Becoming a Director of Policy in local government is a bold step into strategic leadership. This guide explores the essential skills you’ll need from political acuity to emotional intelligence and outlines what to prioritise in your first 100 days. With insights from senior officers and key statistics on sector challenges, it’s a practical roadmap for turning ambition into impact. Lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

The Director of HR in local government plays a vital role in shaping the future of public service. This is a leadership position that demands strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of workforce transformation. From using data to drive decisions to leading cultural change and championing inclusion, today’s HR leaders must be proactive, resilient, and people-focused. If you are ready to lead with purpose, this could be your next great chapter.

Public procurement now accounts for nearly a third of UK public spending, placing Directors of Procurement at the heart of public service delivery. With the Procurement Act 2023 in force, councils need leaders who combine strategic insight, commercial acumen, and a commitment to transparency and social value. This blog explores the skills needed to succeed, what to prioritise from day one, and the common pitfalls to avoid offering a roadmap for those ready to lead procurement

Digital transformation in local government is more than technology. It is a leadership challenge that demands bold thinking, inclusive design, and strategic vision. Directors of Technology must lead change that improves lives, from tackling legacy systems and building cyber resilience to driving data-led decisions and digital inclusion. With public expectations rising and satisfaction falling, the sector needs visionary leaders now more than ever.

Local government reorganisation is complex, but it’s also a chance to build smarter, more unified digital foundations. Success starts with a clear baseline: understanding your systems, risks, and opportunities. At RPNA, we offer a rapid, evidence-based approach to help councils define their “North Star” and build a practical roadmap for transformation. Thank you to Ashley Roper for his contribution on this important topic.

Stepping into the role of a Section 151 Officer is one of the most significant transitions in local government. Drawing on insights from experienced S151s across the UK, this guide shares five timely lessons to help new and aspiring officers navigate political complexity, build resilience, and lead with confidence. It’s not a checklist it’s a companion for one of the most critical roles in public service.

The debate over whether to insource  or outsource local government services is as old as the sector itself. From the wave of outsourcing...

For far too long, the narrative around local government finance has centred on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government...

As we approach 2026, Chief Executives in local government are navigating one of the most complex and high-pressure environments in recent...

Revenues and benefits teams are undergoing a transformation from transactional administrators to strategic leaders within local...

Section 114 notices are no longer rare events. As financial pressures mount across the local government sector from rising demand and...

In today’s complex and fast-changing local government environment, where councils are expected to do more with less, policy  is not just...

With inadequate funding to meet the ever-growing demands on public services, it has never been more critical for local government to...