Public Sector Executive Podcast
Public Sector Executive 91 episodes Oct 19, 2026
The Public Sector Executive Podcast speaks with public sector leaders across the UK about the issues shaping public services and policy. Episodes cover topics such as the environment, the economy, and transport, offering news, views, and insight from the people responsible for shaping the country’s future. It is aimed at listeners interested in UK public sector leadership, governance, and the decisions affecting communities.
Episodes
Ep 84. AI in Governance
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a significant debate about its implications for decision-making. In our latest podcast episode, we bring together a panel of experts to discuss how AI is transforming the way public sector decisions are made, and the ethical concerns that arise from this shift.As AI technologies become increasingly prevalent, one of the core questions we
Ep 83. Housing Inequality
In Episode 83 of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, we examine the pressing issue of housing inequality in the UK, a topic that resonates deeply with communities across the nation. Our expert panel, comprising urban planners, housing researchers, and community advocates, sheds light on the multifaceted drivers of this crisis and explores potential pathways to equitable housing policy.The discuss
Ep 82. Land and Leverage
In this episode of the National Health Executive Podcast, we delve into the critical role of public land in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today, particularly the housing crisis. With a panel of experts including Holly Lewis, Eleanor Harris, Stephen O'Malley, and Maurice Lange, we explore how public sector organisations can better leverage their land assets
Ep 81. The Impact of Local Government Reorganisation, with System C
In this episode of the Public Sector Executive podcast, we delve into the significant restructuring of local government in England, an initiative that is reshaping the landscape of public services as we know them. With nearly 200 councils merging, splitting, or transitioning into new regional structures, the implications for local governance are profound, particularly for the most vulnerable membe
Ep 80. Social Housing Decarbonisation
In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive podcast, we delve into the urgent challenge of decarbonisation in social housing, a topic that has become increasingly critical in the face of climate change and rising fuel poverty. The panel of expert guests includes Simon Myers, Executive Member for Housing at North Yorkshire Council, Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Housing at Wolverhamp
Ep 79. Social Care at Capacity
In episode 79 of the Public Sector Executive podcast, we tackled the critical challenges facing social care services in the UK, a sector grappling with rising demand, tightening budgets, and a workforce crisis. Experts including Ian Turner, OBE, Hulya Mustafa, Lee Rickles, and Jane Brightman, shed light on the structural and financial pressures that are impacting service delivery and the well-bein
Ep 78. Mental Health and Youth Services
Young people are increasingly facing unprecedented pressures. Thanks to this, the conversation around mental health and youth services has never been more crucial. From the cost of living crisis to the pervasive influence of social media, today’s youth are navigating challenges that can severely impact their mental well-being. In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive podcast, we delve
Ep 77. Libraries, Leisure and Loss
In an age where digital services are becoming the norm, the importance of civic infrastructure has never been more pronounced. In the latest episode of the PSE Podcast, guests delved into the critical role that libraries and other public spaces play in fostering community health, education, and social cohesion.The expert panel, featuring Sharon Sanders from the City of Bradford Metropolitan Distri
Ep 76. AI and Machine Learning
In an era where technology is rapidly evolving, public services in the UK are not left behind. The latest podcast episode delves into the transformative power of artificial intelligence and how it is redefining service delivery across local councils. With the potential to save up to £45 billion annually, AI is emerging as a critical tool for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in public service
Ep 75. EV Infrastructure
In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, experts delve into the world of electric vehicles.If you want to learn more about how EV infrastructure can be rolled out more successfully across the country, listen to episode 75 of the PSE Podcast now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 74. Kate Hand - London Councils
