As HR directors' association the PPMA meets in Bristol for its annual conference this week, Heather Jameson speaks to its new president, Richard Crouch.

For the past few years, local government HR has been dominated by cuts. From downsizing to cutting terms and conditions for staff, it has been ableak time. But for the new President of the Public Sector People Managers' Association (PPMA), Richard Crouch, the future could be a lot more optimistic.