Becoming a Chief Executive in local government is a major leadership leap one that demands strategic thinking, political acumen, and authentic leadership. This blog explores what aspiring Chief Executives need to know to prepare, what to prioritise on day one, and what to avoid. Drawing on insights from experienced leaders, it offers practical advice on building trust, shaping culture, and leading with confidence in a complex system.

Stepping into the role of Director of Highways and Infrastructure isn’t just about managing roads it’s about leading with vision, shaping communities, and delivering public value. From strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to climate resilience and workforce development, this blog explores what aspiring leaders need to know, think about, and avoid to thrive in one of local government’s most impactful roles.

The Golden Triangle of governance: Monitoring Officer, Section 151 Officer, and Head of Paid Service, is the foundation of council success. When these statutory roles collaborate effectively, councils achieve financial stability, legal compliance, and public trust. But when cohesion breaks down, the consequences can be severe. This blog explores what each role needs to excel, how to foster collaboration, and why getting it right is essential for resilient local government.

In 1995, the UK government responded to the “cash-for-questions” scandal a moment that shook public confidence in elected officials by...

The Director of Housing is one of the most influential roles in local government combining strategic leadership, technical compliance, and community impact. Success means mastering financial oversight, political navigation, and resident engagement, while avoiding pitfalls like rushed change and micromanagement. It’s not just about managing homes it’s about shaping lives with empathy, integrity, and purpose. Lead with confidence, grounded in truth and fairness.

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.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Councillor John Merry CBE shares how cities can lead the charge in meeting the UK’s target of 1.5 million new homes. From the transformation of Salford Quays to the role of Key Cities, John emphasises the need for public-private partnerships, planning certainty, and building communities not just homes. “We need to build the infrastructure… not just properties in an empty field.”

Cathy Palmer, Director of Regeneration Delivery at Walker Sime, joins the Truth About Local Government podcast to explore why some masterplans succeed while others fail. Drawing on her experience in both local government and consultancy, Cathy highlights the importance of early-stage alignment, strong governance, realistic funding, and community engagement. She shares lessons from projects like Birkenhead 2040 and Bolton, offering practical insights for regeneration leaders.

In local government, change is constant, but grief is often ignored. Whether it’s a council merger, a building closure, or leadership transition, emotional loss must be acknowledged. Without space to say goodbye, staff and communities struggle to embrace the future. This blog explores why grief matters, how to support transitions, and why emotionally intelligent leadership is key to sustainable change.

Warwickshire County Council has quietly delivered one of the UK’s most successful local rail transformations, five new stations, one million journeys a year, and a strategic role in shaping regional services. From bold vision to technical delivery, their story is a blueprint for councils nationwide. As Mark Ryder puts it: “Success breeds success. If you can take that into new organisations, you unlock even greater potential.”

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.

West Northamptonshire’s LGR journey is not just a story of structural change it’s a story of cultural alignment, operational resilience, and strategic clarity. What emerged from the OPUS People Solutions event was a powerful narrative of how a newly formed council can move from fragmentation to cohesion, and from uncertainty to confidence.

Stepping into the Head of Planning role is both a privilege and a challenge. In 2025, planning departments face high application volumes, recruitment struggles, and low public trust. This blog offers practical, anonymous advice from experienced leaders covering strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, and operational efficiency. A must-read for those shaping places and leading planning services with purpose.

This blog offers practical, experience-based advice for new and aspiring Directors of Place in UK local government. Drawing on sector insights and anonymous reflections from seasoned leaders, it explores strategic leadership, relationship-building, cross-directorate collaboration, and the importance of bold decision-making amid financial and structural reform. Readers are invited to share their own tips via info@truthaboutlocalgovernment.com.

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.

In a time of rising demand, shrinking budgets, and workforce shortages, local government finance directors face a new challenge: building resilient teams that can thrive under pressure. This blog explores how to recruit, retain, and empower finance professionals, not just to survive the storm, but to lead through it.

Local government is facing storm after storm, from broken funding models to political upheaval and digital hostility. But like the bison, the only animal that runs into the storm, we must face these challenges head-on. This is not the time for passivity. It’s time to lead with courage, clarity, and collective purpose. Be the bison. Run towards the storm. That’s where transformation begins.

Warwickshire’s Skills Hub is a leading example of how local government can drive inclusive, future-ready growth. Through strategic partnerships, tailored business support, and a focus on SEND and neurodiverse employment, the Hub has grown from a £100k initiative to a £14m operation. Its success offers practical lessons for councils navigating reorganisation and devolution, showing how to build a resilient, skilled local workforce.