In this episode, we interview Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities, at Warwickshire County Council to delve into the creation and impact of the Warwickshire Skills Hub. This dedicated space supports businesses, schools, and communities in developing a well-skilled population that meets the evolving needs of the local economy.

Mark discusses the objectives, vision, and tailored support provided by the hub, as well as the benefits and challenges faced. We explore the thoughtful approaches taken to engage hard-to-reach groups and address skill deficits, and Mark shares insights on what he would do differently if given the chance.

In this inaugural episode, we explore how local government leaders can harness the power of data, evidence, and insights to better manage and motivate their teams. Our guest, Kevan Collier, Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, shares his expertise on using people analytics to drive performance, foster engagement, and build a culture of continuous improvement. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of data-driven leadership in the public sector, and how to balance human insight with hard evidence.

Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for:

• Using data to understand workforce needs and behaviours
• Aligning organisational development with strategic goals
• Creating a culture of trust and transparency through evidence-based decision-making

In this episode we are joined by Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to unpack the political and policy implications of Angela Rayner’s departure and Steve Reed’s appointment as Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

What does this reshuffle signal for Labour’s approach to local government? Joe and Matthew explore the potential impact on key issues including:

• Local government reorganisation – Will Reed continue the push for structural reform, or take a more collaborative approach with councils?
• Devolution – What’s next for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, and how might Labour’s vision evolve?
• Funding – With councils facing unprecedented financial pressures, will Reed offer a clearer funding settlement or new fiscal powers?
• Housing delivery – Can Labour under Reed unlock stalled housing projects and make use of local government pension funds to drive development?

Joe brings a research-led perspective on what local authorities should expect from Labour’s new leadership—and what they should be asking for.

In this episode we speak with John Angus, Managing Director at Switch, to explore practical and scalable solutions to the UK’s temporary accommodation crisis. Drawing on Switch’s unique model, rooted in hospitality and dignity, John shares how his team is transforming the way councils house vulnerable residents, offering safe, compliant, and community-oriented alternatives to traditional B&Bs and fragmented housing stock.

From converting hotels into high-standard temporary homes to building long-term partnerships with councils like Birmingham, this conversation dives into the operational, ethical, and financial dimensions of temporary accommodation. John also reflects on the personal values that drive his work and offers candid advice to local authorities on how to engage with the private sector more effectively.

In this episode we interviewed Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to unpack the narrative around planning reform and UK economic growth. The government has positioned planning as the bottleneck to housing delivery — but is reforming the system enough to unlock the scale of development needed? Joe brings a research-led perspective to the debate, exploring the deeper structural issues, the role of local authorities, and what truly drives sustainable growth. This episode challenges conventional wisdom and asks: are we solving the right problem?

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Colin Galletly about the evolving role of property in local government. Colin challenges the notion that property sits in a silo, advocating instead for a cross-cutting, problem-solving approach that brings commercial acumen into the heart of public service. From unlocking value for money to navigating political and operational complexity, this conversation explores how local authorities can think differently about their estates, assets, and strategic opportunities.

In this episode of Foundations of Change, we speak with Sophie Baker, Programme Delivery Manager for the innovative Prisoners Building Homes initiative. This ground breaking programme brings together local authorities, housebuilders, and prisoners to tackle the housing crisis while offering meaningful rehabilitation and skills development. Sophie shares how the programme works, the impact it’s having, and what local councils can do to support and scale this model. We explore the intersection of social justice, housing policy, and community regeneration—and how collaboration can unlock new possibilities for inclusive growth.

In this thought-provoking episode we speak with Steve Jorden, Chief Executive of Havant Borough Council, as he prepares to retire after more than 40 years of distinguished service. With a career spanning decades of transformation in the sector, Steve offers a timely and personal perspective on one of local government’s most pressing challenges: attracting talent from the Commonwealth and internationally.

Together, they explore how councils can open their doors to global expertise, the structural and cultural shifts needed to make international recruitment viable, and the untapped potential of a more diverse workforce. From policy reform to practical onboarding, this conversation invites listeners to rethink what it means to build a truly inclusive and future-ready local government.

In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Richard Cressey, Director of Policy and Strategy at Westminster City Council, to explore the often underappreciated but critical role of policy in local government. Together, they unpack why policy is the bedrock of effective administration, how it shapes the delivery of services, and what it takes to support policy professionals in driving meaningful change.

From navigating political complexity to aligning strategy with community needs, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how strong policy frameworks can unlock progress, resilience, and innovation in councils across the UK. Whether you're a council officer, elected member, or simply curious about how local government works, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power of policy.

In this episode we sit down with Graham Nelson, an experienced senior executive in local government and a Chartered Town Planner, to explore the critical role of planning policy and strategic planning in shaping communities. From local plans to regional growth strategies, Graham shares insights on how planning can drive sustainable development, balance competing interests, and respond to national reform agendas. The conversation also touches on leadership in planning services, the evolving role of planners, and how strategic vision translates into real-world impact.