Advertise on podcast: Local Government Stories

🎧 Ever wondered what it really takes to lead through local government reorganisation? The latest episode of Solace’s Local Government Stories features Duncan Sharkey, Chief Executive of Somerset Council — a leader who’s held the CEX role three times and worked across district, city and unitary councils. He shares clear, hard‑won lessons from taking over a newly formed council after LGR — what’s worked, what’s still a work‑in‑progress, and how to keep teams and places at the heart of change. Duncan also talks candidly about the move from CEX to Corporate Director for a period — why he made that call, what he learned, and how it shaped his growth back into the top role. 🔍 In this episode, we cover: How leadership is about enabling others to succeed Lessons from creating a brand-new councilWhy culture matters more than structureLeading through uncertainty and crisisThe future of local government Enjoyed this episode? Follow #LocalGovernmentStories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network. Learn more about Solace: ⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk⁠⁠⁠Continue the conversation with us on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/

🎧 Local Government Stories – Featuring Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City CouncilWhat shapes a leader who puts equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of modern public service?In this episode of Solace’s Local Government Stories podcast, we speak to Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, about his inspiring career journey and leadership approach in UK local government. Stuart reflects on his early experiences in South Africa during the historic 1994 democratic elections, and how they shaped his commitment to inclusive leadership, equality, and social impact. He shares insights into his career across the Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Westminster City Council, before returning as Chief Executive in 2018. This episode explores: Leadership in UK local governmentEmbedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in public servicesCareer pathways and progression in the public sectorLessons from leading one of London’s most high-profile councilsThe future of local governance, leadership, and public service deliveryPerfect for professionals working in local authorities, councils, public sector leadership, policy, and governance, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for building more inclusive communities.Enjoyed this episode? Follow #LocalGovernmentStories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network.Learn more about Solace: ⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk⁠⁠⁠Continue the conversation with us on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/

In this episode of Local Government Stories, we hear from Mark Wynn, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, and Lukman Patel, Chief Executive of Burnley Borough Council, about leadership, collaboration and change across local government in Lancashire. The conversation also explores community cohesion in Burnley, place-based leadership, and the realities of leading in the public sector during a period of significant local government change. If you are interested in local government reform, council leadership, devolution, public sector leadership, place-based working, local authority collaboration and the future of local government in England, this episode is for you. If you found this episode useful, follow Local Government Stories on Spotify and share it with a colleague. Follow Solace: ⁠⁠solace.org.uk⁠⁠ Connect with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, X

What does ethical leadership really look like in local government today? In this episode of Local Government Stories, Nazeya Hussain is joined by Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, CEO and Executive Director of ICMA — and the first woman to lead the International City/County Management Association in its 110-year history. Together, they explore why ethics and professional integrity matter so deeply in public service, how trust can be rebuilt with communities, and what local government leaders can learn from very different contexts across the world. From the United States to Iraq, China and Africa, Julia brings a global perspective on leadership, management and innovation in local government. This is a grounding, timely conversation for chief executives, senior leaders, aspiring local government professionals, and anyone who cares about the future of public service. Enjoyed this episode? Follow #LocalGovernmentStories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network. Follow Solace: ⁠solace.org.uk⁠ Connect with us on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/

In the first episode of Series 3 of Local Government Stories, we take a wider lens on leadership across the local government ecosystem. This week, Ali Whiteley, Chief Executive of London Councils (representing London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London), joins us to discuss what it takes to lead in complexity. We talk about how leaders build consensus (and recognise when “red lines” make agreement impossible), and why credible evidence and analysis matter when shaping recommendations and influencing across the system. The conversation also explores the scale of housing and homelessness pressures — including the impact on councils and communities — and why these challenges are rarely solved by a single policy lever. To close, Ali shares a powerful reflection: a wish that, despite everything going on, we celebrate more and are kinder to each other — and a legacy rooted in inspiring and supporting others to do their best work. In this episode: Building consensus across complex issues (and identifying “red lines”) Using evidence and analysis to test recommendations with political groups Housing, homelessness pressures and system-wide impactsLeadership reflections: kindness, celebration, and supporting othersEnjoyed this episode? Follow Local Government Stories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network. Follow Solace: solace.org.uk Connect with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/

🎧 "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.  View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Share on our Socials: X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠uk_solace

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. How her legal background shaped her leadership. Why governance, transparency, and community trust matter more than ever. 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.  View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Share on our Socials: X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠uk_solace

🚨 “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.  View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠ Share on our Socials: X: ⁠⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories Bluesky: ⁠⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠uk_solace

📢 “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.  View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠ Share on our Socials: X: ⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories Bluesky: ⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠ Threads: ⁠uk_solace

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. View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠ Share on our Socials: X: ⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories Bluesky: ⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠ Threads: ⁠uk_solace

🎧 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.  View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠ Share on our Socials: X: ⁠@Solace_UK⁠ LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories Bluesky: @solace-uk.bsky.social Threads: uk_solace

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. View our dedicated Podcast Site: solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/ Share on our Socials: X: @Solace_UK LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories

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. View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠ Share on our Socials: X: @Solace_UK LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories Bluesky: @solace-uk.bsky.social Threads: uk_solace

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 View our dedicated Podcast Site: Share on our Socials: X: @Solace_UK LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories Bluesky: @solace-uk.bsky.social Threads: uk_solace

🎧🚀 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. View our dedicated Podcast Site: https://solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/ Share on our Socials: X: @Solace_UK LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories