The Pulse

17 Jun 2025

The storm is getting stronger. Here’s how to keep your people with you.

Coaching can be a critical force for resilience, connection and clarity across every level of local government. This piece explores the emotional impact of system-wide pressure, and shows how coaching is helping people not just survive change, but lead through it with purpose, adaptability and support.

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17 Jun 2025

Leading through change: why coaching, culture and leadership matter most in local government reorganisation

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) challenges councils to lead through complexity, not just restructure. It demands strong leadership, cultural clarity, and space for reflection. By investing in people, behaviours, and shared values from day one, councils can turn disruption into opportunity. With the right support, LGR becomes a catalyst for leadership growth, stronger teams, and a more resilient organisation ready to thrive beyond transition.

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17 Jun 2025

Award-winning partnership: How collaboration is powering public sector recruitment transformation

West Midlands Employers and Tribepad have won Best Supplier Partnership at the Talent Labs Awards 2025. This recognition highlights the impact of true collaboration in modernising public sector recruitment. Through shared values, open communication, and a growing WMTribe network, 14 councils have already improved speed, inclusivity, and candidate experience—proving that trusted partnerships can transform how local authorities attract, engage, and retain top public sector talent.

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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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27 Mar 2025

West Midlands’ Collaborative Approach to Social Work: A Decade of Workforce Stability

Colleen Male, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Walsall Council, explores how the West Midlands tackled agency staff chaos and transformed children's social work.

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17 Jun 2025

PS I HEART You Unplugged: The future of work, AI and the role of people professionals with Peter Cheese

In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD. Together, they explore the evolving world of work—from the rise of AI and hybrid working to skills shortages and the importance of ethical leadership. Peter shares reflections from his global career, insights on public vs private sector workforce development, and how CIPD is influencing government policy and empowering the next generation of people professionals. A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of HR in the public sector.

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12 May 2025

Episode 7: Landing the Right Role – Gen Z Career Advice

This episode of PS I Heart You features Manny Sandhu and Shoshana Davies exploring how Gen Z experience their first steps into employment. It offers practical advice for jobseekers and recruiters on recognising transferable skills, building confidence, and creating supportive, inclusive recruitment processes that empower young talent to thrive.

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10 Apr 2025

PS IHEART You: Episode 6 - From Learning to Leading - Gen Z’s Impact on Public Service

In this thought-provoking episode of PS I ?? You, Michelle O’Neill, Matthew Hotten and Nick Rice (Warwickshire County Council ) dive into how ‘squiggly’ careers and talent mobility can help shape a more agile, inclusive and future-ready public sector. From Gen Z’s evolving career expectations to the changing face of leadership and learning in the age of AI, the trio explore how we can unlock potential across the workforce.

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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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