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PODCAST

Truth about Local Government

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

government

All Episodes

20:48

Culture as Catalyst: How Values-Driven Leadership...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/13

In this we had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Riley, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Barrett Values Centre, to explore the transformative power of organisational culture. Emma shares insights from her work at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and values, highlighting how culture can be a driving force in successful change processes. The conversation delves into the Barrett Values Centre’s approach to cultural transformation, the role of values in leadership, and how organisations can

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20:23

Hull Forward: Leadership, Infrastructure, and...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/12

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters sits down with Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, to explore the city’s ambitious plans for infrastructure, regeneration, and inclusive growth. Mike shares his personal journey into politics, the values that guide his leadership, and the council’s vision for a “cleaner, safer and fairer” Hull.Listeners will hear about:Hull’s £42 million infrastructure investment plan and the push for government supportKey regeneration

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22:22

Why Transformation Often Fails Within Local Government

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/07

Transformation is often seen as the fix for inefficiencies and budget pressures in local government, but many programmes fail to deliver lasting change. In this episode, Claire Symonds, Ashley Roper, and Meena Kishinani explore why. Claire Symonds (ex-Redbridge CEO) argues that transformation must be a continuous mindset, not a time-limited project. She highlights how vital leadership is in successful transformations.Ashley Roper (RPNA) warns against tech-led change without clear outcomes. He

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19:54

Unlocking the Hidden Value: Rethinking Data in Social...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/05

In this episode we sit down with Alexander Mileman, Founder of Achieving for Action to explore the transformative potential of the Social Care Value Index project. They discuss how local authorities are sitting on a goldmine of data that could radically improve outcomes in social care if only it were used more effectively. From identifying what truly works to exposing inefficiencies, this conversation challenges the sector to rethink how it measures value and impact. Alexander shares insights from

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22:33

Cambridge at the Crossroads: Growth, Justice and the...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/05

In this episode, we speak with Councillor Cameron Holloway, the Leader of Cambridge City Council, about the exciting developments and pressing challenges facing one of the UK’s most iconic cities. From government-backed growth ambitions to acute infrastructure constraints, Holloway shares his vision for a fairer, greener Cambridge. We explore how the council is tackling poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring that residents have a real say in shaping their city’s future. With national

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28:21

Incremental Creep in Governance – Why It Matters More...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/03

This special crossover episode features Matt Masters, host of The Truth About Local Government, in conversation with Kirsty Hunt, host of Governance Matters a podcast produced by South East Employers that explores the building blocks of good governance in local government.In Season 2, Episode 5, Matt interviews Kirsty to unpack the concept of incremental creep the slow, often unnoticed erosion of governance standards in councils. The discussion explores how small compromises in transparency,

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19:39

Beyond Boundaries: Leadership, Culture and the Future...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/03

In this energising episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils, and the driving force behind the Public Sector Challenge. Together, they explore:The origins and evolution of the Public Sector Challenge as a movement for wellbeing, resilience and connection.Lessons from merging two councils without shared boundaries — and why culture, communication and shared systems matter.The

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22:43

Ride the Wave: Local Growth, Fiscal Responsibility,...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/11/03

In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to discuss Ride the Wave a major new project supported by CIPFA and Core Cities. The report explores how local authorities can balance the government’s push for locally led growth with the need for fiscal responsibility, especially in the context of urban renewal and investment risk.Joe also shares a preview of two upcoming Localis projects: one on digital integration during local authority mergers, and another

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17:16

Independent but Influential: The Power of Non-Party...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/31

In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Hannah Dalton, Independent Councillor and Leader of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, to explore the unique and often underappreciated role of independent councillors in the UK’s local government system. They discuss the challenges of operating outside party politics, the opportunities for community-led decision-making, and how independents can shape policy, culture, and collaboration in councils.

