The Pulse

15 Apr 2026

Staying curious. Why modern leadership development must go beyond the classroom

Leadership in local government is becoming increasingly complex, with reform, collaboration and technological change reshaping how services are delivered. In this article, Michelle O’Neill explores why traditional leadership programmes alone are no longer enough. Drawing on work with councils across the sector, she highlights the growing importance of experiential learning, coaching and reflective space in helping leaders navigate uncertainty, develop confidence and build the curiosity modern public sector leadership now demands.

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15 Apr 2026

Is Local Government still family friendly enough?

Local government has long been seen as a leader in family-friendly employment, but that position is becoming less clear. As statutory rights expand and private sector innovation accelerates, the sector’s relative advantage is narrowing. Lorna Wells explores whether compliance is now replacing leadership, and why revisiting family-friendly provision could play a critical role in attraction, retention and workforce sustainability across local government.

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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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10 Mar 2026

PS I HEART You: How Leaders Can Build Resilience Through Change

In this episode, Matthew Hotten is joined by WME Associate, speaker and coach Andrew Pain to explore why traditional change models fall short and how personal challenges can build resilience. They discuss the value of honesty, the impact of burnout, and how our response to change in life influences how we lead at work.

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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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14 Apr 2026

PS IHEART You Unplugged: Collective Voice in Policy and Lobbying

In this episode of the Regional Employers Collective series, the English Regions Collaboration discusses how regional organisations support councils through policy, lobbying and consultation, helping shape national decisions, strengthen collective voice and connect local priorities with government.

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07 Apr 2026

PS IHEART You Unplugged: The Collective Power of Regional Employers in Local Government

In the first episode of the Regional Employers Collective PS I HEART You podcast series, Rebecca Davis is joined by Gillian Bishop, Stuart Young and Kelly-Anne Phillips to explore how regional employers support councils, convene partners and represent regional priorities. The discussion highlights how regional collaboration strengthens leadership, delivers value for members and communities, and depends on agility, trust and strong relationships.

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10 Mar 2026

PS I HEART You: How Leaders Can Build Resilience Through Change

In this episode, Matthew Hotten is joined by WME Associate, speaker and coach Andrew Pain to explore why traditional change models fall short and how personal challenges can build resilience. They discuss the value of honesty, the impact of burnout, and how our response to change in life influences how we lead at work.

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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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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