The Pulse

15 Jan 2026

Making reasonable adjustments work: What recent tribunal decisions tell us

These cases show that good practice in disability management isn’t just about avoiding risk, it’s about how we engage with people, understand their needs and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. Lorna Wells explores two recent tribunal cases that demonstrate employers getting it right, offering practical lessons for local authorities navigating complex neurodiversity and adjustment requests. The article highlights what meaningful engagement looks like and why clarity and fairness matter for both people and organisations

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15 Jan 2026

Transformation from the Inside Out: Building HR capacity for successful Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Local Government Reorganisation is one of the most demanding transformations councils will undertake, yet HR teams, responsible for guiding people through change, are often the least supported. In this article, Rachael Simpson explores why HR capacity is a strategic risk, not a functional detail, and how leadership teams can strengthen the people foundations that determine whether LGR succeeds. It offers practical guidance drawn from real programmes and highlights the investment, influence and support HR teams need to deliver lasting organisational stability.

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15 Jan 2026

It’s Time to Rethink Change Management: From Managing Projects to Growing Conditions

Change management has helped councils bring structure to uncertainty for decades, but the world has shifted. Change is no longer an event to manage; it’s the environment we all operate in. Michelle O'Neill explores why traditional models are no longer enough and how leaders can build the conditions where people feel safe, able to learn, experiment and adapt. Because when change is constant, our real advantage is the environment we grow, not the processes we control.

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05 Dec 2025

West Midlands Employers lead the way on practical AI with new Festival of AI in Practice

West Midlands Employers (WME) has launched the Festival of AI in Practice, a free virtual week (26–30 January 2026) to help councils understand and lead with AI. The programme features keynotes speakers, case studies and sessions showcasing real AI use across the region. Open to all WME shareholder council staff, the festival will demystify AI, explore ethics and governance, and show how technology is improving services such as social care and customer experience.

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21 Oct 2025

West Midlands pilot showcases local government careers for young people

A new pilot campaign, Make a Difference, Work for Your Local Council, is being launched in the West Midlands this October and November to inspire young people to consider careers in local government. Developed by the LGA with local partners, the campaign was unveiled at the WMJobs Public Sector Career Expo in Birmingham and will feature at key regional events. A new video highlights the variety of roles, training, and flexible working councils offer, sharing real apprentice and graduate success stories. Resources and creative materials will support councils regionally and nationally, helping to attract the next generation into local government careers.

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07 Oct 2025

WMJobs Public Sector Career Expo Puts Inclusivity Centre Stage

The WMJobs Career Expo 2025, held in Birmingham on 2nd October, connected councils, employers and jobseekers across the West Midlands. Over 20 exhibitors showcased 1,000+ public sector roles, from teaching to finance. A new ‘Quiet Hour’ created a more inclusive, accessible experience for attendees. Expert workshops covered confidence, career pathways and AI in job searches. With strong youth engagement and the launch of the LGA’s new campaign, the Expo highlighted inclusivity, opportunity and the breadth of careers in local government.

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06 Jan 2026

PS IHEART You: The Lost Art of Strategic Workforce Planning

In this episode, Matthew and Michelle discuss why strategic workforce planning is essential for local authorities. They explore the impact of AI, shadow AI risks, and the gap between digital-native workers and experienced staff. They also examine how hybrid working is reshaping culture, and why long-term thinking is key to a future-ready workforce. Strategic workforce planning, they argue, is the “instruction manual” aligning all parts of the organisational windmill. Tune in to discover how HR, leaders and services can turn planning into a movement, not just a moment.

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09 Dec 2025

PS IHeart You Unplugged: Leading Locally: Emma Bennett on Place, Purpose and Progress

In this episode, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Emma Bennett, Chief Executive at Walsall Council. Together they explore Emma’s journey from frontline social work to chief executive, and what it means to lead in the place you call home. The conversation covers workforce engagement, political dynamics, resident-led transformation, and the challenges and opportunities facing local government today. Emma also shares her reflections on gender in leadership, the importance of work-life balance, and how to build trust and culture across complex systems.

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01 Dec 2025

PS IHEART You Unplugged: Creating Culture That Works

In this episode of the WME Podcast, Matthew speaks with Sue Chilton, Chief People Officer at Coventry City Council, and Elizabeth Lisle, Director at ELA Development Consultancy, about how workplace culture is shaped by behaviour and values. They explore Coventry’s ODP programme and how it’s driving long-term change through performance, inclusion, and leadership.

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31 Jan 2025

WMJobs Fair 2025 Attendee Interviews

Watch the WMJobs fair highlights for 2025 and the attendee interviews.

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25 Nov 2024

'I Am Not A Robot' Coaching and Mentoring conference 2024

Discover how the 'I Am Not A Robot' Coaching and Mentoring Conference by West Midlands Employers explored the balance between human intuition and digital tools.

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24 Sep 2024

Tri-Sector Challenge 2024

Join us as we reflect on the Tri-Sector Challenge; a unique leadership event bringing together the public, private, and third sectors to solve real-world challenges.

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