In the latest episode, we explore the critical topic of climate financing with Kate Hand, Head of Climate Change at London Councils, who delivered an inspiring keynote at the Greening the Public Sector event. With a staggering £35 billion pipeline of projects, London is leading the way in developing innovative strategies to tackle climate change at the local level.Kate highlights the evolution of
Ep 73. AI and Machine Learning
In this enlightening episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI and Machine Learning on public services in the UK. Hosted by Tanya Arnold, we explore how these technologies are transforming service delivery, improving efficiency, and generating substantial savings for local councils. Join our expert panel as they discuss the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations surrounding the adop
Ep 72. Educate to Deliver
In the fast-paced world of technology, the question arises: are we keeping our workforce equipped with the necessary digital skills? In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, a panel of experts tackled this pressing issue, discussing the importance of digital transformation in public services and the strategies needed to ensure staff are not left behind.The conversation feature
Ep 71. Delivering Public Service Using Technology
In the latest episode, we address a pressing issue that affects many in Wales: the digital divide. This term refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not, whether due to choice or barriers. It’s a critical social justice and economic issue that has far-reaching implications for individuals and communities alike.The Welsh government has recognised the i
Ep 70. Public Sector Estates
In the face of climate change, the urgency for decarbonisation in public sector estates has never been more critical. With public sector estates producing over 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually, the journey towards achieving net zero by 2050 is a shared responsibility that demands immediate action and innovative solutions.In this panel discussion, experts from the NHS, local councils, and housing g
Ep 69. AI Innovation
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the public sector in our latest episode! Join a panel of experts as they discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents for government services. Learn about the importance of data management, building trust, and ethical considerations in deploying AI solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 68. Digital Inclusion
In our latest episode, we tackle the critical issue of digital inclusion and the urgent need for equal access to technology in the UK. With over 11 million people digitally excluded, our expert panel discusses the challenges and innovative solutions being implemented to bridge this gap. Discover how local authorities and communities are working together to foster a more inclusive digital future.&n
Ep 67. Navigating possession and eviction
In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive podcast, Nadeem Khan, a team leader at the housing charity Shelter joined host Dan Benn to discuss the critical issue of possession and eviction notices.With over a decade of experience, Nadeem shed light on the alarming rise in homelessness due to increasing housing costs and a shortage of affordable homes.Nadeem explained that possession and e
Ep 66. The secrets to successful negotiation
In today's fast-paced world, the ability to negotiate effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you're in the public sector, private industry, or simply trying to strike a deal at home, the principles of negotiation remain the same. In our latest podcast episode, we have the privilege of hosting Andy Archibald, a senior consultant at Scotwork, who sheds light on the art and science of negotia
Ep 65. How to be secure in a hostile world
The world is becoming an increasingly hostile place. With foreign nations often entering the headlines as they breach the cyber security of organisations, it is imperative that government continues to develop its cyber security capabilities.One of the best ways to go about doing this is by ensuring that systems are secure by design, and in order to learn more about this process, host Dan Benn spok
Ep 64. The future of Nottingham
Episode 64 of the PSE Podcast sees Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council, joining host Dan Benn to talk about her local government background, what the future holds for the city of Nottingham, and the importance of collaboration with the rest of the East Midlands.Playing a core role in the establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, Sajeeda told Dan about the o
Ep 63. Can we make public–private collaboration work this time?
