Council staff
Facing up to the workforce capacity challenge
Without intervention and investment we are headed towards a situation of crisis, with gaps in our workforce that will seriously hold back our ability to provide the fantastic services councils are known for, says Matt Prosser.
Councils told to improve on diversity
Councils have a 'really bad brand and reputation issue’ and must get better at attracting talented and diverse staff, a panel has heard.
Telford & Wrekin named Council of the Year at MJ Awards
Telford & Wrekin Council has claimed the biggest prize of the day at The MJ Achievement Awards 2022.
Slough to overhaul finance team
Slough Council is to restructure its finance department in a bid to turn around its fortunes.
Smart sharing
The pandemic has hastened a trend towards tech-assisted cross-organisation sharing of workspaces, and the commercial world should take heed of what is happening in the public sector, says Kieron Murphy.
City pulls plug on senior job offer
Nottingham City Council has been left without a permanent director of resources after withdrawing a job offer.
Strategic reset: stabilising the ship?
As organisations attempt to settle into new ways of working, Professor Tony Wall, Christine McDonald, and Dr Rachel Robins spotlight key strategic priorities emerging from employee voices that must be heard.
The new workforce: delivering services post-COVID
Senior public sector officers discussed the challenges of recruitment and retention at a time of unprecedented competition for workers at a round table event in Warwickshire organised by West Midlands’ Employers and The MJ. Paul Marinko reports.
A single vision to support good mental health
Stephen Evans describes how a chat with a colleague sparked the launch of Norwich City Council’s first ever mental wellbeing strategy.
Pausing the graduate Fast-Stream scheme could provide a real opportunity
A recent announcement by the Government – to pause the graduate Fast-Stream recruitment scheme for at least a year – could provide a real opportunity for councils and other local public sector bodies, says Graeme McDonald.
Is now the time to look at senior salaries?
Local government is facing the pinch with supply chain issues hitting services across the board, says Heather Jameson. 'Somehow I can’t see senior staff being the major priority for now – no matter how hard they work', she adds.
IFS: Senior staff should see pay hikes
Public sector pay rises should focus on senior staff after a decade of focusing on low paid workers, an influential think-tank has claimed.
Finance director leaves Liverpool
The council has announced the departure of director of finance and resources Mel Creighton following a botched energy contract renewal.
High praise for council’s leadership
A peer review has praised the senior leadership team at Stroud DC for the progress it has made.
GMB warning over council strikes
Employers in Scotland have been urged to increase their pay offer, in the run up to a ballot over industrial action.
Making the most out of the Great Resignation
At a post-pandemic time where workers of all stages look to rethink their careers, conditions and long-term goals, David Weir assesses the opportunities for those that remain in this new world of work.
White van man on... working from home
It’s all very well this working from home if you’re a pen pusher or on a nice, tidy wedge, but it’s no use for us frontline workers who work with our hands.
Tackling skills shortages
It’s a candidate’s market, says Gordon McFarlane who argues that local government must also focus on succession planning, automating routine processes, and considering workers’ future requirements.
A journey of learning and improvement
When it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion, it is important for everyone to broaden their awareness, knowledge, understanding and education around the subject – whether you are an individual, employer, or recruiter. Alexis Curtis-Harris explains
Post-pandemic planning for the core cities
Chief executives and directors from the UK’s biggest cities debated their challenges and opportunities in a round table discussion organised by Core Cities UK and The MJ, supported by BT. Paul Marinko reports.
