View from the Hill - Leadership Insights from Public Service Professionals

In this episode of View from the Hill Podcast, we speak with Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, about leadership under pressure, accountability, and navigating change in the public sector. Pam shares her experiences of leading through challenging situations, reflecting on the personal resilience required when decisions are scrutinised and change can be uncomfortable. She discuss...

In this episode of View from the Hill Podcast, we speak with Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of Warwickshire Property and Development Group, about leadership, resilience, and building places that create lasting impact. Stuart reflects on his journey from graduate to leading a local authority trading company, sharing the moments he questioned whether he was ready for the next step and how he lear...

In this episode of  View from the Hill , we speak with Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, about leadership at a time of rapid change and transformation in local government. Amy reflects on what it means to lead at pace, building systems and structures in real time while delivering for communities. She shares her perspective on the confidence required to na...

In this episode of  View from the Hill , we speak with John Pearce, experienced Director of Children’s Services, about leadership during a period of significant change across children’s services. John reflects on the evolving landscape of children’s services, the complex decisions leaders are required to make, and the responsibility that comes with shaping outcomes for children, families, and comm...

In this episode of  View from the Hill,  we speak with  Mark Barrow, Interim Director of Place at East Devon District Council,  about leadership in local government and the responsibility of shaping places and communities. Mark reflects on the practical decisions that make a real difference in people’s lives, the challenges of leading across complex systems, and how leadership requires patience, p...

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Anisa Darr, Executive Director of Finance and Resources at the London Borough of Barnet, about leadership in the public sector and the moments that truly test you as a leader. Anisa reflects on the hardest calls of her career, the responsibility that comes when the buck really does stop with you, and how those moments shaped her leadership and c...

Welcome to the third episode of  View from the Hill , your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by  Julie Kelly, Corporate Director (DCS), Children’s Services at the London Borough of Hillingdon. Julie shares her reflections on leadership in children’s services, exploring how to navigate co...

Welcome to the fourth episode of View from the Hill, your window into leadership, recruitment, and the changing face of the public and not-for-profit sectors. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Alex Kubeyinje, National Director of Safeguarding for the Church of England. Alex brings a unique perspective on leadership in complex, high-accountability environments. This conversation explores...

Welcome to the second episode of  View from the Hill , your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Heather Sandy, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council. Heather brings a wealth of insight from her leadership in children’s services, sharing what drives her...

Welcome to the second episode of  View from the Hill , your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Theresa Leavy, who was serving as Executive Director for Children (DCS) at Dorset Council at the time of recording, and is now Interim Director of Children’s Services at Cheshire East Council...

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new podcast, View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape. In our first episode, we’re joined by Ana Popovici, who was Director of Children’s Services at the London Borough of Wandsworth at the time of recording and is now the Deputy Chief Executive Serving Richmond and Wand...