Truth about Local Government

On todays episode we explored Hammersmith and Fulham's approach to tackling the climate crisis. This topic was structured into three areas.1. Embedding climate change in everything we do2. How we engage and inspire climate action in H&F3. The challenge of implementing our action plan, the role of LAs and the opportunities

Great to sit down with Dave Briggs - Interim Director of Digital and ICT Services. We discussed How strategy, structure and programs can help deliver cost savings and transformation of processes, providing the best outcomes for consumers and external stakeholders, This was broken down into:Agree your vision (goals, principles, areas of focus etc. What is it you actually want to achieve?)Structure your team (which skills and roles do you need to have within your structure, what compromises might smaller organisations have to make, etc)Make things happen (discovering work, prioritising work, putting foundations in place, funding, etc)

James Lazarus is a highly successful development and regeneration specialist who has worked in the private and third sector, before recently transitioning into local government. We explored how partnerships and leverage drive the realisation of value in development schemes. James goes onto explain, that this means organisations with the assets typically land owners, using partners typically from the Private sector to bring in the appropriate resources: particularly expertise, finance and people who will probably have a different skills and mind set from those in the landowning entity. Commonly, these will be Local Authorities although this was also a model that CRT, a charity have followed successfully. Other benefits including mitigating risk. I use the very simple analogy” is it better to have the whole of five or half of ten”. I would argue the latter because if something goes wrong your exposure is less.

Sitting down with Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, the second largest unitary council in the UK, we explored local government's role in the present and what it may be in the future. As it currently stands local government funding does not match the role that it does. Key takeaways from Tom:We need a white paper on local governmentBusiness rates need to be examined far more frequentlyThere needs to be clarity on the role of local government and how that works with other organisation responsibilities.We need reform of the finance system.Place needs to become a statutory responsibility to see economic growth and regeneration prioritised.

Sitting down with Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, the second largest unitary council in the UK, we explored local government's role in the present and what it may be in the future. As it currently stands local government funding does not match the role that it does. Key takeaways from Tom:We need a white paper on local governmentBusiness rates need to be examined far more frequentlyThere needs to be clarity on the role of local government and how that works with other organisation responsibilities.We need reform of the finance system.Place needs to become a statutory responsibility to see economic growth and regeneration prioritised.

It was great to sit down with Jamie Groves and to talk how leisure services being outsourced to a LATCO, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has improved leisure facilities significantly in Denbighshire, thanks to Alliance Leisure.. We explored the leisure framework and the benefits that this new framework has. The question for local authorities is whether right now is the time to insource, is their the skills and resource to make this a cost effective and fundamentally viable internal leisure function. Or, is the leisure framework a way to help promote your economy, health and infrastructure for the community. Contact John Leaver for more information on the framework and what it can do for your council. [email protected]

Valentines Lido will be a breathtaking new lido in the hart of Valentines park. It is just one example of how the London Borough of Redbridge is delivering on its pledge to make Redbridge a place for everyone. Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture gives me a tour as to the other achievements and discusses how the council is delivering so many fantastic schemes and truly engaging with the public at every stage. Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration said “Our borough is a great place to live, work, and visit, and we’re continuing to invest in leisure facilities so local families and visitors can access everything they need right on our doorstep.The new lido will provide a sustainable, fun, and social place for people to exercise in the great outdoors, while boosting our local economy and restoring the heritage of Valentines Park. As well as a new swimming pool, we’re proposing to create a splashpad for children, a café, a gym, and studio space so Valentines Park can become a hub for our local communities to meet, exercise and enjoy.”https://engage.redbridge.gov.uk/valentines-lido

.Interviewing Tony Keaveney, Assistant Director Housing Services at Central Bedfordshire District Council his passion, knowledge and authenticity really brings the housing crisis to light.Councils need to be able to increase rents if services are to be delivered in line with standards set by central government. And central government needs to be consistent with their policies and leadership when it comes to housing.

Today we sat down with Tom Smith Head of Facilities at the London Borough of Ealing.We explored:What is facilities?How does facilities affect the community?What does working in local government mean to you?Insourcing versus outsourcing?

