Management
Calling in the bridge-builders
Effective co-operation between central and local government relies as much on people acting as ‘bridge-builders’ to navigate the differences in approach as it is does on any hard skills writes John Copps.
Thanet issued with rare Section 24
‘Serious concerns about the ability of senior officers to work together’ has led to cash-strapped Thanet DC being issued with a rare Section 24 notice.
Peers find 'strong and effective leadership' at council
Telford & Wrekin Council has ‘strong and effective’ political and managerial leadership, Local Government Association peers have found.
Chief and leader at odds over government intervention request
Tensions between Thanet DC’s chief executive and leader have erupted into the open after the latter asked the Government to intervene in the council.
Penna view
Using a packed calendar of one-to-one sessions, group mental health support webinars and other events, during the last 18 months Penna provided interims with the support many were lacking, says Toni Hall.
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.
More than just a recruiter
In the post-pandemic world, recruiters have the opportunity to take a fresh look at how they view their interim candidates – and in particular how they support and care for them. Gemma Stevenson-Coupe outlines how Solace have approached this issue.
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.
Through turbulent times – let’s celebrate leadership
Penna is proud to sponsor the Senior Leadership Team category as part of The MJ’s annual Achievement Awards. Julie Towers reflects on the impressive calibre of senior leadership demonstrated by this year’s finalists.
How will neighbourhoods look post-pandemic?
As the country attempts to recover from the impact of COVID, ‘place’ is currently being prioritised. Kate Wilson says those with good local leadership and the best talent will emerge in the best position to cope with the economic fallout.
Eight post-pandemic digital trends for 2021 and beyond
Tim Pitts outlines eight post-pandemic digital trends. He says that one thing is clear; ‘The COVID-19 legacy will be far reaching across local government’.
What we will need from the leaders of the future?
There are increasing challenges in filling senior positions across the public sector including local government, says Graeme McDonald. We must make the environment safe for open communication about challenges, concerns and opportunities, he adds.
Human Learning Systems’ public service for the real world
Dawn Plimmer explores what an approach focused on making the process of change more human has to offer as an alternative way of organising public services.
Carpe Diem - Seize the Day
Chief executive at Cratus, Nick Kilby, has been judging the finalist for the Community Heroes Award for The MJ Awards. He says the experience left him feeling ‘emotional and heartened’.
The challenges for public leaders have only just begun
The Public Leaders Report 2021 captures what it was like to lead during a tough year and includes candid insights from 20 chief executives, say Pat Ritchie and Stephen Crookbain.
Sticking with simplicity
To say that The MJ’s chief executive of the year Chris Naylor has had a busy year is an understatement. He talks to Heather Jameson about what he loves doing – reforming organisations to 'do some remarkable things’.
Losing the confidence of members
It’s crucial for managers to keep the confidence of members, says Blair McPherson. ‘But the trouble is they are increasingly reliant on the information they’re fed by their bosses.’
Reset, Reform, Renew and Resilient – a prospectus for local placed-based recovery
A new Socitm prospectus drawing from more than 200 local authority recovery and regeneration strategies offers decision makers the help they need to sense check their plans, says William Barker.
Surrey councils to share management
Guildford and Waverley BCs have agreed to share a single senior management team, including a chief executive, directors and heads of service.
Future Forum North: Key behaviours show what good leadership looks like
GatenbySanderson’s Altitude leadership model benchmarks behavioural excellence for leaders. Seb Lowe and Liaquat Lal explain the 12 behaviours that form the key to successful long-term strategic clarity.
