Podcasts
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.
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.
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.
03 Mar 2026
PS IHEART You: Leading Under Pressure at the Tri-Sector Challenge
In this episode of the Public Sector iHeartYou Podcast, Matthew Hotten from West Midlands Employers is joined by colleagues from Worcester City Council, winners of the 2025 Tri-Sector Challenge. They reflect on their experience of taking part in a high, intensity leadership simulation designed to replicate the pressures of senior decision making in local government. The discussion explores strategic thinking, cross, service collaboration, and the organisational benefits of shared learning. For councils considering entering future Challenges, this episode provides insight into how experiential development can strengthen leadership capability and morale.
10 Feb 2026
PS IHEART You Unplugged: Building Careers, Connections and Confidence in Local Government
In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Julie Towers, Director at Penna. Julie shares insights from her career in local government recruitment, exploring networking, employer brand, senior leadership readiness, reorganisation, and why values, place and diversity matter in today’s councils.
03 Feb 2026
PS IHEART You: Rethinking Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in HR
n this episode of Public Sector I Heart You, Manny Sandhu speaks with Shakil Butt, HR Director, author, and lecturer, about embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across organisations. They explore why performative EDI fails, the importance of representation in leadership, and how co-design and psychological safety drive real change. Shakil shares practical insights on overcoming fear, moving beyond legislation, and leading with intent.
06 Jan 2026
PS IHEART You: The Lost Art of Strategic Workforce Planning
In this episode, Matthew and Michelle discuss why strategic workforce planning is essential for local authorities. They explore the impact of AI, shadow AI risks, and the gap between digital-native workers and experienced staff. They also examine how hybrid working is reshaping culture, and why long-term thinking is key to a future-ready workforce. Strategic workforce planning, they argue, is the “instruction manual” aligning all parts of the organisational windmill. Tune in to discover how HR, leaders and services can turn planning into a movement, not just a moment.
09 Dec 2025
PS IHeart You Unplugged: Leading Locally: Emma Bennett on Place, Purpose and Progress
In this episode, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Emma Bennett, Chief Executive at Walsall Council. Together they explore Emma’s journey from frontline social work to chief executive, and what it means to lead in the place you call home. The conversation covers workforce engagement, political dynamics, resident-led transformation, and the challenges and opportunities facing local government today. Emma also shares her reflections on gender in leadership, the importance of work-life balance, and how to build trust and culture across complex systems.
01 Dec 2025
PS IHEART You Unplugged: Creating Culture That Works
In this episode of the WME Podcast, Matthew speaks with Sue Chilton, Chief People Officer at Coventry City Council, and Elizabeth Lisle, Director at ELA Development Consultancy, about how workplace culture is shaped by behaviour and values. They explore Coventry’s ODP programme and how it’s driving long-term change through performance, inclusion, and leadership.