Great to interview Nick Lamb, a experienced Regeneration leader who since transitioning to the public sector has completed interim assignments with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council and Lancaster City Council. On todays episode we explored:Transition from Private to public – adaptation – LA’s fantastic platform to deliver transformational changeRole of property/assets in LA acting as enabler to deliver better services, address homelessness, young people leaving care, adults, accessibility/mobility needs etcCross service-line working – functions within directorate – efficiency of resourceProcurement, governance and politicsRegeneration – about people and places – adding social value and how to monitor and measure it.Funding – good but poorly allocated (timing of spend)

An employee value proposition (EVP) is the unique set of benefits that an employee receives in return for the skills, capabilities, and experience they bring to a company. An EVP is about defining the essence of your company – how it is unique and what it stands for. It encompasses the central reasons that people are proud and motivated to work there, such as the inspiring vision or distinctive culture. It is crucial to make sure your EVP is unique, relevant, and compelling. When integrated into all aspects of a business, a strong EVP will help retain top performers and attract the best external talent.Great to talk to Lucy Ponder who heads up the HR Advisory Service for Page.

Interview with Wayne Bexton - Director of Green Growth, Investment and Assets at Nottinghamshire County Council and Chair D2N2 Low Carbon Board. We explored:Role of LAs in enhancing and protecting the environment.Managing estates more efficiently and aligned to new ways of working.Carbon Neutrality aligned with economic regeneration.Building Retrofit – domestic and commercial.Devolution opportunities.

Passion, pride and proactive, that is how I would describe Weymouth Town Council's Town Clerk Jane Biscombe. We had a fantastic chat talking about all the amazing things that Weymouth are delivering. The excellent working relationship with Dorset Council; and the need for central government to amend the carers allowance to include town and parish councils.

.Elaine Atkinson was the Leader of the Borough of Poole, now part of the BCP Unitary Council from May 1995 - June 2016. With just over 21 year local government service under her belt, she gave a valuable insight to some of the challenges that are facing local government.

Public health is a strategic service within local government. It is involved in shaping strategies, providing data and intelligence, designing evaluation criteria and defining outcomes from the outset of all key projects1. The transfer of public health from the NHS to local government and Public Health England (PHE) is one of the most significant extensions of local government powers and duties in a generation3. Public health in local government can make a real, large-scale difference to promoting the independence of people with long-term chronic conditions, preventing ill health, improving people’s lives and wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities4.Glenn is passionate about driving population change to provides better outcomes for the community that he serves.Together we covered:· What is public health?· Why it is useful for PH to be in LA’s · Challenges of being in LA’s· The future issues public health will have to face.

I sat down with Ashley Prior to explore his journey through local government of his 40+ year career. We explored how local government relating to highways has changed on a micro and macro level. The strengths of local government highways departments. His experience of leadership, training of staff and the utilisation of consultancies. Three key take away points: 1) Highway processes and structures need to be simplified 2) Consultancy plans need to manage, but not be crippled by risk. 3) Investing into the training of the highways workers of tomorrow, is vital for highways functions to deliver now and in the future.

Aidan Rave is a passionate advocate of governance and local government. He was formerly Chief Executive at South Kesteven District Council SKDC and Deputy Mayor of Doncaster Council.We explored governance, its role within local government, the context as to why governance might be slipping and what can be done to maintain high standards of governance within local government.A really insightful and thoughtful leader who offered a unique insight into the art of local government governance.If any of my network are looking for extra support around governance, Aidan is best reached via LinkedIn or via the Good Governance Institute.

Sitting down with Cllr Keith Girling, who is currently the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management at Nottinghamshire County Council, it is clear to see why Nottinghamshire has the second highest rate of gold star employers of the Armed Forces Covenant scheme. Keith served for 18 years in the Grenadier Guards as a Colour Sergeant and his passion on ensuring armed forces workers are not disadvantaged is a role he not only enjoys and is passionate about, but is a fantastic template for all other councils in the UK as to how they can take the steps to ensuring armed forces workers are not disadvantaged due to their service.He currently represents the Newark West Division and he is the Armed Forces Champion for Nottinghamshire.This episode focuses on Keith's role as Armed forces champion and we discussed the following specific points.Discuss the covenant and what it means to councilsHow different councils interpret the covenantand how councils within Nottinghamshire could better work together so that where ever you live you get the same treatment.

Andy Sharp, Director of Social Care, Health & Housing at Central Bedfordshire provides some really insightful observations into the challenges and pressures local authorities are facing in local government. We talked prioritisation of spend and the new regulatory changes to adult social services. Central Bedfordshire are doing some great work to invest now into their care facilities to help reduce future stress on the service and system in the future.

Sitting down with Lawrence Conway, the former Chief Executive at South Lakeland District Council, talking about the need for fundamental transformational change within local government. The factors that need to be addressed before true change can take place and why change has not been wide spread engaged with at this point in local government.

