Truth about Local Government

.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.

Public health is a strategic service within local government. It is involved in shaping strategies, providing data and intelligence, designing evaluation criteria and defining outcomes from the outset of all key projects1. The transfer of public health from the NHS to local government and Public Health England (PHE) is one of the most significant extensions of local government powers and duties in a generation3. Public health in local government can make a real, large-scale difference to promoting the independence of people with long-term chronic conditions, preventing ill health, improving people’s lives and wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities4.Glenn is passionate about driving population change to provides better outcomes for the community that he serves.Together we covered:· What is public health?· Why it is useful for PH to be in LA’s · Challenges of being in LA’s· The future issues public health will have to face.

I sat down with Ashley Prior to explore his journey through local government of his 40+ year career. We explored how local government relating to highways has changed on a micro and macro level. The strengths of local government highways departments. His experience of leadership, training of staff and the utilisation of consultancies. Three key take away points: 1) Highway processes and structures need to be simplified 2) Consultancy plans need to manage, but not be crippled by risk. 3) Investing into the training of the highways workers of tomorrow, is vital for highways functions to deliver now and in the future.

Aidan Rave is a passionate advocate of governance and local government. He was formerly Chief Executive at South Kesteven District Council SKDC and Deputy Mayor of Doncaster Council.

We explored governance, its role within local government, the context as to why governance might be slipping and what can be done to maintain high standards of governance within local government.

A really insightful a

nd thoughtful leader who offered a unique insight into the art of local government governance.

If any of my network are looking for extra support around governance, Aidan is best reached via LinkedIn or via the Good Governance Institute.