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PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local' podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. 

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

Why CfGS is needed now more than ever

By Ed Hammond | 23 April 2026

As Ed Hammond departs for pastures new, the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny’s deputy chief executive reflects on 17 years at the centre – and how governan...

PODCASTS

Restoring the third pillar of local authority finance: citizen investment

By Karl Harder | 23 April 2026

Karl Harder looks at the benefits of citizen investing.

PODCASTS

'Banging the table for children'

By Ann McGauran | 22 April 2026

The new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services’ passionate belief in the rights of children and young people shines through. Ann Mc...

PODCASTS

Attracting and developing talented people is crucial for local government

By Gill Kneller | 21 April 2026

In her final column for The MJ before her retirement, Gill Kneller says attracting and developing talented people will remain essential for local government ...