Sitting down with Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, the second largest unitary council in the UK, we explored local government's role in the present and what it may be in the future. As it currently stands local government funding does not match the role that it does. Key takeaways from Tom:

• We need a white paper on local government
• Business rates need to be examined far more frequently
• There needs to be clarity on the role of local government and how that works with other organisation responsibilities.
• We need reform of the finance system.
• Place needs to become a statutory responsibility to see economic growth and regeneration prioritised.

It was great to sit down with Jamie Groves and to talk how leisure services being outsourced to a LATCO, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has improved leisure facilities significantly in Denbighshire, thanks to Alliance Leisure.. We explored the leisure framework and the benefits that this new framework has. The question for local authorities is whether right now is the time to insource, is their the skills and resource to make this a cost effective and fundamentally viable internal leisure function. Or, is the leisure framework a way to help promote your economy, health and infrastructure for the community. Contact John Leaver for more information on the framework and what it can do for your council. [email protected]

Valentines Lido will be a breathtaking new lido in the hart of Valentines park. It is just one example of how the London Borough of Redbridge is delivering on its pledge to make Redbridge a place for everyone. Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture gives me a tour as to the other achievements and discusses how the council is delivering so many fantastic schemes and truly engaging with the public at every stage. Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration said “Our borough is a great place to live, work, and visit, and we’re continuing to invest in leisure facilities so local families and visitors can access everything they need right on our doorstep.The new lido will provide a sustainable, fun, and social place for people to exercise in the great outdoors, while boosting our local economy and restoring the heritage of Valentines Park. As well as a new swimming pool, we’re proposing to create a splashpad for children, a café, a gym, and studio space so Valentines Park can become a hub for our local communities to meet, exercise and enjoy.”https://engage.redbridge.gov.uk/valentines-lido

.Interviewing Tony Keaveney, Assistant Director Housing Services at Central Bedfordshire District Council his passion, knowledge and authenticity really brings the housing crisis to light.

Councils need to be able to increase rents if services are to be delivered in line with standards set by central government. And central government needs to be consistent with their policies and leadership when it comes to housing.

Today we sat down with Tom Smith Head of Facilities at the London Borough of Ealing.We explored:What is facilities?How does facilities affect the community?What does working in local government mean to you?Insourcing versus outsourcing?

Great to interview Nick Lamb, a experienced Regeneration leader who since transitioning to the public sector has completed interim assignments with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council and Lancaster City Council. On todays episode we explored:

• Transition from Private to public – adaptation – LA’s fantastic platform to deliver transformational change
• Role of property/assets in LA acting as enabler to deliver better services, address homelessness, young people leaving care, adults, accessibility/mobility needs etc
• Cross service-line working – functions within directorate – efficiency of resource
• Procurement, governance and politics
• Regeneration – about people and places – adding social value and how to monitor and measure it.
• Funding – good but poorly allocated (timing of spend)

An employee value proposition (EVP) is the unique set of benefits that an employee receives in return for the skills, capabilities, and experience they bring to a company. An EVP is about defining the essence of your company – how it is unique and what it stands for. It encompasses the central reasons that people are proud and motivated to work there, such as the inspiring vision or distinctive culture. It is crucial to make sure your EVP is unique, relevant, and compelling. When integrated into all aspects of a business, a strong EVP will help retain top performers and attract the best external talent.Great to talk to Lucy Ponder who heads up the HR Advisory Service for Page.

Interview with Wayne Bexton - Director of Green Growth, Investment and Assets at Nottinghamshire County Council and Chair D2N2 Low Carbon Board. We explored:

• Role of LAs in enhancing and protecting the environment.
• Managing estates more efficiently and aligned to new ways of working.
• Carbon Neutrality aligned with economic regeneration.
• Building Retrofit – domestic and commercial.
• Devolution opportunities.

Passion, pride and proactive, that is how I would describe Weymouth Town Council's Town Clerk Jane Biscombe. We had a fantastic chat talking about all the amazing things that Weymouth are delivering. The excellent working relationship with Dorset Council; and the need for central government to amend the carers allowance to include town and parish councils.

.Elaine Atkinson was the Leader of the Borough of Poole, now part of the BCP Unitary Council from May 1995 - June 2016. With just over 21 year local government service under her belt, she gave a valuable insight to some of the challenges that are facing local government.