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.

  • 14 Oct 2026

    You can teach leadership. But how do you know you're ready to lead?

    Strong leadership goes beyond technical expertise. Vic Allison explores how The Tri-Sector Challenge places participants from across public services in charge of a fictional local authority, where they navigate competing priorities and difficult decisions. For participants, it builds confidence and partnership-working skills. For organisations, it develops leaders who can see the wider picture and work effectively across sectors.

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  • 14 Oct 2026

    At Our Best: Reframing pressure, uncertainty & change by building on strengths

    Supporting people through pressure, uncertainty and change starts with understanding what they need to stay engaged and thrive. Michele Deeks explores the importance of meeting three basic psychological needs: competence, autonomy and connection. By recognising, valuing and helping people play to their strengths, leaders, managers, coaches and mentors can help individuals feel capable, empowered and connected—supporting wellbeing, motivation and successful change across teams and organisations.

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  • 14 Oct 2026

    The AI Mixtape Years: Why I've Started Loving AI Differently

    Michelle O’Neill reflects on how her enthusiasm for AI has evolved as she explores both its opportunities and unintended consequences. Through the “Mixtape Years” theme, she considers how AI can improve productivity and transform work, while also creating new complexity, risks and demands. Join this year’s AI Festival to explore these challenges, share ideas and shape what comes next.

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News

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

  • 03 Aug 2026

    Finding a permenant solution to a temporary problem

    WMTemps is helping councils across the West Midlands transform the way they recruit temporary staff. Since launching in 2022, the regional partnership has reduced agency spend, increased permanent recruitment and strengthened collaboration between local authorities. In this news piece, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, reflects on WMTemps' journey and explains how its partnership approach is creating a more resilient, sustainable workforce model that has the potential to be replicated across local government.

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  • 24 Jul 2026

    Stronger Together: Strengthening local Government through regional collaboration

    Rebecca Davis outlines why collaboration is local government’s greatest strength – And how regional owned and led organisations have never been more important.

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  • 10 Feb 2026

    Growing finance talent through apprenticeships at West Midlands Employers

    West Midlands Employers is strengthening public sector careers through a finance apprenticeship supporting early career finance talent. New apprentice Ajmer Sidhu is gaining hands-on finance experience while studying for an AAT Level 2 qualification, demonstrating how apprenticeships build practical skills, professional confidence and long-term career pathways.

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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.

  • 14 Oct 2026

    PS IHEART You Unplugged: Leading Local Government: People, Place and Leadership

    In this episode, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Vic Allison, Chief Executive of Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils. They explore Vic’s career journey, the challenges of leading two councils, navigating local government reorganisation and supporting staff through uncertainty. They also discuss succession planning, devolution and the importance of investing in people and future leaders.

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  • 14 Oct 2026

    PS IHEART You Unplugged: Beyond Reorganisation: Leading Change

    Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Ian Benson, Director of Local Government Reorganisation for Worcestershire County Council. Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges of local government reorganisation, the importance of maintaining momentum through uncertainty and why transformation must go beyond structural change to improve public services. Ian shares his perspectives on creating organisational culture and values, engaging staff throughout change and ensuring local identity and community needs remain central to future arrangements. They also discuss the role of coaching, reflection and professional networks in developing effective strategic leaders and building a resilient, adaptable public sector workforce.

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  • 30 Jun 2026

    PS IHEART You: Unlocking hidden talent in councils

    In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Michelle O’Neill is joined by Jo Grocott from the City of Wolverhampton Council to discuss how organisations can develop future leaders from within. They explore the Our Future Leaders programme and the importance of giving people practical experience, building confidence, and creating supportive environments to help talent grow.

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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.

  • 30 Jun 2026

    PS IHEART You: Unlocking hidden talent in councils

    In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Michelle O’Neill is joined by Jo Grocott from the City of Wolverhampton Council to discuss how organisations can develop future leaders from within. They explore the Our Future Leaders programme and the importance of giving people practical experience, building confidence, and creating supportive environments to help talent grow.

    Read more

  • 15 Apr 2026

    Resourcing through reform: Keeping services stable while rebuilding the workforce

    In this article, Graham Bradley, (MCIPD), explores what it takes for resourcing leaders to keep services stable and capability growing through Local Government Reorganisation. LGR is a public, time bound workforce transition, often under financial constraint and rising demand. This paper distils ten resourcing considerations to help leaders balance internal mobility and targeted recruitment, align to programme dependencies, and manage risk as the new authority takes shape.

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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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Resources

  • 30 Jun 2026

    PS IHEART You: Unlocking hidden talent in councils

    In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Michelle O’Neill is joined by Jo Grocott from the City of Wolverhampton Council to discuss how organisations can develop future leaders from within. They explore the Our Future Leaders programme and the importance of giving people practical experience, building confidence, and creating supportive environments to help talent grow.

    Read more

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