🎧 "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.
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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:
🎧 This is essential listening for anyone in local government, leadership, or public service.
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🚨 “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:
🎧 If you care about the future of local government, this is a must listen.
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📢 “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.
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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.
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🎧 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.
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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.
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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.
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Transforming Communities through Leadership with Shokat Lal of Sandwell Council
In this insightful episode, Shokat dives into his experience of engaging Pakistani, Indian and Afro-Caribbean communities to help them navigate the implementation of poll tax. His innovative approach turned a challenging situation into a successful initiative, and he shares the lessons learned along the way.
He emphasises the importance of coaching and mentoring when transitioning into senior leadership roles. Reflecting on his own journey, he reveals how valuable this support would have been when he first stepped up into leadership.
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🎧🚀 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.
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We're excited to bring you the 11th and final episode of Series 1 of The Local Government Stories Podcast! 🎉
This episode features a compelling conversation with Stephen Gabriel, the CEO of Tamworth Borough Council, just as we approach the General Elections.
What to Expect in Episode 11:
From Streets to Leadership: Stephen shares the pivotal moment when he chose to pursue work over life on the streets, a decision that set him on the path to becoming a leader in local government.
Unexpected Journey: Reflecting on his journey, Stephen reveals how, as a 17-year-old, he never imagined he would one day be a Chief Executive.
Diverse Roles and Challenges: Learn about Stephen's various leadership roles, from working within communities at Sandwell Council to handling housing crises at Birmingham, and leading strategic plans through the pandemic at Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils.
Passion for Housing: Throughout his career, Stephen has held executive roles in housing trusts and associations, demonstrating a deep commitment to the housing agenda.
Don't miss this inspiring episode that encapsulates the dedication and resilience required to lead in local government.
Thank you for being a valued listener. We look forward to bringing you more insightful Local Government stories in Series 2!
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We are thrilled to announce the 10th episode of The Local Government Stories Podcast, featuring a special guest, Andrew Kerr, CEO of Edinburgh Council.
Andrew began his career in Leisure Services and has since built an impressive 42-year journey in local government, serving as Chief Executive across four major local councils in North Tyneside, Wiltshire, Cornwall, and currently in Edinburgh.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Andrew is a medal-winning 400m runner who has represented Team GB and Scotland at the international level. He was honoured with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021 for his contributions to public services.
Throughout his career, Andrew has held various local and national roles. His move to Wiltshire as Chief Executive drew significant media attention as he navigated some challenging political waters with redundancy after only 18 months into the position. He then moved to the Chief Executive role in Cornwall where he faced some unprecedented challenges during politically difficult times.
Andrew later took the opportunity as the Chief Executive of diverse Edinburgh, leading through the challenging pandemic period. He has overseen significant events, including the arrangements for the Queen of England's funeral.
Today he leads on developing positive relationships with the city’s four universities, engaging with a breadth of partners that make the city a global attraction.
Don't miss this insightful episode where Andrew shares his vast experience and unique stories from his distinguished career in local government.
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With a career spanning over 28 years in Local Government, Pippa Milne brings a wealth of experience and insights. As Scotland Solace Leadership Lead, a member of the electoral management board for Scotland, a qualified coach, and now a podcast host, Pippa's journey is nothing short of remarkable.
We are excited to announce the release of Episode 9 of our podcast series, featuring an inspiring conversation with Pippa Milne, the Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council, the second largest council in Scotland.
In this episode, Pippa passionately discusses the benefits of aiming for the top job in local government. She highlights the significant impact one can have on communities, the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people, and the chance to develop invaluable career-building skills. Pippa shares how the role allows for new connections, travel, and networking, making it a dynamic and rewarding career choice.
Additionally, Pippa opens up about joining the council after a challenging period marked by a breakdown in relationships between members and officers. She delves into the strategies she employed to rebuild trust and improve collaboration within the council, showcasing her resilience and leadership during tough times.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and learn from Pippa Milne's experiences and career-changing moves.
Solace website: solace.org.uk
Dedicated podcast site:
https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/
Socials:
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories
In this episode, Matt Prosser shares his remarkable journey spanning over 30 years in local government, from his early responsibilities in the Royal Marines to his current role as a national policy leader in local government reform.
As the President of Solace and a prominent figure in the National Leadership Forum, Matt brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing local communities.
Key Highlights:
This episode is not just about local government; it's about leadership, innovation, and the future we're building together. We invite you to listen, learn, and be inspired by Matt Prosser's vision for stronger, more resilient communities.
Solace website: solace.org.uk
Dedicated podcast site:
https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/
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Dr Grace Vickers, Chief Executive at Midlothian Council, is a dynamic leader in local government. She has improved school performance and played key roles in addressing pandemic-related schooling issues as co-chair of the Scottish Government's National Children and Families Collective Leadership Group. In 2023, she chaired Solace Scotland, highlighting her extensive leadership experience.
Grace's leadership journey from Head Teacher to Chief Executive at Midlothian Council is rooted in her strong academic foundation, including a postgraduate certificate in secondary education, a PhD from the University of Edinburgh Business School, SQH, and a B.Mus (Hons).