Today I spoke with Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth at Brent Council. Vice Chair of London Labour Regional Board. LGA Resources Board Member. LGA Labour Peer. We covered in todays episode:Why housing is a critical issue and setting the sceneDifficulties councils face - austerity; policy; expectationsWhat needs to change in planning and the housing sectorWhy housing is political minefieldWhat Brent is getting right that others can learn from.A bit about Shama. When my parents came to this country, they had everything thrown at them. They believed that in society we all look after each other and that if someone fell we should be there to help them stand again.I remember being told at school that I could not pursue the career I wanted because of who I am and where I was from. That gave me the determination to have my voice heard and that of other young people.Labour transformed my life. Better school buildings, getting into university and working as a teacher where every child did matter. Sure Start helped me when I needed it most, my daughter getting on the savings ladder with the Child Trust Fund and my late husband receiving outstanding cancer care.My story will be not that different from the thousands of families in Watford. People who just want the opportunity and chance to do better, to get on.As a Labour councillor for 8 years, I have helped shape and deliver a Labour Manifesto. With very little, we have been able to create great things. Making a difference to people.From new council homes, to building new medical centres, special schools and adult education centres. Supporting local businesses, high streets and creating employment opportunities. But more importantly, people have a voice and involvement in the decisions that impact their lives. That is what Labour can do in power.Our communities need a Labour government. Watford needs a Labour MP. Someone who will fight for its NHS and hospital, for better public transport, for affordable housing and protections for leaseholders.I work hard for residents. I campaign all year round speaking to voters, addressing their concerns and being their voice. I will be a Labour MP that will work with all our members, our councillors and all communities.

Today we sat down with Mark Davies, Chief Executive at Lancaster City Council. Mark started his career in the public sector as a building cleaner. He has progressed through roles that always focused on delivering better outcomes. He believes we have a massive part to play in addressing climate change and tackling the inequalities that exist in our communities. In his role he works with Elected Members, our dedicated staff, residents and partners to show the positive difference Local Government can make.We explored in todays episode:Why work for a Council?The different entry routes available to local government.What’s the difference we as a local authority can make?The ambition Lancaster has to tackle climate change.I was struck by how humble and passionate Mark was. He is the perfect example of how a positive attitude and a true belief in the importance of public service can lead to a rewarding and stimulating career in local government.

Energetic, pragmatic and passionate. That is how I would describe Megan's approach to securing the best possible outcomes for local government and how to succeed in local government. A bright star to watch out for!

Really enjoyed sitting down with Richard Auger former Leader of Daventry District Council and County Council representative for former Northamptonshire County Council. A well rounded conversation that can be summarised by stating, "local government politics is about cross party, shared purpose, but cross party politics."

Fantastic to sit down with Andrew Pollard former Chief Exec of two LATCOs - Place Partnership in the Midlands and BD Group in London. We explored what LATCOs are, the pitfalls and challenges councils face setting up and running LATCOs; and, the opportunities that exist utilising LATCOs.

Former Cllr Roy Perry formed the Vision for Hampshire 2050 Commission of Inquiry during his time as Leader of Hampshire County Council and now continues to be Chair and represents the Division of Romsey Rural.Roy was first elected to Hampshire County Council in 2005 and was Leader of the County Council from May 2013 to May 2019. From 2010-2013 he was Executive Lead Member for Childrens Services. Hampshire, with a population of 1.3 million is the third most populous county in Britain with a County Council budget of approximately £2bn p.a.From 1979 - 1995 he was a member of Test Valley Borough Council, Chairman of Planning from 1983 -1985, and Leader between 1985 - 1994.At a national level he is Vice-Chairman of the Children and Young People Board of the Local Government Association.From 1994 to 2004, he was a Member of the European Parliament, initially for Wight and Hampshire South and then as one of the 11 MEPs for South East England. He was Conservative spokesman on the Parliament Culture and Education Committee and Vice President of the Petitions Committee.We talked all things local government episode. Roy was honest and articulate gave some really interesting insights.

Sitting down today with Robin Porter, Chief Executive at Luton Council, his passion and commitment to improving the lives of the people was clear to see. The council is leading the town-wide vision to ensure that by 2040 Luton is to be a healthy, fair and sustainable town, where everyone can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.This Luton 2040 vision has been created by residents and partners across our town and was first launched in October 2020. The first phase of the vision was focussed on responding to the immediate challenges we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.Over the past few years businesses, public sector, voluntary and community sector organisations, as well as residents, have worked together to overcome these challenges and lay the foundations for us to achieve this shared long term vision.

