Truth about Local Government

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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19:05

From the Ground Up: Rethinking Local Government with...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/06/13

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Murphy, Chief Executive of Collaborate CIC, to explore their newly finalised report for Test Valley on the case for community and neighbourhood approaches to Local Government Reorganisation. Rebecca shares insights into why this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset how local government operates—moving away from outdated New Public Management models and toward people-powered, place-based systems.We discuss what’s working well in communities already

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18:40

Navigating Commercial Asset Management in Local...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/05/30

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Alex Gee, Senior Consultant at CIPFA, to explore the critical role of commercial asset management during periods of local government reorganisation. As councils across the UK face structural changes, the effective management of commercial property portfolios becomes more important than ever.Alex shares practical advice for local government officers on how to assess, consolidate, and strategically manage assets to ensure long-term financial sustainability

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20:04

Steering the Ship: Governance in Times of Local...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/05/30

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of local government with two leading voices in the field: Aidan Rave, Partner at the Good Governance Institute, and Peter Ware, Partner and Head of Government Sector at Browne Jacobson. Together, we explore how local authorities can maintain strong governance during periods of significant transition—whether through local government reorganisation, devolution, or political shifts.Our guests share practical insights and real-world examples on:The

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18:20

Digging Deep: Unearthing Wellness with Beth Carr

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/05/19

In this episode, we sit down with Beth Carr, a renowned Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach, to explore the profound journey of embracing wellness. Beth shares her insights on why it's essential to dig beneath the surface to truly understand and achieve health. We discuss practical strategies to incorporate wellness into your daily routine, helping you unlock your full potential. Get ready to grab your spade and start digging into what makes you well, and how you can integrate these practices into

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20:10

Resilience in Reorganisation: Andrew Pritchard's...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/05/19

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Andrew Pritchard, Chief Executive at Runnymede Borough Council, to explore the emotional journey and challenges that come with local government reorganisation. Andrew shares his honest and heartfelt story about dedicating himself to his role at Somerset West and Taunton Council, putting his all into the organisation, only to face redundancy. He opens up about the incredible challenges this brought, both professionally and personally, and how he navigated

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