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.

  • 15 May 2025

    Leadership is no longer linear

    The Tri-sector Challenge is a unique leadership simulation that pushes public sector professionals to collaborate under real-world pressures. Participants gain critical skills like rapid decision-making, political acuity, and resilience, working alongside leaders from local government, the NHS, and emergency services. With roles for both participants and volunteers, it’s an opportunity to develop systems thinking, build cross-sector relationships, and drive meaningful change. Join the challenge this September at Molineux Stadium.

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  • 15 May 2025

    Job Evaluation: It's Not Rocket Science – So Why Is Equal Pay Still a Challenge in Local Government?

    Equal pay in local government remains a challenge despite clear frameworks like the Single Status Agreement and job evaluation schemes. The issue often lies in inconsistent local implementation, grade drift, and reduced JE expertise. Councils must commit to transparency, regular audits, and staff training to address these gaps. Long-term fairness requires a strategic approach, not just reactive fixes, to prevent costly claims and rebuild trust in pay equity.

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  • 15 May 2025

    Rethinking conflict resolution in Local Government: Why mediation is the strategic missing piece

    Mediation is strategic, not just procedural. Integrating mediation helps councils resolve conflict effectively, enhance workplace wellbeing, and build stronger teams—driving smarter decisions, healthier relationships, and more resilient public services.

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News

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

  • 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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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.

  • 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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  • 11 Mar 2025

    PS IHEART You Episode 5: Bridging the Gap: Gen Z, Work, and the Future of Public Sector Careers

    How can employers attract & retain Gen Z talent? In Public Sector I HEART You, we chat with Shoshana (Fairy Job Mother) about Gen Z values, recruitment strategies & social media engagement to future-proof the workforce.

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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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