Dr Vickers gained invaluable insights into impactful policy decisions during her time as a secondary Head Teacher at a diverse Catholic school, where she witnessed firsthand the difference such decisions can make on the ground. This experience propelled her into the role of Quality Improvement Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, marking the beginning of her distinguished career in local government.
Grace's leadership roles at Midlothian Council, a rapidly growing local authority specializing in life sciences, have been pivotal. She served as Education and Chief Education Officer, overseeing significant initiatives that drove positive change in education across the region. Her subsequent role as Head of Education at Midlothian Council allowed her to spearhead the implementation of a new curriculum across Edinburgh, further cementing her impact on educational development.
Throughout her career, from pioneering educational initiatives to her current position as Chief Executive, Grace remains dedicated to delivering improved outcomes for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds within her community.
Tune in to Episode 7 as we explore Grace Vickers' transformative journey and her unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
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Natalie Brahma-Pearl, newly appointed Chief Executive of Portsmouth City Council shares her vast experience in local government spanning over 26 years.
Natalie's career journey on Episode 6 gives us a comprehensive account of her impressive portfolio in environmental health to managing large front-line services focussed on transformation and change, paving her way into local government.
From her Chief Executive position at Crawley Borough Council in West Sussex to navigating political challenges at Horsham District Council focussing on transformation, we gain insights from her perspective on managing the political landscape and leading large organizations.
Her academic background in environmental policy and strategy led to her first job as an Environment Officer at Lancaster Council tackling pollution in the environmental Department, then moving to Harrow branching into policy and environmental health.
From Harrow she moved to Adur District Council working in sustainability taking on responsibilities of safety culture gaining exposure within community and regeneration.
As a Chief Executive at Crawley, she shares her dedication to improving communities, setting up STEM programmes for schools, facing unemployment issues and the effects of furlough during the pandemic.
In her current role as Chief Executive of Portsmouth Council, she has transitioned from a borough setting to leading a unitary at Portsmouth City Council and through sheer determination and resilience during personal challenges we learn how her early childhood shaped her.
solace.org.uk
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@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories
In recognition of her exemplary contributions to both local and central government, Carolyn Downs was honoured with the title of Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2011 New Year's Honours list. Boasting a rich four-decade-long career in Local Government, Carolyn currently serves on various boards, focusing on advancing health and social care integration.
Carolyn Downs shares her incredible journey from Bolton librarian to navigating political landscapes as a Chief Executive. Discover her CEO network's pivotal role, the impact of an all-female top team at Shropshire Council, and insights gained at the Ministry of Justice amidst Whitehall's culture.
Join us as Carolyn opens up about challenges faced at the LGA, where transparency and unwavering values were key. Explore her strategic leadership ensuring political will delivery and protection for councils and members.
Carolyn also shares her essential CEO skills, from political management to navigating values, and her authentic leadership principles – managing risks, building confidence, embracing bravery, and fostering trust. Tune in for a podcast packed with leadership insights.
https://solace.org.uk/
https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories
Joanne Roney, CEO at Manchester City Council earned an OBE in 2009 for her exceptional service to local government. As Solace's president during the pandemic, she was an strong and authoritative voice for the whole sector. Joanne adds a CBE to her accolades this year in the King's New Year's Honour List.
In this podcast episode, we delve into Joanne's remarkable career journey. Starting as a young Apprentice at Birmingham City Council, Joanne shares pivotal moments that shaped her leadership path.
As a CEO, she reflects on the dynamic nature of her role, emphasising strategic thinking and leveraging strengths and weaknesses to build a supportive team.
Join us as Joanne recounts her move from Birmingham to her first Chief Executive role at Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council, where she held the top post from 2008.
From leading the 'Our Manchester' plan to dealing with unprecedented events including the Manchester Arena Bombing, discover how Joanne continuously learns from the diverse experiences of those around her.
https://solace.org.uk/
https://solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories
Tom Stannard, a regeneration and economic development professional, shares his experience of diversity and cultural changes.
Tom is a former West Londoner turned Director of Comms in East Lancashire, where he led Blackburn's council to multiple 'Council of the Year' victories.
With a background in regeneration and economic development, Tom unveils his secrets of effective leadership, emphasising the value of diversity in learning.
As a commissioner at the Living Wage Foundation and a Solace spokesperson for climate change, Tom sheds light on the motivations behind taking on the Chief Executive role. Tune in for a first-hand account of the CEO's day-to-day reality and gain insights from a leader dedicated to success and positive change.
https://solace.org.uk/
https://solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories
Althea Loderick, a stalwart in London government for over two decades, currently serves as a Chief Executive at Southwark Council. With a background in HR and OD, she transitioned into transformational roles across various London authorities before becoming a chartered professional in the civil service.
Notably, she successfully led Newham Council during the pandemic, showcasing her leadership in one of the most impacted boroughs in London.
As the lead London Chief Executive on policing, crime and public protection, Althea continues to make a significant impact in her role.
https://solace.org.uk/
https://solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories