Thought Leadership

The Pulse empowers you to make informed decisions and lead transformation in your organisation. Access content from industry thought leaders, discover innovative strategies, and explore the latest trends and updates in public sector Resourcing, HR, Leadership and Organisational Development.

  • 21 Aug 2025

    Recruitment Marketing: Lessons Public Sector Can Learn from the Private Sector.

    Private companies are raising the bar in recruitment, using marketing strategies, brand storytelling, and digital platforms to attract top talent. Chloe Herrmann explores how the public sector can respond, blending strategic marketing with purpose-led messaging and collaboration to build a stronger, more competitive workforce.

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  • 21 Aug 2025

    The Translation Gap: Why we're missing opportunities

    Veterans bring resilience, leadership, and adaptability—yet public sector recruitment often overlooks their potential. Rachael Simpson explores the barriers that hold veterans back and sets out practical steps HR teams can take to bridge the gap and strengthen public services.

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  • 21 Aug 2025

    Coaching through a neuro-inclusive lens: a space to think, lead, and grow

    Gayle Hudson, WME Associate, explores how neuro-affirming coaching creates safe spaces where neurodivergent colleagues can thrive. Drawing on lived experiences and workplace practice, it challenges leaders to move beyond awareness to action, embedding coaching and inclusive approaches that unlock hidden potential.

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News

Stay current with news and developments shaping the public sector landscape.

  • 24 Jul 2025

    Recruiting for complexity

    Rebecca Davis calls for a fundamental shift in local government recruitment. She argues councils must look beyond traditional hiring methods and focus on finding adaptable, future-ready leaders. Through strategic workforce planning, inclusive pathways, and cross-council collaboration, WME is helping reshape recruitment to meet complex modern challenges. Davis champions honest storytelling, early engagement with young people, and prioritising learning agility over rigid experience to futureproof the public sector.

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  • 17 Apr 2025

    Employment Landscape Changes – the impact on recruitment

    The Employment Rights Bill signals major UK workplace reform, expanding day one rights and protections for vulnerable workers. While businesses fear recruitment challenges and rising costs, opportunities emerge for fairer hiring, workforce resilience, and inclusive growth. Local Government must adapt positively to harness talent and support long-term workforce strategy.

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  • 31 Mar 2025

    West Midlands Employers unveils ambitious Strategic Plan for 2025-2030

    West Midlands Employers (WME) has launched an ambitious Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, focused on building high-performing, future-ready workforces. With priorities like leadership, collaboration, and workforce innovation, the plan will drive regional prosperity, tackle workforce challenges, and ensure the West Midlands remains a great place to work, live, and thrive.

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Podcasts

Listen to engaging conversations with industry experts, change-makers, and public sector leaders. Our podcast series offers practical insights, success stories, and innovative approaches to workplace challenges, perfect for learning on the go.

  • 05 Aug 2025

    PS I HEART You Unplugged: People before profit: Rethinking agency provision in Local Government

    In this episode of PS I HEART You Unplugged, Rebecca Davis (Chief Executive, West Midlands Employers) is joined by Brad Sinclair (Managing Director, Opus People Solutions) to explore how councils can transform agency provision into a strategic asset. They unpack the challenges and opportunities of temporary recruitment, share insights from the WMTemps framework, and show how investing in people can deliver better value, stronger communities, and a future-fit public sector workforce.

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  • 30 Jun 2025

    PS IHEART You Unplugged: Shaping talent, transformation & trust in Local Government

    In this PS I Heart You Unplugged episode, Rebecca Davis speaks with Tim Johnson, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Council. Tim reflects on 30 years in local government, sharing lessons on values-led leadership, talent development, and how collaboration shapes resilient public services.

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  • 26 Jun 2025

    PS IHEART You Unplugged: Leading through reform and the future of Local Government

    In this episode of The Public Sector I Heart You Unplugged podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, speaks with Ian Miller, Chief Executive of Wyre Forest District Council, about his 25-year leadership journey. They discuss reorganisation, devolution, finance reform, and why keeping services local matters, essential insight for local government leaders.

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Videos

Explore our collection of engaging events, insightful podcasts, and valuable resources to help public sector professionals navigate challenges and deliver impactful services to your communities.

  • 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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