The Pulse

12 Feb 2026

Sharing Interview Questions: Fairness, Transparency or Too Far?

Is sharing interview questions a step towards fairness, or does it risk undermining effective selection? This article explores the growing debate around transparency in recruitment, balancing candidate experience with robust assessment. Drawing on resourcing practice and inclusion principles, Graham Bradley considers reasonable adjustments, role expectations and hybrid approaches, and why there may be no single ‘right’ answer, only better, more thoughtful conversations.

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12 Feb 2026

Go on then. Prove it.

In the first article of the Modern Leadership Without the Script series, Matthew Hotten invites leaders to reflect on whether experience alone is enough in today’s fast-changing environment. While experience brings judgement and stability, shifts such as hybrid work, AI and growing complexity require more than precedent and speed. The piece highlights the importance of staying curious, asking better questions and being open to not having all the answers. Experience should be a foundation, not a fortress, particularly when the context around leadership continues to evolve.

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12 Feb 2026

From Faithless to Fearless: Reflections from the Festival of AI in Practice

Michelle O’Neill reflects on the Festival of AI in Practice and what it revealed about AI in local government. Across five days and 1,600+ participants, the message was clear: AI is a people and leadership issue, not just a digital one. The article explores readiness over speed, the importance of purpose and “return on intention”, and the need for honest conversations about adoption, equity and governance. From Copilot rollouts to AI amnesty and behaviour change, Michelle argues that intentional, human-centred leadership is what turns AI from hype into meaningful transformation.

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10 Feb 2026

Growing finance talent through apprenticeships at West Midlands Employers

West Midlands Employers is strengthening public sector careers through a finance apprenticeship supporting early career finance talent. New apprentice Ajmer Sidhu is gaining hands-on finance experience while studying for an AAT Level 2 qualification, demonstrating how apprenticeships build practical skills, professional confidence and long-term career pathways.

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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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10 Feb 2026

PS IHEART You Unplugged: Building Careers, Connections and Confidence in Local Government

In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Julie Towers, Director at Penna. Julie shares insights from her career in local government recruitment, exploring networking, employer brand, senior leadership readiness, reorganisation, and why values, place and diversity matter in today’s councils.

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03 Feb 2026

PS IHEART You: Rethinking Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in HR

n this episode of Public Sector I Heart You, Manny Sandhu speaks with Shakil Butt, HR Director, author, and lecturer, about embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across organisations. They explore why performative EDI fails, the importance of representation in leadership, and how co-design and psychological safety drive real change. Shakil shares practical insights on overcoming fear, moving beyond legislation, and leading with intent.

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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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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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