In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Michelle O’Neill (Principal Consultant, WME) sits down with AI educator Heather Murray for an honest and human-centred conversation about AI in councils.

Rather than focusing on tools or trends, they discuss how to build confidence, create safe spaces for experimentation, and remove fear from AI adoption.

This episode is for public sector leaders who want to explore AI without losing the people-first mindset. From HR to IT, from senior leaders to new starters — everyone has a role to play in making AI work for us, not just with us.

If you're a shareholder council, you can join us at The Festival AI in January 2026 to learn more about how AI can support you and your teams. Find out more

In this episode of the WME Podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Jason Lowther, Director at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Local Government Studies, and Mo Baines, Chief Executive of APSE.

Together they explore how councils can make better use of data and analytics, the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in local government, and the role of devolution in shaping the future of communities. They also discuss why a national workforce strategy is urgently needed to address skills gaps and strengthen local government for the years ahead.

In this episode, Andy Begley, Chief Executive at Shropshire Council, sits down with Lesley Shore, Director of HR and Membership Services at West Midlands Employers, to share his reflections on leadership, change and the future of local government.

Andy discusses his journey from frontline social care to leading a local authority, the importance of staying strategic, and why risk should be seen as something to manage – not just avoid. He also talks about restructuring at Shropshire, breaking down silos, and creating the right offer to attract and retain talent in today’s public sector.

In this episode of PS I ❤️ You Unplugged, we explore the power of small, consistent habits in building resilience, wellbeing, and performance.

Matthew from West Midlands Employers is joined by Kat Thorne, The Morning Game Changer, who shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to creating lasting behaviour change. Together, they discuss how individuals and organisations can embed positive daily practices that drive long-term results.

💡 Key discussion points:

The impact of small daily habits on resilience and wellbeing

The role of accountability in sustaining change

How organisations can support healthy routines in the workplace

Practical strategies for improving focus, energy, and performance

This episode offers valuable insights for leaders, managers, and professionals who want to strengthen personal resilience, support workforce wellbeing, and foster a culture of sustainable performance.

In this episode of PS I ❤️ You Unplugged, Rebecca Davis (Chief Executive, West Midlands Employers) is joined by Brad Sinclair (Managing Director, Opus People Solutions) to explore how councils can transform agency provision into a strategic asset. They unpack the challenges and opportunities of temporary recruitment, share insights from the WMTemps framework, and show how investing in people can deliver better value, stronger communities, and a future-fit public sector workforce. 

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of PS I Heart You Unplugged, host Rebecca Davis (Chief Executive, West Midlands Employers) sits down with Tim Johnson, Chief Executive of the City of Wolverhampton Council, for a candid conversation on the future of local government.

With over 30 years of experience, Tim shares personal stories of career highs and hard-won lessons, his belief in values-led leadership, and why investing in people is key to building resilient organisations. From developing future leaders to navigating the political landscape and driving regional collaboration, Tim offers practical advice and hopeful insights for public sector professionals at all stages of their careers.

In this episode of The Public Sector I Heart You Unplugged podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, sits down with Ian Miller, Chief Executive of Wyre Forest District Council. 

With over 25 years in local government, Ian shares his leadership journey, from shaping key legislation in Wales to driving shared services and transformation in Worcestershire.

Together, they explore pressing issues facing the sector: local government reorganisation, the reality behind devolution, finance reform, and the importance of keeping services truly local.

In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD. Together, they explore the evolving world of work, from the rise of AI and hybrid working to skills shortages and the importance of ethical leadership.

Peter shares reflections from his global career, insights on public vs private sector workforce development, and how CIPD is influencing government policy and empowering the next generation of people professionals. A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of HR in the public sector.

In this episode of PS I ❤️ You, Manny Sandhu, Director of Resourcing at West Midlands Employers, sits down with Shoshana Davies — widely known as The Fairy Job Mother — for a powerful conversation about the Gen Z experience of entering the world of work.

The discussion shines a light on the hopes, doubts, and challenges facing young people as they start their careers, and explores what employers can do to create more supportive, inclusive and confidence-building recruitment journeys.

In this thought-provoking episode of PS I ❤️ You, Michelle O’Neill, Matthew Hotten and Nick Rice (Warwickshire County Council ) dive into how ‘squiggly’ careers and talent mobility can help shape a more agile, inclusive and future-ready public sector. 

From Gen Z’s evolving career expectations to the changing face of leadership and learning in the age of AI, the trio explore how we can unlock potential across the workforce.