Transforming the Image of Local Government
By Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive at West Midlands Employers
It’s time we wore our heart on our sleeve and showed the affection, reverence and genuine pride we have in the public sector to attract existing talent into new roles and entice new talented individuals from other sectors to ours.
Over recent year’s we’ve showcased and promoted a vast array of roles and career opportunities in local government, but this can lack depth about current opportunities. We need to dig deeper into what makes our sector unique and start opening up about who we are; we’re more than just a job, we’re a sector which changes lives and keeps the very heart of communities beating.
It felt appropriate that our new podcast series echoed that sentiment and the Public Sector I HEART You broadcast was launched in autumn.
Through our regular podcast series, we aim over time to transform the impression of local government and the public sector, to show the real ‘heart’ that those working within it have about the work they do. We are focused on four core objectives:
Showing the human side of what we do:
Podcasts create an intimate and conversational experience, allowing us to share stories, experiences, and sector values. This fosters a personal connection with listeners, making our sector more relatable and approachable and over time leading candidates to feel like taking that next step to applying for roles when they see them.
Showcasing Thought Leadership:
Through the podcasts we aim to share insights on sector trends, challenges, and innovations to help provide new content and thinking. This is a great resource for both internal and external candidates and acts as a tool to help career progression. We are aiming to speak to ‘big names’ in organisations working within the public sector.
Demonstrating the Public Sector Culture:
Through the podcast we aim to provide a platform for showcasing the public sector culture, values, and impact we make.
This transparency and authenticity can attract like-minded job seekers and improve recruitment efforts by giving potential employees a glimpse into what makes us unique.
Expanding our reach:
There are millions of active podcast listeners worldwide, in the UK we want to reach new audiences who might not consider searching for a public sector job by producing high-quality, relevant, and engaging content.
Our podcast series has been expertly curated, and we use a range of presenters from within the sector. We will be tracking and monitoring our penetration into the podcast market.
The launch of the new Public Sector I HEART you podcast series
Since launching this autumn, the series has achieved over 300 listens in its first two months, a testament to the power of its conversations with leading public sector voices.
Each episode reflects the genuine pride and passion that underpin local government, offering an authentic glimpse into its challenges, opportunities, and transformative potential. From addressing critical issues like budget constraints and talent shortages to tackling the recruitment crisis with practical insights on communication and technology, the series reimagines the sector as a hub of resilience and innovation.
The recent focus on leadership, featuring inspiring figures like Joanna Killian of the Local Government Association, emphasies the sector’s role in driving economic growth, supporting, and offering purpose-driven career opportunities.
In just 20 minutes, these conversations provide a platform for storytelling that breaks stereotypes and sparks change. They reveal the human side of local government, turning its complexities into a compelling narrative that invites talented individuals to see it not just as a job, but as a calling.
With more episodes on the horizon featuring council leaders and sector pioneers, the series is poised to deepen its impact, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to attract the next generation of change-makers to a sector that truly keeps the heart of our communities beating.
The Public Sector I HEART You podcast series can be viewed on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music
