🎧 "It’s lonely at the top—but what if you had someone to lean on?  

👥 We’re closing series two with a first: a Leader and Chief Exec in open conversation. 

🗣️ Councillor Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, and Andy Donald, Chief Executive share how they’ve built a values-led partnership to lead through political transition, community challenge, and organisational change. 

💬 From rebuilding trust to rethinking devolution in London —this episode is a must- listen for anyone in public service. 

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Hackney faced a perfect storm: 

At the centre of it all was Dawn Carter-McDonald—Chief Executive of Hackney Council, lawyer, and lifelong public servant—who led with calm, clarity, and conviction.  

🎧 Dawn shares: 

• What it’s like to lead through unprecedented disruption. 
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• How her legal background shaped her leadership. 
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• Why governance, transparency, and community trust matter more than ever. 
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• Her vision for Hackney’s future—and the legacy she hopes to leave. 

🎧 This is essential listening for anyone in local government, leadership, or public service. 

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🚨 “Commissioning is a superpower.” 

From delivering the UK’s first rural devolution deal to reshaping adult social care, Kate Kennally—Chief Executive of Cornwall Council explores the seismic shifts happening across local government and health reform. 

🎧 Tune in for: 

• How Cornwall led the way on Devolution—twice. 

• Why social care must reclaim its voice. 

• Why commissioning is the public sector’s “superpower”. 

• Building inclusive, future-ready public services. 

🎧 If you care about the future of local government, this is a must listen. 

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📢 “There’s no one way to be a Chief Executive or Director. It’s about fit—fit for the place, fit for the people, and a sense of smell, taste, and feel for where you are.” 

In this episode of #LocalGovernmentStories, Robin Tuddenham, Chief Executive of Calderdale and Solace President—shares his leadership journey and vision for the future of local government, grounded in four core themes: 

• Place – Stewarding thriving communities through collaboration and care. 

• People – Reimagining leadership and investing in future talent. 

• Equity – Shifting power, listening to unheard voices, and leading with humility. 

• Purpose – Embracing the privilege of making a difference every day. 

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Would you take the top job during a financial crisis?

When Nottingham City Council issued a Section 114 notice and government commissioners were brought in, many would have stepped back. Sajeeda Rose stepped up.

In this episode, we speak with Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council, about her decision to lead the council through one of its most turbulent periods. From shaping regional economic strategy to navigating frontline crisis leadership, Sajeeda shares how she’s driving transformation in the face of political and financial pressure.

🗓️ This episode marks one year since the arrival of commissioners in Nottingham and the first anniversary of the Council Leader’s tenure. Recent reports highlight the positive progress being made—read more here: Nottingham News:

Latest Commissioners’ report highlights positive progress at Council – My Nottingham News

Tune in to hear how leadership, resilience, and vision are reshaping the future of local government.

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🎧 From growing up in Doncaster to leading Sheffield City Council, Kate Josephs story is one of passion, leadership and public service. 

Now Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Chair of Core Cities CEO group and Resolution Foundation Trustee, her journey is inspiring. 

In 2021, she was recognised with a CB for her contribution to public service. 

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Devolution is reshaping local government – but what does that mean for leaders?

The latest episode of our Local Government Stories podcast features Dr Henry Kippin, CEO of North East Combined Authority. With experience across multiple combined authorities, Henry discusses public service innovation, economic development, and why collaboration is key to navigating change.

If you’re interested in devolution and its real-world impact, this episode is a must-listen.

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How can leadership transform local gov?

On the Local Government Stories podcast, Gavin Jones, Chief Executive of Essex County Council, shares his journey from private to public sector & how he’s tackling council challenges.

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Transforming Communities through Leadership with Shokat Lal of Sandwell Council

Shokat reflects on a career spent supporting diverse communities through times of adversity and change—helping them not just to survive, but to flourish and thrive. He shares the lessons learned along the way, from early challenges to finally being acknowledged and accepted as a senior leader, and explores the vital role coaching and mentoring play when stepping into leadership without a clear path

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🎧🚀 Series 2 is LIVE! 🚨 It's what we've been waiting for, the NEW series of #LocalGovernmentStories podcast has landed.

We begin our first podcast episode with Kath O'Dwyer, Chief Executive of St Helens Council.

Kath has dedicated over four decades to local government, starting her career in Children's services and becoming the Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council.

In March 2020, she returned to her hometown of St Helens to take on the CEO role at St Helens Council. Her journey includes significant roles in Lancashire, Rochdale, Knowsley, Halton, and Warrington as well as serving as a national director for social care in Ofsted and contributing to government intervention in Stoke on Trent.

Her commitment doesn't stop there, as she serves nationally as the spokesperson for leadership and learning. As a coach and mentor to aspiring Chief Executives, she continues to share the culture of local government.

In this episode, Kath shares her experience of climbing the corporate ladder, highlighting the unique challenges women face. She emphasises the importance of gaining diverse experiences and building confidence at each stage. Her story is a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

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