Truth about Local Government

Matt Masters

The Truth about Local Government is a platform committed to providing a free resource to the local authority sector, seeking to provide solutions to the problems the sector is facing. Our purpose is to widen the echo chamber, where local government innovation and solution orientated action can be shared, perpetuated and help councils deliver services that support the communities they serve.

Through collaboration and innovation, we will find the solutions we need as a local government sector to tackle the challenges ahead.

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There are seven seasons, with each one focusing on a specific vertical within local government.

  • Season 1: Place (Regeneration, Housing, Planning, Property and Highways)
  • Season 2: People (Adults and Childrens, Education and Healthcare)
  • Season 3: Corporate Functions (IT, HR, Communications, Marketing, Technology, Transformation, Finance and Legal)
  • Season 4: Member Support
  • Season 5: Understanding local government (exploring the basics of local government, aimed primarily at the public)
  • Season 6: Support for the local government supply chain (exploring topics, on how the supply chain work with local government and add the most value).
  • Season 7: General (value add content that doesn't fit into the other series parameters)
  • Season 8: :Leadership (specific advice for leaders within local government)
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Episodes

How to attract and retain blue collar trades and maintenance staff with Alex Frith
28-11-2024
How to attract and retain blue collar trades and maintenance staff with Alex Frith
.In this insightful episode, Alex Frith, Senior Business Manager at Michael Page, delves into the strategies for attracting and retaining top interim talent in blue-collar trades and maintenance. Alex shares his expertise on the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector, offering practical advice for businesses looking to build a robust and reliable workforce.Key Points Discussed:Understanding Blue-Collar Workforce Needs:Emphasizing the importance of job stability, competitive pay, and clear career progression paths to attract skilled workers.Highlighting the value of work-life balance and local hiring to meet the preferences of blue-collar professionals.Effective Recruitment Strategies:Utilizing technology to streamline the hiring process, including mobile-friendly applications and AI-driven pre-screening tools.Leveraging local job boards, social media, and partnerships with vocational schools to reach potential candidates.Building a Strong Employer Brand:Focusing on safety, respect, and career development opportunities to create an appealing workplace culture.Sharing testimonials and success stories from current employees to build trust and attract quality talent.Retention Tactics:Offering continuous skill development and training programs to enhance employee loyalty and adaptability.Implementing regular feedback and recognition programs to acknowledge and reward hard work.Adapting to Industry Trends:Staying updated with industry trends and adapting recruitment and retention strategies accordingly.Emphasizing the importance of flexibility and innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in the blue-collar sector.Alex Firth's insights provide a comprehensive guide for businesses aiming to attract and retain top interim talent in blue-collar trades and maintenance, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce.
Unlocking Greenfield Development with Catesby Estates
25-11-2024
Unlocking Greenfield Development with Catesby Estates
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of unlocking greenfield development with exclusive insights from industry experts at Catesby Estates. Our guests share their expertise on how planning, design, and communication strategies are pivotal in transforming undeveloped land into thriving communities.Anna Parsons – Associate Design Director Anna discusses the importance of innovative design in community development. She highlights how thoughtful design can enhance the livability and sustainability of new developments, ensuring they meet the needs of future residents while respecting the natural environment.Victoria Groves – Associate Planning Director Victoria provides expert advice on effective planning strategies and operational efficiency. She explains the critical role of strategic planning in navigating regulatory landscapes and securing approvals, which are essential for the successful execution of greenfield projects.Katie Yates – Marketing and Communications Director Katie shares valuable tips on marketing and communication. She emphasizes the significance of clear and engaging communication to highlight the benefits of development projects. Katie also discusses how effective marketing can foster community support and engagement, which is crucial for the success of greenfield developments.Throughout the episode, our conversation centers on how the integration of planning, design, and communication can unlock the potential of greenfield sites, turning them into vibrant, sustainable communities. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted approach required to successfully develop greenfield land.
Gen Z and governance: bridging the gap in Local Government recruitment featuring Alex Atherton
08-11-2024
Gen Z and governance: bridging the gap in Local Government recruitment featuring Alex Atherton
In this insightful episode, host Matt Masters sits down with Alex Atherton, an expert in generational studies and human resource strategies, to unravel the complexities of integrating Gen Z into the local government workforce. As local authorities grapple with the challenges of recruiting and retaining young talent, Atherton sheds light on the innovative approaches needed to attract this tech-savvy and value-driven generation.Key Highlights:Understanding Gen Z: Atherton begins by painting a picture of the Gen Z demographic, noting their key characteristics, such as their digital nativity, social consciousness, and desire for meaningful work.Recruitment Revolution: The conversation pivots to how local governments can revamp their recruitment strategies, with Atherton emphasizing the importance of transparency, digital engagement, and aligning roles with Gen Z’s values.Retention Tactics: Masters and Atherton discuss the high turnover among young staff and explore tactics to boost retention, including flexible work arrangements, opportunities for growth, and a supportive workplace culture.Technology and Engagement: Atherton highlights the role of technology in both attracting and retaining Gen Z employees, advocating for the use of social media and mobile platforms to create a more engaging recruitment process.Closing the Gap: The interview concludes with Atherton’s insights on mentorship programs, fostering innovation, and the need for local authorities to adapt to the rapidly changing expectations of the workforce.This episode is a must-listen for local government officials, HR professionals, and anyone interested in the future of public sector employment.Feel free to reach out to Alex via his website www.alexatherton.com
Policy matters: essential strategies for effective local government leadership featuring Matt Wilton
28-10-2024
Policy matters: essential strategies for effective local government leadership featuring Matt Wilton
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Matt Wilton, the Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, to explore the pivotal role of policy in local government leadership. Matt shares his extensive experience and provides a deep dive into how well-crafted policies can drive progressive change and effective decision-making at the local level.Key Discussion Points:The Importance of Policy in Local Government:Understanding the foundational role of policy in shaping local governance.How policies can address community needs and promote sustainable development.Crafting Effective Policies:The process of developing policies that are both innovative and practical.Engaging with stakeholders and the community to ensure policies are inclusive and representative.Challenges and Opportunities:Common challenges faced in policy implementation and strategies to overcome them.Opportunities for leveraging policy to foster progressive leadership and community trust.Case Studies and Real-World Examples:Success stories from Newcastle City Council and other local governments.Lessons learned from policy successes and failures.Future Directions:The evolving landscape of local government policy.Predictions for future trends and the role of technology in policy-making.Join us for a compelling conversation that highlights the critical need for robust policies in driving effective and progressive leadership in local government. Whether you’re a policy maker, local government official, or simply interested in the intricacies of local governance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.