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PODCAST

Truth about Local Government

Where Local Government Professionals Learn and Develop.https://www.truthaboutlocalgovernment.com/#YourGrowth #YourImpact #OurPassion.

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All Episodes

18:50

The Interim Edge: Staying Relevant in Local Government

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/30

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Olivia Treanor interviews Matt Masters to explore the evolving role of interim professionals and why staying relevant is critical in today’s local government landscape.Matt shares his perspective on what gives interims their edge, agility, fresh thinking, and the ability to drive change at pace. The conversation dives into how interims can remain indispensable by aligning with strategic priorities, embracing continuous learning, and building trust

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18:25

Unlocking Local Potential – Skills Reform and...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/30

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, about their latest report, Guarantee of Potential. The conversation explores how the UK can reform its skills system by adopting a whole systems approach integrating employment, health, education, and procurement at the local level.Joe explains how devolution, Integrated Care Systems, and the absorption of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) into councils are reshaping the landscape of local service delivery. He

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18:00

The Power of Storytelling in Local Politics: A...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/30

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we’re joined by Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, to explore the idea that politics is the art of competitive storytelling. Gavin shares his perspective on how council leaders must become the most credible and up-to-date source of information in their communities and how that credibility can be translated into trust, investment, and long-term buy-in from residents, partners, and stakeholders.We’ll discuss the evolving role of local

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19:42

Unlocking Value: Leveraging Public Estates to Tackle...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/28

As local government faces the twin pressures of financial constraint and structural reform, how can councils make smarter use of their property portfolios? In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Charles Maxlow-Tomlinson, a leading voice in public sector property asset strategy, to explore how local authorities can unlock the hidden value in their estates to manage and reduce debt.From rationalising assets to innovative financing models, Charles shares practical insights and real-world

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19:55

Setting Ambition in Local Government Reorganisation:...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/24

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore the bold ambitions that can and should be set when creating new organisations through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). With over two decades of experience in public service reform, Jon shares insights into how councils can move beyond structural change to deliver real transformation. We discuss the role of behavioural science, the EDGEWORK methodology, and what it takes to build resilient, future-ready

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21:30

Smarter Outcomes: Rethinking Value in Local Government

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/23

In this episode of Smarter Outcomes, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore a transformative idea in public service delivery: achieving better outcomes at lower cost. With local governments facing increasing pressure to do more with less, Jon shares insights from IMPOWER’s work across the UK, highlighting innovative approaches, behavioural science, and strategic partnerships that are reshaping how services are designed and delivered. We’ll unpack what “value” really

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20:36

Power, Place & Purpose: JP Spencer on Devolution,...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/23

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, I sit down with JP Spencer, Director of Devolution Policy at Labour Together, to explore the evolving landscape of devolution, mayoral leadership, and regional rebalancing in the UK.We unpack what meaningful devolution really looks like, the role of directly elected mayors in shaping local identity and accountability, and how Labour’s vision for local government could shift the balance of power across the country.Whether you're a council leader,

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19:57

Beyond Safe and Legal: Rethinking Local Government...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/22

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, to unpack the deeper truths behind Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Too often, LGR is treated as a technical exercise, focused on safely and legally creating new councils. But what if we saw it as a rare opportunity to truly transform how local democracy works?Jonathan challenges the status quo, arguing that simply replicating old systems in new structures is like rearranging deck chairs on a sinking

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21:39

The Cost of Cuts, The Power of Innovation: A Council...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/21

In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, at a time when local government funding is under intense scrutiny. With councils across the country facing deep financial pressures Kensington and Chelsea among them Cllr Campbell has been a vocal critic of the Government’s proposed funding reforms, which she argues unfairly penalize London boroughs.Amid these challenges, the Council has launched a groundbreaking £100 million initiative

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20:15

More Than a Tick Box: Rethinking Corporate...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/21

In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Natasha Whiles to explore the real meaning of Corporate Responsibility (CR) and why it’s far more than a tick-box exercise. Natasha shares her insights on how CR has evolved, its unique role within local government, and the importance of embedding it into organisational culture. From common pitfalls to practical strategies for optimisation, this conversation offers valuable guidance for leaders looking to make CR meaningful and impactful. Whether

