Thought Leadership
11 Nov 2026
The application is no longer the evidence: What should replace it?
Chloe Herrmann explores how the growing use of AI creates more polished applications, making it harder for employers to distinguish between candidates and assess genuine capability. The article highlights practical approaches, including structured interviews, work samples and clear guidance on responsible AI use, to help public sector organisations move beyond written applications, gather meaningful evidence and maintain fair, transparent recruitment.
11 Nov 2026
From the audience to the stage: greatest gain, not least pain
Not deciding is still a decision. Ashleigh Shatford reflects on choosing redundancy after 18 years in the NHS and explores why the least painful option now may not offer the greatest gain in the long run. She explains how focusing on what matters most can help people weigh up difficult choices, challenge limiting beliefs and take ownership of their response to change. For coaches and mentors, she offers a question to open that conversation: which option brings short-term comfort, and which moves you towards the life you want? At The Pivot, the Public Sector Coaching and Mentoring Conference, she’ll share the framework behind this approach to help delegates find clarity for themselves and the people they support.
11 Nov 2026
Who Do You Call? Why Leaders Need Their People
Manny Sandhu explores why leaders need to build trusted networks before challenges arise, highlighting that effective leadership means knowing who to ask, not having every answer. The article highlights how experience, reflection and meeting peers in person beyond their own organisation help leaders share advice, broaden their perspective and adapt to change. Through the West Midlands Leadership Network, the new Early Career Leaders Network and Leadership Live 2027, she outlines opportunities to strengthen relationships and grow a regional leadership community.
11 Nov 2026
The Missing Half of Psychological Safety
Avoiding feedback does not make it kinder. Matthew Masters explores the missing half of psychological safety, helping managers feel safe enough to give honest feedback, not just receive it. He examines how the emotional demands of difficult conversations can affect some neurodivergent managers and explains why asking them to be more confident falls short. Through a four-stage feedback framework and neurodivergent coaching, he explores practical ways to help managers speak clearly, offer support and act even when discomfort remains.
14 Oct 2026
You can teach leadership. But how do you know you're ready to lead?
Strong leadership goes beyond technical expertise. Vic Allison explores how The Tri-Sector Challenge places participants from across public services in charge of a fictional local authority, where they navigate competing priorities and difficult decisions. For participants, it builds confidence and partnership-working skills. For organisations, it develops leaders who can see the wider picture and work effectively across sectors.
14 Oct 2026
At Our Best: Reframing pressure, uncertainty & change by building on strengths
Supporting people through pressure, uncertainty and change starts with understanding what they need to stay engaged and thrive. Michele Deeks explores the importance of meeting three basic psychological needs: competence, autonomy and connection. By recognising, valuing and helping people play to their strengths, leaders, managers, coaches and mentors can help individuals feel capable, empowered and connected—supporting wellbeing, motivation and successful change across teams and organisations.
14 Oct 2026
The AI Mixtape Years: Why I've Started Loving AI Differently
Michelle O’Neill reflects on how her enthusiasm for AI has evolved as she explores both its opportunities and unintended consequences. Through the “Mixtape Years” theme, she considers how AI can improve productivity and transform work, while also creating new complexity, risks and demands. Join this year’s AI Festival to explore these challenges, share ideas and shape what comes next.
16 Sep 2026
Why Equality, Diversion & Inclusion starts with recruitment: Building inclusion before day one
Graham Bradley explores how inclusive recruitment supports Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) by removing barriers, reducing bias and widening access to public sector careers. The article highlights practical approaches, including inclusive job design, structured interviews and data-driven decision-making, to help organisations attract broader talent pools and build workforces that better reflect the communities they serve.
16 Sep 2026
The hardest part of moving forward? Knowing what to leave behind
Moving forward isn’t always about embracing the next change. Sometimes it starts with deciding what to leave behind. Michelle O’Neill explores the idea of the pivot: the point where we let go, reframe what’s in front of us and find a different direction. For people, that means finding balance when things move. For organisations, it means creating the space to question old assumptions and make better choices about what comes next.