Management
Penna hails Warkwickshire CC chief on MJ Award
Monica Fogarty of Warwickshire CC received the Chief Executive of the Year accolade at the MJ Achievement Awards. Penna's Dawar Hashmi says she has had a phenomenal year.
Is now our perfect storm?
Neil Lupin looks at the current challenges faced by local authorities and the benefits of having interim managers.
A deserving shortlist for MJ SLT of the Year Award
There was a greater focus on inequalities, diversity and inclusion, transparency, performance management and organisation development in the entries for the senior leadership team (SLT) of the year category of The MJ Awards, says Julie Towers.
'Serious breakdown' in senior relationships, report reveals
A scathing review of executive cultures at Thanet DC has concluded that relationships between senior figures have been dysfunctional – at huge cost to local taxpayers.
What has bingo and soft toilet paper got to do with empowerment?
'Empowerment’ could join a long list of words that once carried the prospect of change but are now simply dropped into reports because it’s expected, says Blair Mcpherson.
Leaning in to leadership in districts
The DCN staff development programme has been relaunched after a pause during COVID. Bill Cullen sets out why we must nurture the next generation of council rising stars, while current and former participants talk about what they’ve gained.
Council held decade-long contract with dormant firm
Grant Thornton said it exposed a ‘significant weakness’ in Herefordshire Council’s contract management in its report on the council’s 2020-21 accounts.
How to stand out from the interim crowd
Tile Hill’s Dino Christodoulou offers his top five suggestions on what high performing interims do differently that ensure a healthy career.
Merger plans axed after Stratford-on-Avon concerns
Plans to merge Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick DCs will not go ahead after the former got cold feet.
EXCLUSIVE: Council sacked director over 'vexatious and malicious' police report
Thanet DC sacked its director of corporate governance and monitoring officer after he submitted ‘vexatious and malicious’ allegations about a senior colleague to the police, The MJ can reveal.
The seemingly insecure view from the top of the ladder
Blair Mcpherson examines the precarious view from the top of the career ladder, and the factors that can lead to moments of insecurity.
Taking the collaborative approach to success
New Peterborough City Council chief executive Matt Gladstone is endlessly positive about his job, despite having an intervention team and a history of financial difficulties. Heather Jameson reports.
Slough commissioners sack chief for 'gross misconduct'
Slough Council’s commissioners have sacked chief executive Josie Wragg for ‘gross misconduct’ with immediate effect.
East Hants wanted split from Havant, councillors claim
An ex-leader of Havant BC has expressed disappointment that East Hampshire DC will establish its own management team after a 12-year partnership with his authority.
London's councils are actively pursuing gender parity
As International Women’s Day 2022 approaches, it’s timely to reflect the progress being made as well as the challenges, barriers and biases still being faced by women in the workplace, says Alison Griffin.
We can all play a leading role
Leadership comes in many forms, and as Neil Lupin reflects on the countless examples being displayed both on a local level and abroad, he finds that leadership is not just the preserve of those ‘in charge’.
The art of good leadership
Director of executive search at Penna Dawar Hashmi looks at the various definitions of leadership in today’s landscape and, using the experiences of the past, outlines how you can be an effective one.
Senior management workforce warning
Councils are increasingly struggling to recruit and retain senior managers due to demographic factors and relatively poor remuneration packages, sector workforce experts have warned.
Why would you put youth above experience?
Whether it comes to making senior appointments at elite football clubs or local government, picking youth over experience is risky, says Blair Mcpherson.
Riding the career elevators and travelators
While there are ups and downs in the world of work, ‘climbing the ladder’ is not the only way – or more specifically, direction – in which to progress your career. Phil Whitman explains.