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.

  • 13 Nov 2025

    Is outsourcing investigations the strategic advantage the Public Sector has been overlooking?

    Rachael Simpson challenges the public sector’s instinct to keep workplace investigations in-house, exposing the risks of delays, bias, and strained relationships. For employees, outsourcing offers impartiality, quicker resolutions, and confidence in fairness. For employers, it safeguards trust, ensures legal robustness, reduces hidden costs, and signals strong leadership by valuing investigations as a strategic lever for culture, not just compliance.

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  • 13 Nov 2025

    Leading in the Age of Emergence

    Matthew Hotten explores how leadership must evolve in an era where change is constant and unpredictable. Traditional step-by-step frameworks no longer fit a world shaped by disruption and the pace of BANI. Leaders must shift from managing change to leading through it—embracing ambiguity, fostering adaptability, and supporting teams in real time. Emotional intelligence, sensemaking and trust are now core tools. For organisations, the challenge is to build cultures that thrive amid uncertainty, where adaptability is a way of working. In today’s world, change isn’t managed—it’s lived.

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  • 13 Nov 2025

    We don’t need more AI hype, we need each other - especially in local government

    AI isn’t about shiny tools — it’s about people, culture, and confidence. Local government doesn’t need more hype, it needs shared learning. The Festival of AI in Practice will spotlight real stories from councils using AI with purpose, collaboration, and care — proving that transformation is built from the ground up, not bought in.

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News

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

  • 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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  • 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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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 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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  • 07 Oct 2025

    PS IHEART You Unplugged: Data, Devolution and the Future of Local Government: Insights with Mo Baines & Dr Jason Lowther

    In this episode of the WME Podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Dr Jason Lowther, Director at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Local Government Studies, and Mo Baines, Chief Executive of APSE. Together they explore how councils can make better use of data and analytics, the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in local government, and the role of devolution in shaping the future of communities. They also discuss why a national workforce strategy is urgently needed to address skills gaps and strengthen local government for the years ahead.

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  • 03 Sep 2025

    PS IHEART You Unplugged: The power of small habits: Building resilience and wellbeing

    In this episode of PS IHEART You Unplugged, Matthew from West Midlands Employers speaks with Kat Thorne, The Morning Game Changer, about how small daily habits can create lasting impact. Kat shares her journey from burnout to resilience, highlighting the role of accountability, mindset, and positive routines. Listeners will gain practical strategies to improve wellbeing, energy, and performance, while learning how organisations can foster sustainable change.

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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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