HR
What happens when you have used all the tools in your tool box?
If you lose your chief executive in 2022 console yourself with the knowledge that truly great managers are not those who cling to office the longest.
Reflections on 2021
Julie Towers looks back on the past 12 months, anticipates what will be in store in the new year and assesses how the sector needs to adapt to keep up with the pace of change.
Pay.UK: the next step in Bacs’ evolution
Pay.UK was created to bring together the UK’s foremost payment schemes, including Bacs, in 2018. Chief payments officer Dougie Belmore explains how the company is committed to supporting the the needs of all those who rely on its crucial systems.
Spotting the signs of dysfunction in a hybrid team
The move to hybrid working has resulting in a seismic shift in working practices, the greatest we have seen in the past 20 years. But as Frazer Thouard asks, how will new leaders perform in this alternative way of working?
A call to action for inclusion
An inspiring conversation has reminded Leatham Green of HR professionals’ crucial role in addressing racism and inequality in the workplace, and led to a call to action.
Putting the people first in Breckland
Breckland DC’s new chief executive Maxine O’Mahony talks to Ann McGauran about how her HR background colours her priorities, and the council’s ‘grow your own’ approach to staff development.
Councils' USP is their focus on employees as people
Sue Atkinson, Anne Sullivan and Sonia Tanda at Penna say it's time to talk about your council's diversity and inclusion strategy, physical and mental health initiatives and your organisational culture.
Senior officers doctored dismissal letter, tribunal finds
Senior officers conspired to doctor a dismissal letter in a bid to make it look like it was signed before a grievance procedure was launched against their council, a tribunal has found.
Leading the way on diversity and inclusion in Hertfordshire
The shocking murders of George Floyd and Sarah Everard have further strengthened Hertfordshire’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion and tackling harassment and abuse, says Owen Mapley.
Grasping the thistle
So much of the pandemic’s huge challenges involve workforce issues, as Steven McNab, outgoing president of the Scottish HR directors' society, tells Michael Burton.
Valuing the relationship between HR and finance
The chief executive of CIPFA recently raised many thought-provoking suggestions on the recruitment challenges of HR and OD leaders that a close relationship with finance colleagues may help with, says Jonathon Sheppard.
We will need the very best people if we are to ‘level up’ places
It makes little sense to have more than 500 local councils all fighting each other in the battle for talent, according to Graeme McDonald. He believes councils need a Local Leadership Academy, in line with similar bodies across the public sector.
How teams react when their manager is doomed
Blair Mcpherson ponders the case of a team's delicate balancing act between 'recognising the need to ingratiate yourself with the chief executive and not being too disloyal to a boss who has been good to you'.
To dismiss or not?
Louise Carr examines the fairness of dismissing employees facing criminal, safeguarding and other investigations, and says there is no easy approach other than looking carefully at the facts.
Penna view
Julie Towers and Toni Hall offer a sneak preview of the annual Chief Executive Survey set to be published in full by Penna, The MJ and the Local Government Association on 1 December.
A time of Black pride – Celebrating #ProudToBe this BHM
Celebrating Black History Month, Penna’s diversity and inclusion leader, Alexis Curtis-Harris, gives her perspective on why she’s ‘Proud to Be Black’.
A critical juncture for integration
While the media spotlight is heavily focusing on health and social care, it is vital to incorporate ‘true integration’ into all services and areas as the race to attract and retain staff becomes more competitive. Chris Barrow explains.
Tapping into the diversity of talent
Talent is everywhere but opportunities are not was the underlying message in a round table debate with leading chief executives about the importance of promoting diversity throughout their organisations. Michael Burton reports on the highlights.
Belfast chief takes on Jersey role
Belfast City Council’s chief executive is set to become Jersey’s new top civil servant.
Starfish Talent 20 – People
In the second installment of the Starfish Talent 20, we put a spotlight on 20 leaders of the future, this time focusing on children’s and adult social care, education, communities and public health.