It would be naïve to say that major infrastructure projects in the UK have a successful history of being delivered on time and on budget. Whilst there are many good examples of projects that have been successful in this way, the UK is still underperforming when it comes to delivery, with one of the most notable examples – the High Speed 2 rail link – still causing controversy seven years on from i
Ep 62. Changing mindsets
Whilst not necessarily one of the ‘big ticket’ items that councils are responsible for, the importance of highways cannot be understated. Providing a vital way of getting people to their jobs, their appointments, and their families, roads are integral to most aspects of everyday life in 2024.Despite this, there continue to be issues with roads that should not be happening. When was the last time y
Ep 61. Futureproofing the North
There have been countless conversations about how to improve transport in the north of England in recent times, with the cancellation of HS2 removing an important potential transport link to the south, and subsequent discussions about improved road and rail connections between the north’s most important cities.Discussing some of the most important aspects relating to the futureproofing of transpor
Ep 60. Transport, Community, and the Economy
Transport, as an enabler, can play an integral role in many of the priorities that government of all levels are trying to achieve. Whether it is connecting communities to the services that their lives revolve around, or bringing trade into economic centres, the transport network is an important place to start.Chief Executive of Transport East, Andrew Summers, spoke to host Dan Benn about the organ
Ep 59. Sensible conversations needed
At the beginning of July, it was announced that we would be getting a Labour government for the first time since the Conservatives won the 2010 General Election. This saw Sir Keir Starmer become Prime Minister, replacing Rishi Sunak – who subsequently announced his intention to step down as Leader of the Conservative Party.In the short space of time since they came into power, the new government h
Ep 58. AI in Local Government
Artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting technology developments in recent times.Whilst it has seemingly endless possible uses across a number of sectors, AI can also bring major improvements for local authorities. To discuss the potential benefits, risks and challenges of authorities utilising artificial intelligence, Kent County Council’s Fil Kamps joined host Dan Benn for the latest
Ep 57. Maximising Digital Inclusion
Digitalisation is a big part of the future of the public sector, however organisations need to make sure that their digital ambitions don’t leave communities lagging behind, or unable to access the services they need.Discussing how organisations across the sector can transform digitally, bring communities with them, and his career in digital inclusion, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Will Plant jo
Ep 56. Decisions Under Pressure - Mark Smyth
Decision making is a crucial part of leading in any industry, never mind the public sector. With decisions being made that can have life changing consequences for entire communities it is vital that leaders are accountable, able to make decisions under pressure, and able to foresee the challenges that they might face in the future.To talk about making decisions under pressure, the journey that the
Ep 55. Why we mustn’t neglect councillor training - Cllr Liz Green
Ensuring that councillors are equipped with the proper skills is essential to making sure that council services run smoothly, and communities benefit from the best value for money. Whilst this may seem like a simple concept, some councils don’t train their councillors take councillor training as serious as they perhaps should.To explore more about the kinds of skills that councillors should be dev
Ep 54. It's all about data - Martin Dolce & Dan Westley, Oracle UK
21st century problems require 21st century solutions, and nowhere proves this as effectively as the public sector. Whether its using the latest technology to guide policy decisions, or simply making the sector more environmentally friendly, digital and data offer the answers to many of the questions being asked of public sector organisations.Martin Dolce and Dan Westley, from Oracle UK, joined hos
Ep. 53 Compassion and Co-operation - Dr Nik Johnson
Devolution is offering regions the opportunity to control more of the decisions that are being made locally, with communities reaping the benefits of every combined authority that pops up around the country. Established in March 2017, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one of the most recently established combined authorities and it follows in the footsteps of areas such as Greater Manchester, Wes
Ep 52. What is the point of Local Government? Cllr Pete Marland
