Recent local elections brought changes in political leadership for many councils after a relatively long period of stability, all set against an uncertain national political environment. For some, new manifesto promises have led to new strategic workforce challenges.

This was apparent from questions raised by current and aspiring leaders at this year's Public Services People Managers' Association (PPMA) conference and expertly answered by Sandra Farquharson, director of HR and OD at Hackney LBC. While we are used to working in a political environment with changing priorities, as more councils experience changes in political leadership, HR leaders are being asked to deliver to new and challenging commitments.