Recruitment
Challenges for London HR heads
Staff turnover, retention, skill shortages and culture change were among the issues discussed by a recent meeting of London HR heads chaired by The MJ’s Michael Burton who reports on the key conclusions.
The rewards of new approaches to training
Kath O’Dwyer reflects on how a dedicated approach to training and staff welfare is reaping dividends for the organisation in relation to both the recruitment and retention of staff.
Let's not waste top talent
Through my work in the recruitment and transition of leaders I see first-hand the importance of reputation – the value and the damage it can have on careers and people.
Management changes under way at 'inadequate' children's services in Wakefield
An overhaul of Wakefield City Council’s children’s services team is under way weeks after an inadequate rating by Ofsted.
Rutland shakes-up management team
Rutland CC has shaken-up its senior management team, with three directors taking on new roles.
Procurement leaders: from steward to taskmaster
Today’s procurement officers must now be able to understand how to wield data, create and lead talented teams and focus on adding strategic business benefit, writes Richard Guest.
Why the sector can benefit from the millennial touch
Toni Hall comments on key research carried out at the recent Local Government Association conference, and the call to action around the ageing workforce.
Building in inclusivity
We are starting to see some green shoots on the diversity agenda, but Karen Grave believes initiatives alone are not enough to build inclusive cultures.
The diversity challenge
How can council workforces become more diverse, especially at the top? A group of senior local government directors and chief executives debated the challenges at a round table debate hosted by The MJ and Green Park. Michael Burton reports.
Johnson promoted at Wolverhampton
Tim Johnson has been promoted to managing director at Wolverhampton City Council.
Can you be a top director?
There is a huge gulf between being a manager and being a director. Blair McPherson discusses how best to approach the delicate balancing act of being a senior officer.
Lonely at the top
Alan Goodrum gives his thoughts on how to survive – and even thrive – in the often tricky role of chief executive.
Northamptonshire finance officer who issued Section 114 quits
Northamptonshire CC’s chief finance officer has handed in his resignation weeks after issuing an early warning the council already risks missing key savings targets.
Understanding children’s social care
The post of director of children’s services is arguably the most highly-scrutinised in local government and is invariably among the most challenging to recruit to, says Tim Hills and Philip Emms.
A contact sport
The BASW is taking the lead in highlighting the relationship issues social workers are encountering, in particular the struggle to make regular face to face contact with children. Maris Stratulis explains.
Leadership in public sector reform
Gemma Matin talks to leading figures about the perceived leadership qualities needed to reform public services.
Drive for pride and identity
Lizzie Nugent sets out the latest leg of this year’s LG Challenge where instilling pride and identity into local communities was the theme.
We're seeing shortages and rising salaries in the housing sector
The Social Housing Sector is growing. Both in terms of demand for its housing provision but also for careers.
Three steps to success
Agility, skills, and recruitment and development are the keys to a successful future for local people and your own staff. Richard Grice reveals how Haringey LBC has used these factors to create an action plan that is set to provide many challenges but reap significant rewards.
Bailey to oversee management review at North Somerset
An ex-chief executive of Islington LBC, Local Partnerships and consultancy iMPOWER has been appointed interim boss and head of paid service at North Somerset Council.