The state of council finances is one of the most pressing issues across the public sector right now.As councils face bankruptcy, cut funding and reduced services, and the demands for those services from communities pile on the pressure, the government is set to announce its budget for the next financial year.In the 52nd episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast Cllr Pete Marland joins host Da
Ep 51. Diversity, equality and representation, Stuart Love
It is the role of local government leaders to make the decisions that will best deliver for the communities that they represent. That much is obvious.How can they do this, however, if they are not accurately representative of those very communities?Great strides have been made in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, or social class is represented in some way within
Ep 50. Myth-busting and unlocking potential, Cllr Anne Handley
In the 50th episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, Leader of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cllr Anne Handley talks about the upcoming devolution deal for the region and what it can bring to East Yorkshire.Councillor Handley delved into the potential that East Yorkshire holds, ongoing transport issues and, touching on just how important the deal is for the region, said:“It’s really
Ep 49. Changing Aspirations with Devolution
On the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, Councillor Amanda Hopgood joins host Dan Benn to discuss the devolution deal that has been secured for the North East of England.As the Leader of Durham County Council, Amanda is brilliantly placed to talk about all of the main facets of such an important deal, especially with £4.2 billion of investment coming into the region. Speaking
Ep 48.Achieving Net Zero - Cllr Abdul Jabbar - Oldham Council
As central government aims for the UK to be net zero by 2050, councils around the country make plans for how to reduce emissions. This episode’s guest, Oldham’s Councillor Abdul Jabbar outlines the importance of coming together to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint, the benefits of achieving net zero, and how Oldham Council are working to do just that.Touching on the role that the public sector
Ep47. Collaboration is key in local government - Cllr Liam Robinson
The Leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson spoke to PSE’s Dan Benn about the importance of transport links being decided locally, the homelessness crisis that is only worsening across the country, the financial pressure that many councils find themselves under and lots more.Speaking about the cancellation of HS2, Liam said: “I think we’ve found the process predominantly over the course of
Ep46. Loyalty, Covid pressures, and crucial transport connections - Tom Riordan
In 2020, most of the world stopped. People were forced to stay at home and many people were furloughed.This episode's guest, however, was thrown into the forefront of the government's response to to the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the tracing system and working alongside local and central government bodies.Host Dan Benn is joined by Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, to discuss loy
Ep45. The importance of innovation in the Public Sector
In this episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, host Dan Benn is joined by Martin Cresswell (Chair of the Lampton Group) and Shantanu Rajawat (Leader of London Borough of Hounslow Council) as they discuss the importance of innovation in the public sector.Shantanu, Martin and Dan also touch on the topic of Local Authority Trading Companies, their effectiveness, and how they support innovati
Ep 44 LGBT in the workplace - Carl Austin Behan
On episode 44 of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, host Dan Benn was joined by former Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl Austin-Behan OBE. Carl spoke about everything ranging from his time in the RAF, being Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, and the important work he does now, with the LGBT Foundation.Speaking on his time in the Royal Air Force, Carl said “they just sat me down and said ‘ do
Ep 43. Organisational culture, Lucy Trueman
On episode 43 of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, Lucy Trueman, Managing Director of Trueman Change, joined host Dan Benn to discuss all things relating to organisational culture.Lucy touched on everything from how to identify the culture within your organisation and how to be aware of the messages you are sending to other employees, to the shifting culture of the modern workplace. Touching on
Ep 42. The youngest Conservative borough councillor, Harrison Allman-Varty
Conservative borough councillor, 19-year-old Harrison Allman-Varty. They discussed the importance of politics to young people, his priorities, and taking a common-sense approach to planning. “I think conservative councillors are in a tricky position.” Harrison said when talking about one thing that he regards as one of the most important things for councillors to do.“They’re in a tricky position b
Ep 41. The Future of the Public Sector Workforce, Shailen Popat