Born in Northampton, Jonathan Nunn grew up in a family who ran small businesses in the town, and himself has a career history spanning both corporate environments and smaller businesses, mainly working in the areas of Business Development and in Management Training & Development.In 2016 Jonathan became Leader of Northampton Borough Council, and in 2021 Leader of the new West Northants Unitary Council, which delivers all local authority services to 405,000 residents across the Northampton, South Northants and Daventry area.Jonathan’s passion is for economic development and regeneration across West Northants and the South East Midlands, seeing prosperity and a good environment as fundamental building blocks of a good quality of life.

Thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with Paul Cracknell - Executive Director of Transformation and Strategy at Norfolk County Council.

Sean Harris has been the Chief Executive of One Source, Bolton Council, London Borough of Harrow, London Borough of Lambeth. He now provides strategic leadership support and training to councils across the UK. We explored:LeadershipHow to work effectively with the political sphere of local government to achieve positive outcomes for the community.PartnershipsChallenges facing the sector.

Excellent to sit down with Chris Hossack, former Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, 2019 - 2023 and Chairman of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA). He also sat on the Thames Estuary Growth Board and of Opportunity South Essex, taking a keen interest in regional growth, infrastructure and investment. We discussed why community should be at the heart of local government decision making.

In response to the BCC article on the sunshine millionaire and the £130M that was apparently defrauded from Thurrock Council, I voice my opinions on the obligations that main stream media has to probe into why these situations are arising. Serious change is needed to the funding model in the UK for local authorities. The media needs to support this rather than only reporting only drama and sensationalised news stories.

So much of what leadership revolves around is integrity and a strong moral compass to allow your team to buy into your vision and you as a leader. Rob Moran former Chief Executive of Elmbridge Borough Council, is a great example of leadership and in our conversation we explored the challenges facing local government, the lessons he took from his years as a local government leader and the renaissance local government is experiencing at the present time.

Fantastic episode today speaking with Stephen Young about transformation, levelling up, funding pressures, inward investment and his personal career journey. What a leader! Halton is in safe hands.

Great to sit down with Helen to discuss the challenges facing town councils at the present time.

Today I sat down with John Sadler - Head of Property at Derby City Council to explore his career in local government. What excellent career opportunities there are for people with the right mind set in local government; and finally, the challenges John and his team tackle and what he takes from the job. If you are interested in supporting SUSO - please email [email protected]

Really enjoyed sitting down with Cathy Palmer to discuss how she has helped lead Wirral Council's regeneration schemes. Lots of exciting opportunities at the Wirral and a great example of how funding can help future proof communities by ensuring that the area retains its identity and gives tourist a reason to visit.

I had a fantastic experience sitting down with Alison North - Deputy Chief Executive at Director Internal Operations at Somerset West and Taunton Council. She has a really interesting proposition, change and continuous improvement is most effective when you focus on specific and detailed outcomes, that are simple. If you do this both members and officers can work together to bring together some really exciting outcomes.

A fantastic way to start the week! Sitting down with Eugene Minogue - Executive Director of Play England and Local Government Executive Interim Consultant to discuss the causation behind the decline of playgrounds in the UK and the solutions to resolving this important issue.

Really interesting discussion with Peter Holt, Chief Executive at Uttlesford District Council exploring the 2023 National Risk Register. We explore national trends, the local challenges Uttlesford face and discuss the need for clear communication from central government.

It was great to sit down with Chris O'Brien today - Recruitment Manager at Derbyshire County Council to talk about his journey and the way in which Derbyshire approaches recruitment to attract the best talent.

S114s, what are they? What has been done to prevent them and what do we need to do moving forwards?

Today I spoke with Kelsie Wall to explore the role that SEN Caseworkers have in local government. Really interesting episode, particularly regarding the cost of engaging independent schools to step in where there are not enough spaces within local authority run schools.

It was really exciting to sit down with Mark Watkins, Interim Director of Law for a number of councils, to discuss the challenges facing local authorities legal services at the present time.

We wanted to share why the Truth About Local Government podcast and platform was created.

In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Caplan, current Interim Director of Property at Pembrokeshire Council. I have known Steve for a number of years, he is one of the most capable and respected property leaders, having led property functions at Derby City Council, Chesterfield, Shropshire and Bracknell Councils. Before joining local government Steve had worked across and led as a Director a number of client side and consultancy businesses.Therefore, we felt that Steve could offer a really insightful and balanced view to the challenges affecting local government property functions. Questions explored: - What do you think is the biggest challenge facing council property departments at the present time?- What are the biggest opportunities for councils at the present time?- Can you explain to the listeners, how and why councils made the decision to invest in property.- Do you think that property is viewed as an asset or liability?- Has Covid made any changes?- Why did you make the transition to work in local government having been so successful in the private sector?

A summary addressing Birmingham City Council's gender liability pay out, funding gap and OFLOG.