The Pulse

11 Dec 2025

Redefining Candidate Experience - Making recruitment feel human again

Guest writer, Paula McInally from West Midlands Combined Authority, reframes candidate experience as the true measure of modern recruitment, showing how small human moments build trust, confidence and lasting engagement. Personal contact, inclusive adjustments and accessible processes benefit candidates through clarity and dignity. For employers, they strengthen reputation, widen access, improve outcomes and position recruitment as a strategic lever for culture and community trust.

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11 Dec 2025

Beyond Breakfast: Why Culture and Strategy Are Part of the Same Meal

In her latest article, Michelle O’Neill explores why public sector transformation succeeds only when the human experience and organisational direction move in sync. She highlights how coaching and mentoring create the space people need to process uncertainty, rebuild identity and connect emotionally with what change means for them, not just the system.

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11 Dec 2025

The Power of Partnership: How Regional Collaboration is Shaping the Future of Local Government Talent

Local government is facing a critical moment in its talent pipeline, and early collaboration may be the key to changing the story. In this article, Chloe Herrmann explores how the LGA and WMCA early careers pilot is reshaping how councils reach young people long before they enter the job market. By bringing together national branding, regional expertise and authentic local voices, the campaign demonstrates the real power of partnership. It shows why councils investing now, collectively, will be the ones who secure the talent they need tomorrow. A forward look at what’s possible , and a call to think differently about workforce futures.

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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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05 Nov 2025

PS IHEART You Unplugged: Reframing AI: Human-Centred Innovation in Councils

In this episode of the WME Podcast, Michelle O’Neill (Principal Consultant, Leadership and OD at West Midlands Employers) is joined by AI specialist Heather Murray for a human-first conversation on AI in local government. They explore how AI can support—not replace—public service professionals, and why removing fear is key to real adoption. With practical insights around safe experimentation, collaboration between HR and IT, and the need to put purpose before tools, this episode reframes AI as a people issue as much as a technical one. Perfect for leaders navigating the digital future with empathy and intention.

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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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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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05 Nov 2025

PS IHEART You Unplugged: Reframing AI: Human-Centred Innovation in Councils

In this episode of the WME Podcast, Michelle O’Neill (Principal Consultant, Leadership and OD at West Midlands Employers) is joined by AI specialist Heather Murray for a human-first conversation on AI in local government. They explore how AI can support—not replace—public service professionals, and why removing fear is key to real adoption. With practical insights around safe experimentation, collaboration between HR and IT, and the need to put purpose before tools, this episode reframes AI as a people issue as much as a technical one. Perfect for leaders navigating the digital future with empathy and intention.

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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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