In this episode of the PSE Podcast, host Dan Benn talks to Shailen Popat, Director of the Msc in Public Management at the University of Birmingham, about what it takes to educate the future workforce of the public sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 40. Under Pressure, Cllr James Jamieson
In the 40th episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, host Dan Benn spoke to Cllr James Jamieson about all things local government.As Chairman of the Local Government Association, James took us through some of the most pressing issues being faced by local government at the moment including the housing crisis, meeting housing targets, achieving net zero carbon emissions, and issues with a lac
Ep 39. The Integrated Data System: Solving problems before they arise, James Hartley-Binns
The public sector, naturally, holds immense amounts of data to help make informed decisions on how to deliver key services for people. With these huge amounts of information, spread across different departments and all levels of governance, it is clear to see where there may be issues with how data is shared around. Considering the sheer amount of the data available, there are many barriers that w
Ep 38. Local voting rights for non-British citizens, Cllr Alex Bulat, Cambridgeshire County Council
In Episode 38 of Public Sector Executive's Public Sector Voices podcast, Chris Cromar spoke to Cambridgeshire County Councillor, Councillor Alex Bulat about her campaign to allow non-British (non-EU/Commonwealth) citizens the right to vote in local elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 37. Trueman Change: Making Meaningful Change Happen in the Public Sector, Lucy Trueman
In Episode 37 of Public Sector Executive's Public Sector Voices podcast, Chris Cromar spoke to Managing Director and Founder of Trueman Change, Lucy Trueman about how her organisation can help make meaningful change happen in the public sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 36. Councillor diversity in Wales, Cllr Jane Mudd, Equalities Spokesperson of WLGA
In Episode 36 of Public Sector Executive's Public Sector Voices podcast, Chris Cromar spoke to the Welsh Local Government Association's (WLGA) Equalities Spokesperson, Cllr Jane Mudd about the need for greater diversity in Wales' councils. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 35. A real Living Wage for councillors in Scotland, Cllr Alison Evison, President of COSLA
In Episode 35 of Public Sector Executive's Public Sector Voices podcast, Chris Cromar spoke to the President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) about their calls for councillors in Scotland to be paid the real Living Wage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 34. Companies House culture: Inspiring our staff, Angela Lewis & Michelle Wall
In Episode 34 of Public Sector Executive's Public Sector Voices podcast, Chris Cromar spoke to Angela Lewis (Director of People Transformation) and Michelle Wall (Director of Finance and Commercial & Executive Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) about the culture at Companies House and how it is inspiring their staff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 33. CSSC Active Wellbeing Campaign, Daisy Penford
On episode 33 of Public Sector Voices, our host Chris Cromar spoke to Daisy Penford, Head of Sports and Physcial Activity at CSSC Sports & Leisure about the organisation's Active Wellbeing campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 32. How Companies House drives confidence in the UK economy, Louise Smyth and Martin Swain
In Episode 32, Chris Cromar spoke to Louise Smyth (Chief Executive, Registrar of Companies, Interim Regulator of Community Interest Companies - Companies House) and Martin Swain (Director of Strategy, Policy and External Communications - Companies House) about how Companies House drives confidence in the UK economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus: NLC x PSE Ep 4. The Way Forward
“Often, the legacy of a leader is talked about in terms of their achievements. However, in public services, the job is never done.“You constantly strive towards your goal for a better service, a better life or a better experience for people who you serve. You can only do that effectively if you drive a culture where others can develop to the best of their potential.”That was the view of Rajesh Nad
Bonus: NLC x PSE Ep 3. Good to Great
Most of us can identify the qualities that make a good public sector leader, but what turns a good leader into a great one? In particular, what can we learn from other leaders around us to help take advantage of opportunities and deliver greater services to the public?As part of our four-part podcast miniseries with the National Leadership Centre (NLC), Public Sector Executive is delving deeper in
Bonus: NLC x PSE Ep 2. Barriers and Challenges
As ethnic minority leaders, there have been many barriers and challenges to overcome to reach the career heights that our guests from the NLC Accelerate Programme have done, and in the second of our four-part miniseries with the National Leadership Centre (NLC), we hear about some of these challenges and how the delegates have managed to surmount them.Joined by Mohit Venkataram, Executive Commerci
