We throw around the phrase “future ready”  a lot in local government. It appears in strategies, transformation plans, and funding bids....

Furniture poverty is not a term that immediately springs to mind when one considers the crises facing the UK today. It lacks the urgency...

In the latest episode of Truth About Local Government , I sat down with Owen Jenkins, Executive Director of Place at Surrey County...

In the latest episode of Truth About Local Government , I sat down with Rob Noonan from the University of Chester to explore a...

In its May 2025 report titled “ The Anatomy of Mission Critical Neighbourhoods ,”  the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods laid bare...

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

In today’s fast-moving, hyper-connected world, where public trust in institutions is increasingly fragile and attention spans are...

Introduction: A Crisis and an Opportunity We in local government are facing one of the most complex and demanding periods in recent...

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

In the ever-evolving landscape of local government, reorganisation is often framed as a technical exercise a structural reshuffle...

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

Letting go of validation and embracing your unique leadership style in local government In the world of local government, where...

At first glance, the phrase “Better outcomes should cost less”  might sound like a lofty aspiration perhaps even an overly idealistic...

In the evolving landscape of British politics, few issues are as pressing or as promising as the question of devolution. As the United...

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

Local government in the UK stands at a critical juncture. With reorganisation efforts gaining momentum across the country, the sector...