Interim officers in local government face high-pressure roles with limited time to deliver results. This guide from The Truth About Local Government explores how interims can build lasting legacies and prove their impact through sustainable systems, talent development, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes. Learn how to leave behind more than fixes: leave behind momentum, credibility, and change that lasts.

Discover what 400 senior local government officers say are the most valued and most damaging traits in interim professionals heading into 2026. This thought leadership piece explores emerging trends, behavioural expectations, and practical advice for contractors seeking to lead with impact, build legacy, and thrive in high-pressure environments. Essential reading for interims working in UK councils.

This blog explores the strategic use of interim resource in UK local government, arguing that while interim professionals offer vital expertise, their deployment must be intentional, time-limited, and aligned with organisational goals. With councils facing a £4.3bn funding shortfall in 2025/26, unchecked interim spend risks undermining stability and value for money. The article calls for a six-month limit on vacancy cover and embeds interim use within broader workforce planni

Interim recruitment in local government is fast-paced and often unclear. Success depends on understanding the process, asking smart questions, tailoring your CV, and acting with integrity. Exclusivity is rare always confirm it. Know how rates are set, be strategic, and value consistency over chasing high day rates. Be patient after submission, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and follow up professionally. Build trust, deliver value, and you’ll not just get roles, you’ll bui

Local government is under pressure like never before. With rising demand, shrinking budgets, and constant political scrutiny, councils across the UK are increasingly turning to interim leaders to deliver results fast. But not all interims are created equal. In fact, as Matthew Masters, Business Director and host of The Truth About Local Government  podcast, points out: “More money is spent on interims in local government than there is money spent on interims in the NHS, blue

In today’s rapidly evolving local government landscape, staying relevant isn’t just a professional advantage it’s a necessity. With financial pressures mounting, structural reforms underway, and expectations shifting, interim professionals must continuously adapt to remain impactful and in demand. In a recent episode of Truth About Local Government , Matthew Masters Business Director and host was interviewed by Olivia Treanor, a specialist in interim recruitment across the Mi

The world of interim management plays a vital, though often underappreciated, role in supporting the UK’s local government sector. Interim professionals are experienced leaders who step into organisations during times of change, uncertainty, or transition bringing with them not only expertise, but also the ability to deliver calm, clarity, and results under pressure. For senior professionals considering a move from permanent employment into interim work, the decision can feel

One of the most frequent questions I’m asked as an executive recruiter is: “ How are you finding the market at the moment?”  It’s a fair question and one that’s becoming increasingly complex to answer. Over the past year, I’ve had countless conversations with both interim professionals and hiring managers about the subtle but significant shifts in local government recruitment. These aren’t the kind of changes that make headlines, but they are reshaping how councils engage tal

Over the past decade, I’ve worked closely with councils across the UK to place interim leaders in critical roles often during times of uncertainty, transformation, or urgent need. One myth I’ve seen steadily dismantled is the idea that interim executives are simply there to “hold the fort” until a permanent appointment is made. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, interim leaders are brought in to lead complex transitions, stabilise services, and deliver results of

Developing a Resourcing Strategy in Local Government A resourcing strategy in local government is far more than a recruitment plan. It is a comprehensive framework for building and sustaining a workforce that is agile, resilient, and aligned with the council’s long-term vision and service priorities. It encompasses how you attract, recruit, deploy, develop, and retain talent in a way that supports both day-to-day service delivery and broader organisational transformation. In