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21:02

From Policy to Practice: Devolution, LGR, and the...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/17

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Bell, National Officer at UNISON and Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care at Lewisham Council. With a unique vantage point spanning national policy and local delivery, Paul shares insights into UNISON’s position on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution, as outlined in the union’s 2025 Devolution Protocol Report. We explore how devolution can empower communities—or risk fragmentation—depending on how it’s implemented. Paul also

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20:37

Inside the Planning Fix: Harborough’s Strategy to...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/15

In this episode we go behind the scenes with David Atkinson, Director of Planning and Regeneration at Harborough District Council, to explore how his team tackled one of local government’s toughest challenges: recruiting and retaining skilled planning professionals. While many councils continue to rely heavily on agency staff, Harborough has taken a different path—building a strong, permanent team from the ground up. David shares the council’s strategic approach, the cultural shifts that made it

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17:49

Connected Through Care: How No Isolation is...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/14

In this episode, we’re joined by Charles Hamilton and Rachael Taylor from No Isolation, a pioneering company using technology to tackle loneliness and social isolation—especially among children who are unable to attend school due to long-term illness or other challenges. We explore how their innovative solutions, like the AV1 telepresence robot, are transforming the way children stay connected to their classrooms, friends, and communities. This conversation dives into the real-world impact of their

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19:29

Future-Proofing Democracy: Attracting and Retaining...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/11

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we sit down with Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing local democracy today: how do we attract and retain new councillors—especially during times of local government reorganisation and devolution?As councils across the UK undergo structural changes and new authorities emerge, we ask: why should people still stand for election? What opportunities do these

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19:33

Grassroots Power: The Role of Town & Parish Councils...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/11

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we speak with Dr. Thomas Foreman, former Chief Executive and Town Clerk at Thorpe St Andrew Town Council and now a consultant supporting local government and regulators across England and Wales.With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) reshaping the landscape, we explore the evolving role of Town and Parish Councils. Drawing on his frontline experience and consultancy insights, Thomas shares how these councils are responding to change, the

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17:52

Shaping Place, Shaping Futures: How Torbay Council...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, we sit down with Anne-Marie Bond, Chief Executive of Torbay Council, and Jim Parker, Chair of the Torquay Place Leadership Board, to explore how a clear and compelling place narrative can drive successful regeneration. Discover the strategies behind Torbay’s approach, the role of leadership and collaboration, and the tangible impact on place-shaping aspirations.

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19:18

Digging deep: Mental Fitness Techniques with Beth Carr

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/07

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, mental fitness coach Beth Carr explores how local government professionals can build resilience and emotional strength in demanding roles. Beth shares practical, science-backed techniques to help listeners manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and foster psychological safety in their teams. Through real-world examples and reflective insights, she encourages public servants to “dig deep” into their values and habits to create sustainable mental

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8:11

Why LATCOs Need the Right NEDs – A Conversation with...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/04

In this episode, we explore the critical role of governance in local authority trading companies (LATCOs). Host, Matt Masters sits down with Mark Beacom, Partner in the Board, Real Estate & Financial Officers Practices, to discuss:Why LATCOs need the right Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)How to recruit and structure effective boardsThe risks of poor governanceWhat good governance looks like in practiceReal-world examples and lessons learned

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18:40

Fractional Futures: Rethinking Leadership & Resource...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/06/17

In this episode, the podcast explores how fractional leadership—where experienced professionals work part-time or on a project basis—can transform local government operations, especially in the built environment sector. David Goodwin discusses how councils and public sector bodies can benefit from accessing high-level expertise without the cost or commitment of full-time hires.Key themes likely include:The concept of fractional leadership and how it differs from traditional roles.Benefits for local

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20:23

Digging Deep: How to manage stress with Beth Carr

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/06/16

In this episode, well-being strategist Beth Carr explores the nature of stress, how it’s measured, and how local government professionals can manage it more effectively. She explains the difference between acute and chronic stress, introduces both subjective and objective ways to measure it, and highlights the unique pressures faced in public service roles. Beth shares practical strategies—from mindfulness to organisational culture shifts—to help individuals and teams build resilience. Her key

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327 results

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