The Pulse

15 Jul 2026

The broken middle: Why public sector recruitment is getting harder, not easier

Recruitment in the public sector is changing. While application volumes are increasing, many organisations are still struggling to make appointments, retain new starters and address ongoing skills shortages. In this article, Chloe Herrmann explores why the recruitment challenge has shifted from attracting candidates to assessing capability, improving conversion and building long-term workforce resilience. She examines the impact of AI-assisted applications, early attrition, workforce planning and local government reorganisation, and explains why recruitment success now depends on what happens between application and appointment.

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15 Jul 2026

Inclusive leadership in a world of permacrisis

In today's world of constant disruption, leadership is more challenging than ever. In this article, Shakil Butt, HR Associate at WME, explores why inclusive leadership has become a business imperative. He examines how diverse thinking, psychological safety and the confidence to have difficult inclusive conversations enable organisations to navigate complexity, move beyond echo chambers and build cultures where people feel valued, heard and empowered to contribute their very best.

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15 Jul 2026

The new unfair dismissal landscape: Rethinking probationary periods

The forthcoming changes to unfair dismissal rights are prompting many organisations to rethink how they manage probationary periods. Lorna Wells explores whether the real issue is probation itself, or the need for stronger people management from day one. She considers the implications for HR professionals, recruitment, onboarding and employee development, arguing that continuous support and fair performance management create better outcomes for both employees and organisations.

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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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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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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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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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09 Jun 2026

PS IHEART You: Balancing AI and trust in senior recruitment

Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Steve, Director of Recruitment and Delivery at Solace in Business, and Jess Mullinger, Executive Director of Sector Support at Solace in Business. Together they explore how AI is shaping executive recruitment in local government, where it can improve efficiency and widen talent pools, and where risks around bias, authenticity and public trust remain. They also discuss pressures in the senior recruitment market and why succession planning, talent pipelines and human judgement continue to be central to effective public sector leadership.

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02 Jun 2026

PS IHEART You: From apprenticeship to career in local government

In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Chloe Herrmman is joined by Daisy Killian from Warwick District Council, Aman Sandhu from City of Wolverhampton Council, and Will Oldham from the Local Government Association to explore how apprenticeships can open the door to long-term careers in local government. They share real early-career journeys alongside national insight into recruitment and retention, highlighting progression opportunities and the importance of raising awareness of apprenticeships for young people.

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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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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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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