Bonus: NLC x PSE Ep 1. The Journey to Now
“It is fundamentally important to work with people, understand what motivates them and what their lived experience has been.”Those were the words of Salma Yasmeen, Executive Director of Strategy and Change at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, as she joined two of her fellow NLC Accelerate Programme delegates on the first of a four-part miniseries being ran between the National
Ep 31. The opportunities of data in waste management, Peter Hutt
Waste management may not always get a reputation as a glamorous or innovative area of public sector and local authority management, but there are huge opportunities yet to be achieved; much of it involving data science and digital technology.On Episode 31 of PSE’s Public Sector Voices podcast, we sat down with Peter Hutt, Environment Manager at OpenSky Data Systems, who specialises in helping loca
Ep 30. How Covid has affected our high streets, Lahari Ramuni, Centre for Cities
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Ep 29. Putting homelessness first, Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council
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Ep 28. Keeping education level during lockdown, Cllr Anna Firth, Sevenoaks District Council
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Ep 27. National Association of Local Councils - Changing the landscape, Jonathan Owen and Sue Baxter
On this week’s episode of Public Sector Voices we are joined by two key members of the National Association of Local Councils, Chief Executive, Jonathan Owen and Chair Sue Baxter. NALC has been supporting town and parish councils since 1947, by lobbying Government, advising councils and improving and developing the sector, but their challenges now are perhaps greater than ever. Sue and Jonathan a
Ep 26. Caring for this generation of young people - Martina Kane, The Health Foundation
On this week’s episode of Public Sector Voices we are joined by Martina Kane, Policy and Engagement Manager, at The Heath Foundation. She is calling for young people’s future & current health to be taken seriously by eliminating stress and uncertainty surrounding work and housing. Martina explains how young people’s health is heavily influenced by the wider things that’s around them and why ge
Ep 25. Why Councils need to declare a Poverty Emergency, Cllr Mandy Clare
On this week’s episode of Public Sector Voices we are joined by Cllr Mandy Clare from Cheshire West and Chester Council. As the Leader’s champion of Poverty and Inequality, she is calling for the full Cabinet to declare a Poverty and Inequality Emergency.Councils around the country have been declaring climate emergencies and taking steps to mitigate against it, but Cllr Clare is hoping that now, l
Ep 24. A Hydrogen Transport Revolution, Eamonn Ives
This week’s episode of Public Sector Voices, covers a hydrogen transport revolution, with Centre for Policy Studies researcher, Eamonn Ives. Eamonn specialises in the environment, devolution and business and regulatory policy and recently authored a report on how hydrogen can fuel a transport revolution.While the UK economy has reduced its emissions by around 43% since 1990, transport remains the
Ep 23. Is Higher Education the key to economic recovery?, Sir David Bell
On this week’s episode of Public Sector Voices, Emily is joined by Sir David Bell, whose career in local government spans almost four decades.Sir David is the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Sunderland and believes universities have a vital role to play in supporting the social and economic bounce back from coronavirus. Exams, assessment and teaching have all had to innovate around tr
Ep 22. How can data help the public sector? Steve Caughey, National Innovation Centre for Data
On this week’s episode of Public Sector Voices, Emily is joined by the Director of National Innovation Centre for Data, Steve Caughey, to highlight the potential of using data to it’s full potential within the public sector and beyond.At less than two years old, the centre is at the start of its journey to equip the public and private sector with the skills needed to harness the unlimited power of
Ep 21. Isle of Wight fighting Covid-19 with the digital edge, Cllr Dave Stewart
This week, Leader of Isle of Wight Council, Dave Stewart, Joined host Emily Rodgers on the Public Sector Voices podcast. The Island has received national attention throughout the coronavirus crisis for piloting the Government’s controversial track and trace app.With a modest population of 140,000 people, 40% of which are retired, how did this beautiful hub for beaches and tourism get 54,000 people
Ep 20. Celebrating leadership through a crisis, Cllr Sarah Rouse
This week leader of Malvern Hills District Council Sarah Rouse joined host Emily Rodgers on Public Sector Voices after being recognised in the #EverydayHeroes campaign for her leadership since taking over the council.The area suffered from severe floods that devastated businesses only to be hit with the pandemic as they began to recover, making Cllr Rouse’s first year as leader go from crisis to c
