Truth about Local Government

Truth about Local Government

by Matt Masters

Navigating Civic Apathy: Unraveling Behavior Challenges affecting Local Government with Jackie Weaver

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 provided an opportunity to shine a light on parish and town councils and the important role they provide. Today we discussed navigating civic apathy: unravelling behaviour Challenges affecting Local Government. A honest conversation which had the following key takeaways: 1) The education system needs to provide children with an understanding as to how democracy works at a local level 2) Bad behaviour needs to be called and not tolerated straight away. 3) We need a new label to describe the 25-45 year old bracket, whom we are not attempting to engage with in local government, the term “young people” can be misleading as it normally draws the listener to the 16-20 year old bracket.

Navigating the Urban Landscape: Building Control at Manchester City Council with Mark Dickens

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, and one managing one of the two teams. Mark talked with passion why Manchester is a brilliant place to work and why anyone working in Building Control should look at the opportunities within Manchester.

How to have a positive return to work! Ft Clara Wilcox

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 the best practice? Why it’s important to have equity for return-to-work support – considering those who have breaks for bereavement, other caring responsibility, health needs. What you can do to support parents before they return (and before they leave!) The importance of a return-to-work induction and how to plan it. Clara Wilcox can be reached at hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk Thank you to RPNA for their continued support.

Local Leaders, Global Goals: Navigating the Path to Net Zero with Suzanne Malcolm.

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 central government. Finally, we looked to the future and to the significant challenges councils must overcome in order to get to net zero as councils and as places.

The changing role of the Councillor in local government with Colin Copus

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

Cultivating Wellness: Fostering a Culture of Wellbeing with Abigail Witting

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 you to Local Partnerships LLP for their ongoing support of the podcast and platform.

Securing external funding for your culture and heritage programs with Tim Jenkins

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.

Navigating the IT Talent Hunt: Overcoming Recruitment Challenges in the Digital Age with Beth Horsley

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.

How to promote and protect democracy in local government with Andy Ferrier

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.

How to balance the need to encourage inward investment with the constraints of the planning system to deliver effective place-shaping with Sam Fox

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. Today we discussed: “How to balance the need to encourage inward investment with the constraints of the planning system to deliver effective place-shaping.” The solution is bringing these competing roles within local government and central government together. This is something Sam has been grappling with throughout his 30 year career and he draws on some examples of this, from the local to the national level. The key topics we cover in our discussion are: · Working positively with innovators · The importance of holding onto what is right but being flexible if change is needed. · Strong local leadership is key · The importance of micro and small businesses · Nationally significant projects – the importance of team work - from No 10 to the local level!

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