Recruitment
Don’t leave finance professionals short-changed
Andrew Tromans and Mizan Rouf outline the past and present recruitment challenges in public finance.
Adult services will reap the benefits of data
A pioneering initiative funded through the apprenticeship levy is aimed at fostering a community of adult social care data analysts, poised to shape best practices, says Sam Villis.
A Faer Point
Partner at Faerfield Dawn Faulkner sets out her top tips for landing the ideal role - and she says being able to show a nuanced grasp of the operating environment is a definite advantage.
Recruitment conundrums and economic development
A key challenge for councils building economic development teams is understanding where to prioritise the service skills, while many candidates are opting for the contractor market, says Penna.
Breaking the stigma of internal and external hires
Rebecca Hopkin looks at the perspectives of both sides of the candidate market and reveals the pros and cons of applying for key roles in any organisation
Connecting up the best in the West
Rebecca Davies highlights the launch of a new campaign in the West Midlands to connect passionate people with careers in local government that bring real value to communities
The first cuts are the deepest
Sector experts talk to Martin Ford about the effects of job cuts on councils’ resilience, the impact of austerity on the number of leadership positions and the downsides of super-directorates.
Taking a global approach to adult social care recruitment in the West Midlands
Paul Lowes from West Midlands Employers writes about the collaborative initiative to improve international recruitment, retention and quality within the adult social care sector across the West Midlands, through shared learnings and the power of collective communities working together.
View from the Hill
The public sector faces an unprecedented landscape.
Council delays four-day week decision
South Cambridgeshire DC’s decision on whether to permanently adopt a four-day week has been put on hold as it awaits the Government’s next move.
Time to break the barriers
Nicola Chiverton argues there is more to be done in key areas such as social inclusion if the sector is to make a success of tackling its workforce crisis.
EDI – more than just letters
For recruiters it is more important than ever to ensure your equality, diversity and inclusion approach is clear and deep-rooted in your organisation, as Anj Popat and Jo Major explain.
Place shapers wanted
George Agyemang and Pete John of Penna share their experiences over the past few years on the leadership talent market for place, regeneration and growth, and have strong hopes for this year.
Welcome to a bright future
The benefits of developing the sector’s own talent is self-evident, says Cllr Abi Brown. By taking on a National Graduate Development Programme candidate, councils get extra capacity and capability to better reflect the communities they serve.
Staff shocks
A new report from the County Councils' Network and PwC lays out some solutions to a complex sector recruitment problem that’s worsening by the year, says Simon Edwards.
Does the sector need to switch the narrative?
Is local government suffering from a case of bad PR? How can we positively raise its profile to inspire the next generation? Sally Wilson poses the questions as she looks to make 2024 ‘the year of positive stories’.
Solace: Marking 50 years in local government
With all the change that has happened over 50 years it feels like the time is right for another local government reset, says Graeme McDonald.
Watchdog warning over food standards resourcing
A watchdog has warned of ‘inadequate resourcing’ of environmental health and trading standards services by councils.
Funding announcement timing angers MPs
A ministerial statement revealing councils would receive an additional £500m for adult social care was released while the Public Accounts Committee was holding an evidence session on the subject.
Attracting the next generation of local government stars
Luke Judd of Starfish Search reflects on a discussion they had with the ‘rising stars’ of local government as part of their Top Talent series run in conjunction with The MJ.