Plan today for the workforce of tomorrow

Workforce planning is not just about solving today’s challenges—it’s about preparing for the future. The rapid pace of change, shifting age demographics, the rise of GenAI, devolution, and evolving career pathways mean that councils must be as proactive as they are reactive.

Our approach embeds #BuildAWindmill thinking, ensuring resilience in the face of uncertainty. Looking ahead, we will work with the sector to explore opportunities to do things differently, using foresight-driven workforce strategies that are agile, sustainable, and responsive to emerging skills demands, technological advancements, and societal shifts. That means our solutions may come from embracing what’s ahead and reshaping what has traditionally served us well.

Why strategic workforce planning is essential for success

Advanced and successful strategic workforce planning (SWP) is not a ‘nice to have’. It is a must-have.?We can work with you to embed a comprehensive approach, making sure you are aligning changing workforce capabilities with long-term organisational priorities.

  • Visioning the long-term future of public service?
  • Analysing your current and future workforce needs?
  • Identifying current and future skills gaps Optimising workforce costs over the long term?
  • Creating strategies for building internal talent pipelines?
  • Planning for workforce flexibility to meet changing demands?
  • Identifying and mitigating workforce-related risks?
  • Developing succession plans for key roles?
  • Developing strategies to attract and retain talent?
  • Ensuring critical knowledge is retained and transferred?
  • Planning for changes in work patterns and job roles?
  • Create frameworks and tools that you can use long-term?
  • Provide insights into broader labour market trends and future of work predictions?
  • Offer comparative analysis with similar organisations or industries?– bringing the outside in
  • Facilitate discussions and build consensus among diverse stakeholders?
  • Help articulate the value of SWP to senior leadership



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WME's guidance and expertise have been invaluable in helping us to develop and implement a strategic approach to workforce planning across the Council.

From our initial conversations, through the planning process and throughout the roll out of this first phase of the pilot, WME’s innovative and insightful advice and expertise has enabled us to develop a robust and forward-thinking approach to workforce planning, as well as equipping our managers with the skills and capability to deliver this.

Acting as a critical friend, WME have encouraged us to develop our thinking further than we would have been able to on our own. We feel confident that through WME’s input and support, we are better placed to plan for and navigate the complex, evolving landscape in which we work.

Hannah Preece, HR & OD Service Delivery Manager and Debbie Brown, HR Policy and OD Manager Telford and Wrekin Council March 2025

How we can help

Get in touch to explore how we can support your team's growth and development.

Chloe Herrmann

Principal Consultant Resourcing