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19:58

Neurodivergent and Leading: Sara Harrup on Inclusive...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, we speak with Sara Harrup, Executive Coach for Neurodivergent Professionals, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and Inclusive Governance Expert. As an openly autistic ADHDer, Sara brings lived experience and professional insight into how neurodivergent leaders can thrive in high-pressure environments.We explore her coaching practice, her governance work, and her advocacy for neuroinclusive leadership. Sara shares practical strategies for local authorities to better support

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20:42

Oldham Rising: Leadership, Legacy and Local...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/29

In this episode we sit down with Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, to explore the borough’s bold regeneration plans, recent service improvements, and the challenges of modern civic leadership. Arooj shares her personal journey into politics, the values driving her leadership, and how Oldham is tackling identity politics, financial pressures, and community cohesion head-on. Listeners will gain insight into:The transformation of Oldham’s town centre and housing strategyImprovements in

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18:32

Rochford Rising: Leadership, Localism and the Fight...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/29

In this episode we sit down with Cllr Danielle Belton, Leader of Rochford District Council, to explore the exciting initiatives shaping the district’s future and the challenges that come with them. From town centre regeneration and community empowerment to resisting unsustainable housing pressures, Danielle shares her vision for a member-led, transparent administration. We discuss the council’s new Economic Growth Strategy, the controversial housing proposals, and how Rochford is navigating local

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20:00

From Learning to Lasting Change: Making Training...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/24

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in organisational development: how to ensure that learning actually leads to behaviour change. We’re joined again by Kevan Collier, Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, to explore how the COM-B model which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation – Behaviour can be used as a powerful framework to design learning experiences that truly stick.We unpack how local government leaders can apply

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21:21

Local Power, Financial Pressure, and Regeneration

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/23

In this episode we interview Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council, to explore how local leadership is navigating financial adversity, driving regeneration, and empowering communities.Cllr Earl discusses the council’s strategic vision, including place-based regeneration, community governance reform, and the challenges posed by a significant SEND deficit. She shares her approach to collaborative leadership within the Three Towns Alliance and reflects on how

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20:24

Local Power, National Mission: Are Councils Equipped...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/21

In this episode we speak with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore the reality behind the government’s rhetoric on locally-led economic growth. With devolution deals, investment zones, and levelling-up funding all pointing to a place-based approach, are councils truly equipped financially, structurally, and strategically to deliver? Joe shares insights from Localis research, highlighting the gaps between ambition and capability, and offers a candid assessment of what needs to change

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18:35

Turbocharging Housebuilding: A City-Led Blueprint...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/10

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we sit down with Cllr John Merry CBE, Chair of Key Cities and Deputy City Mayor of Salford, to explore the pivotal role cities can play in meeting the UK Government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament.As part of our ongoing research project, Turbocharging Housebuilding in Cities and Urban Areas, we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing urban areas, the importance of public-private

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18:14

Big Plans: Why Masterplans Succeed (or Fail)

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/10

In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined by Cathy Palmer, Director of Regeneration Delivery at Walker Sime, to explore the critical ingredients that determine whether a masterplan succeeds or fails. With a career spanning both local government and consultancy, Cathy brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation. Her work at Walker Sime, particularly through the Regen Delivery service, focuses on helping councils and developers move from vision to viable delivery in complex regeneration

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15:36

Building the Future: Insights from Warwickshire's New...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/10

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Ryder, the Executive Director of Communities at Warwickshire County Council, to discuss the successful delivery of three new train stations in the region. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of these major infrastructure projects, offering valuable advice for other local authorities looking to undertake similar initiatives. From planning and funding to community engagement and project management, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the

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20:30

Innovating for the Future: The Warwickshire Skills Hub

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/10/07

In this episode, we interview Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities, at Warwickshire County Council to delve into the creation and impact of the Warwickshire Skills Hub. This dedicated space supports businesses, schools, and communities in developing a well-skilled population that meets the evolving needs of the local economy. Mark discusses the objectives, vision, and tailored support provided by the hub, as well as the benefits and challenges faced. We explore the thoughtful approaches

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21:13

Leading with Insight: Managing and Motivating People...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/09/25

In this inaugural episode, we explore how local government leaders can harness the power of data, evidence, and insights to better manage and motivate their teams. Our guest, Kevan Collier, Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, shares his expertise on using people analytics to drive performance, foster engagement, and build a culture of continuous improvement. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of data-driven leadership in the public sector, and how

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323 results

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