Gordon McFarlane
Six observations from my time as PPMA president
Against a challenging backdrop for public services, PPMA president Gordon McFarlane sets out six key reflections from his two years at the helm.
Why prioritising EDI is business-critical
If we want the benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) it has to be worked on as a priority and be baked into the DNA of our culture, says Gordon McFarlane.
Is equal pay really local government’s ticking time bomb?
With equal pay under increasing scrutiny, Gordon McFarlane outlines the best practice the sector should follow to monitor, flag and address any issues.
Six ways to lead people in a changing political environment
Gordon McFarlane sets out an approach to help council workforces build the skills needed to navigate new political leaderships and respond quickly to changing priorities.
Greater Manchester unites around shared workforce goals
A roundtable event has identified six opportunities in Greater Manchester to create joint solutions to shared workforce challenges. Gordon McFarlane explains.
Positive steps for the workforce of the future
Gordon McFarlane sets out six guiding principles of an effective menopause support programme.
Keeping pace and capitalising on opportunities
Gordon McFarlane sets out the main messages that emerged from this year’s PPMA conference, including the need to build organisational resilience.
Five priorities to solve the workforce crisis
Gordon McFarlane sets out five ways to address the capacity and skills gap in local government, and he says no single authority can solve the crisis alone.
Supporting effective hybrid working
Gordon McFarlane sets out five design principles to help ensure hybrid working can deliver effective services and a better experience for employees.
How to solve the talent crisis
Gordon McFarlane says this is one of the most challenging workforce environments the sector has ever faced, but there is much HR teams can do to help navigate the crisis.
Is the local government workforce crisis fixable?
Already at crunch point, the council workforce capacity gap is set to widen, says Gordon McFarlane. But he explains why he thinks the crisis can be fixed.
How to win the war to attract talent
In the context of a tough public sector recruitment market and the cost of living crisis, Gordon McFarlane considers how councils can attract and keep hold of talent.
How to avoid a winter of discontent
From the cost of living crisis to a white-hot recruitment market, HR teams have a key role to play in supporting the performance of every council in the months ahead, says Gordon McFarlane.
Recruitment solutions for testing times
Councils must get better at marketing themselves as local employers and organisational culture is crucial when it comes to recruitment and retention, says Gordon McFarlane.
Tackling skills shortages
It’s a candidate’s market, says Gordon McFarlane who argues that local government must also focus on succession planning, automating routine processes, and considering workers’ future requirements.