Diversity
A time of Black pride – Celebrating #ProudToBe this BHM
Celebrating Black History Month, Penna’s diversity and inclusion leader, Alexis Curtis-Harris, gives her perspective on why she’s ‘Proud to Be Black’.
A diverse challenge for the sector
Recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce across the sector has never been more important. Steve Guest looks at how Solace is approaching this challenge at a systemic and operational level.
Devolution is my ‘unfinished business’
Pat Ritchie is leaving her role as chief executive of Newcastle City Council after more than eight years at the helm. She talks to Heather Jameson about her legacy and what she sees as her three key achievements.
Tapping into the diversity of talent
Talent is everywhere but opportunities are not was the underlying message in a round table debate with leading chief executives about the importance of promoting diversity throughout their organisations. Michael Burton reports on the highlights.
Local heroes
Work long enough in the public sector and you come to know the truth of the maxim that success has many fathers while failure is an orphan.
We need a complete overhaul of who owns and delivers adult social care
Proposals to fund social care through National Insurance Contributions are not only wrongheaded but they miss the wider point of what ails the sector, argues Tom Lloyd Goodwin.
Time to review our history
Following the toppling of slave trader Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol, Kathy O'Leary explains how her council is reconsidering its historic monuments.
Workforce churn will continue for some time, say sector experts
Recruitment experts have warned the COVID-19 pandemic could mean workforce churn in the sector persists for some time to come.
Mind the gap
An increasing number of senior managers in local government have announced their retirement and councils are finding it harder to recruit. Martin Ford examines the challenges and looks towards solutions.
Change from within to attract from outside
Rebecca Davis discusses the results of research into diversity within our organisations, and finds that the benefits can be significant if we hold the mirror up to ourselves and commit to long-term change.
We won't stop until it ends
What a week for diversity and inclusion. Fiyin Fayeye looks at what needs to happen next
Stepping up to the surge
Hounslow LBC mobilised swiftly when the borough’s surge area status was announced, says Kelly O’Neill.
A diverse approach to tackling vaccine hesitancy
Cllr Khtija Malik outlines Luton’s multi-layered approach to tackling vaccine hesitancy within some communities, and says more help is needed from the Government to help the town bounce back from the ravages of the pandemic.
How to retain an inclusive workforce
Actions speak louder than words, says Anj Popat, and while having an inclusive recruitment process may help attract a more diverse workforce, without the right culture it does not guarantee retaining that talent.
Tackling the social care talent deficit
The development of the future leaders within councils, be that in children’s services or elsewhere, must start now, says Philip Emms.
Is Black Lives Matter making a difference?
Managing director of Penna Julie Towers reflects on the rightful and renewed focus on diversity and inclusion since the tragic murder of George Floyd.
George Floyd – ‘much more to do’ in London
One year on from the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Cllr Muhammed Butt reflects on the progress made on pan-London work to tackle racial inequality and injustice.
Why diversity matters in an emergency
Jehangir Malik of Emergencies Partnership explores the crucial role diverse communities played in the COVID-19 emergency response and why they must be at the heart of crisis management.
On the right track in West Northants
Had the enormity of the task facing the new West Northamptonshire Council been set out as a business continuity exercise it would have seemed a bit far-fetched, says Rebecca Peck – but a bright future lies ahead.
Birmingham lays out its latest plans for building a fairer city
Birmingham City Council is poised to present an update to its Cabinet on the city’s plans to make tackling inequalities everyone’s battle and everyone’s business, says Cllr John Cotton.