Ep 19. BLM education and local government representation, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees
Marvin Rees was elected as Bristol Mayor in 2016 and has taken the city on a transformative journey through climate change action, social mobility and more recently an energised conversation around race inequality. Rees joined host Emily Rodgers on the Public Sector Voices podcast this week to discuss the events of the last few weeks and the wider problems the country faces when true diversity is
Ep 18. The 24 year journey so far... Sir Richard Leese
Sir Richard Leese, long-standing leader of Manchester City Council joins Public Sector Voices host, Emily Rodgers to discuss the events throughout his 24-year reign and the future landscape of the city.It is a task that is still ongoing, but rebuilding Manchester up from where is was all those years ago has taken the industrial city, with a falling population, to the thriving, buzzing hub it is to
Ep 17. The wider impact of Covid-19 on our children, Cllr Fiona Venner
On this week’s episode, Executive Member for Children and Families and Leeds City Council, Cllr Fiona Venner, joined host Emily Rodgers on Public Sector Voices to discuss how families in Leeds are being supported through the crisis.As more school children are sent back to school, a lot of anxiety is apparent among children and families, uncertainty and mixed messaging have made it difficult for pa
Ep 16. Net zero and an inclusive economy, Cllr Nick Forbes
On this week’s episode, Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Forbes CBE joined host Emily Rodgers to highlight his ambitions for the future of his city. Nick has been instrumental in representing local government and their economies through a decade of austerity and has worked to secure devolution packages City Deals through the combined authority. The first thing noted by the leader is tha
Ep 15. A gradual erosion of local autonomy, Lord Kerslake
On this week’s episode, Lord Robert Kerslake joined host Emily Rodgers to discuss the recent UK2070 Commission on levelling up UK towns and cities. He has been listed as one of the most influential people in the public sector thanks to his services to Local Government that span from Council Chief Executive to President of the Local Government Association and member of the House of Lords.One of the
Ep 14. Deeds not words, Cllr Paula Langley
East Hampshire District Councillor Paula Langley joined Emily Rodgers on Public Sector Voices this week to give us insight into the role of a Councillor at a very local level, and how the community is pulling through the crisis.Paula represents the most deprived ward in East Hampshire, and was inspired to enter local politics after realising what is was lacking – Deeds not words.Alton Aid is a vol
Ep 13. Building economic resilience through local powers, Chris Murray
Director of Core cities UK Chris Murray joined Emily Rodgers on Public Sector Voices this week to discuss how the 11 key cities, that sit at the centre of wider economic areas, could prosper as lockdown restrictions are lifted.Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield make up the Core Cities group and work to make each region
Ep 12. Dancing through the crisis, Sacha Lord
Sacha Lord, Night-time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester and Mayor Andy Burnham joined host Emily Rodgers on Public Sector Voices this week to discuss the region’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis, underpinned by its rich music heritage.Sacha brought events like Warehouse Project and Parklife to the region and in the absence of traditional events, while we try and slow the spread of coron
Ep 11. Institute for Government: Lifting the lockdown, Joe Owen
Programme Director at the Institute for Government, Joe Owen, joined host Emily Rodgers on Public Sector Voices to discuss the recent report he co-authored called Lifting the Lockdown: How to approach a coronavirus exit strategy.Joe is currently leading the Institute’s research on Whitehall’s preparations for exiting the European Union, a historical event that has been hugely complicated by the pa
Bonus Ep. Live from EvoNorth 2020: Cllr Andrew Western
LIVE FROM EVONORTH Councillor Andrew Western is the Leader of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Green City Region Lead and delivered a speech at the recent EvoNorth event about GM’s plans for a green city region.Cllr Western delves deep into the ‘extremely challenges process’ of achieving a green city region in Greater Manchester but instills the importance of doing so.“The clean air crisis
Ep 10. Fighting for Leeds, Cllr Judith Blake CBE
Our tenth PSE Podcast takes us on the go to Leeds Civil Hall where we speak with Leeds City Council Leader Judith Blake.A real whistle-stop tour of the work being done in the North and specifically Leeds. Council Leader Judith Blake joins hosts Emily Rodgers and Matt Roberts for the tenth PSE podcast.Recorded in Leeds Civic Hall, this podcast is a perfect example of a woman truly fighting for her
