Recruitment in local government is too often treated as a reactive, transactional process fill the vacancy, tick the box, move on. But...

In today’s local government landscape, recruitment and retention have become increasingly complex. With rising competition for talent,...

Introduction: Why Neurodiversity Matters in Local Government Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and respects neurological...

In local government, recruitment is far more than a transactional process of filling vacancies. It is a strategic endeavour that shapes...

Telephone interviews have become a standard part of the recruitment process, particularly for initial screening stages or roles that...

As local authorities across the UK continue to face acute and persistent skills shortages particularly in specialist professional roles...

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

Local government is not just a tier of administration - it is the living, breathing interface between democracy and daily life. It is...

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 UK government’s long-anticipated Fair Funding Review 2.0 , released in June 2025, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of...

In today’s complex and fast-evolving public service landscape, local authorities are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less...

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

Working in local government has never been for the faint-hearted. It’s a space defined by complexity, scrutiny, and constant change. But...

In today’s local authorities, it’s increasingly common to find Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z working...

In the face of a growing national recruitment crisis within local government planning departments, Harborough District Council  has...

For professionals who have never worked in local government, the idea of transitioning into the sector can seem daunting. However, with...

When elected members are involved in senior appointments, the stakes are high. These decisions shape the future of the organisation,...