In a wide-ranging discussion about the particular challenges facing their workforces, the heads of HR at 18 London boroughs as well as London Councils and the Local Government Association joined in a recent debate chaired by The MJ. Subjects included employment and welfare, housing, staff development, health integration and regeneration.

So what were the key concerns? A quick review around the table named skill shortages, culture change, pay and reward strategies, relationship with members, lack of commercial acumen by staff, dependency on interims, leadership capacity, loss of talent due to staff turnover and talent management. There are particular London-centric issues like housing with an ambitious London Plan of 66,0000 new homes and a spate of new council leaders and administrations following the May local elections.