council and I explore how communities can thrive by leveraging external events to build resilience, foster partnerships, and create lasting positive change. Tune in as we discuss inspiring stories, practical strategies, and the power of collective action.

.Great to sit down with Rowan Cole, Director of Coalface Engagement, to discuss the importance of planning in communications and engagement in planning. Today Rowan answered the following questions: How does effective communication improve the reception of Local Plans when presented to local communities? What are some common challenges local governments face in engaging with their communities on P...

Ian Knowles , the Chief Executive Officer at West Lindsey District Council , has been instrumental in shaping the council’s vision and driving positive change. Today we discussed the following questions: 1 – How does your approach to Digital Strategy differ from what you have done in the past? 2 – How have you ensured that your system implementation has been successful? 3 – How does your Executive...

Today we sat down with Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer at Cheshire Association of Local Councils. Jackie shot to stardom in 2021, when she became a global superstar after she was called in to moderate a Handforth Parish Council Zoom meeting in the absence of the clerk. Greeted with difficult parish councillors, one famously declaring “you have no authority here Jackie Weaver.” The viral video provide...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Dickens, the Assistant Director Planning & Building Control at Manchester City Council. Mark shares insights into the critical role of building control within the city, emphasizing why it’s an exciting and impactful career path. At present there are two exciting vacancies within the Building Control Team. One leading the entire building control function,...

Today I sat down with the Founder of The Balance Collective, Clara Wilcox to discuss the actions both employees and employers can take so that parents can have a positive return to work. We covered in our conversation: What issues do you find that parents have when they return to work? How do parents feel about returning? How does the current cost of living crisis impact parents’ choices? What is...

Suzanne Malcolm is a passionate Place professional, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive - Place at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. Suzanne talked through the challenges of delivering net zero in local government, We discussed how local government has stepped up to the challenge of reducing carbon from its own operations, despite the difficulties and delays in centr...

Today we sat down with Colin Copus to discuss the role of the Councillor; and how this is changed and how there is arguably insufficient resource available to Councilors. We then talked through the piece of work that Colin wrote for the LGiU a ‘manifesto for councillors’ https://lgiu.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/A-Manifesto-for-Councillors-Colin-Copus-paper.pdf

Abigail Witting leads on the wellness strategy for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, as their People and Culture Manager. Todays episode is all about providing an insight the practical steps you can take to create and maintain a culture of wellness. We also explored the importance of wellness and the consequences. A brave and honest insight that Abigail provided. Thank y...

Always a pleasure to sit down with Tim Jenkins, our Culture and Heritage Specialist Advisor. Today Tim helped us break down how to secure external funding. Specifically we discussed: scoping the project, choosing the right funder, complete the application and project implementation and evaluation.

Beth Horsley, is a Partner in Page Executive, specialising in permanent and interim technology recruitment. We sat down to discuss the challenges and solutions to the hunt for interim and permanent talent in IT in the public sector.

Sitting down with Chief Executive of Test Valley Borough Council , Andy Ferrier , we discussed "how to promote and protect democracy in local government" in this honest and interesting conversation that provides constructive advice to leaders throughout the sector on this important topic.

Today I sat down with Sam Fox , a Chartered Town Planner with 30 years’ experience of working in local government, currently providing consultancy and interim services for the public sector. Sam has extensive knowledge of how local government operates, which provides him with invaluable insights into how to run services, and how to successfully secure investment and grant funding within the sector...

Victoria Camp is Director - Climate at Local Partnership LLP. We are exploring solutions to the challenges that face parents who work. We discussed: Is work/life balance possible? How do you find your voice as a new parent? Victoria's career journey and how Local Partnerships and local government support families (and also some lessons learned) - when people are more important than policy! Playing...

Simon Fletcher wants to see a disruptor mentality utilised in local government to provide fresh new solutions to the problems the sector is facing. We explored the need for continual investment in culture as a starting point. The need to try a new approach when a solution previously utilised no longer works and then the need for the regional and national inter council collaboration to push project...

Great to sit down with Colin Copus, to discuss a new financial model for local government in the UK: a reflection on the sorts of financial and taxation powers commonplace for local government overseas, but lacking here. Is it time for a revolution of local government finances?

Today we sat down with Alex and Louise Jelley, who are Directors at Alpine Planning Ltd. We discussed how local authorities can properly resource planning functions to deliver on their large scale development and regeneration programs. The key points we covered were: The importance of political buy-in, and how to get it Proactivity. Looking for solutions not problems. Problems are easy to identify...