HR
Can you be a top director?
There is a huge gulf between being a manager and being a director. Blair McPherson discusses how best to approach the delicate balancing act of being a senior officer.
Lonely at the top
Alan Goodrum gives his thoughts on how to survive – and even thrive – in the often tricky role of chief executive.
Understanding children’s social care
The post of director of children’s services is arguably the most highly-scrutinised in local government and is invariably among the most challenging to recruit to, says Tim Hills and Philip Emms.
A contact sport
The BASW is taking the lead in highlighting the relationship issues social workers are encountering, in particular the struggle to make regular face to face contact with children. Maris Stratulis explains.
Actions speak louder than words
The West Midlands is driving improvements in work place mental health and wellbeing. Sean Russell, Sarah Norman and Michelle Harte explain how their organisations are contributing.
Planning for the lead role
Kash Haroon from North West Employers offers a few solutions for securing top talent and developing strong leadership
Surrey announces new top team
Surrey CC has hired three new executive directors to its top team to work, joining chief executive Joanna Killian who took up her post in March.
Financial instability is unacceptable, but what can be done?
Carol Culley and Margaret Lee discuss how two major pieces of work by CIPFA can help to strengthen the resilience of the sector.
ALACE gives green light to improved pay offer
Council chief executives have accepted a revised pay deal which brings them in line with the rest of the sector’s staff.
Drive for pride and identity
Lizzie Nugent sets out the latest leg of this year’s LG Challenge where instilling pride and identity into local communities was the theme.
Public practice makes perfect
Sarah Cary says public planners are doing a herculean job, but there simply are not enough of them.
Invest in people power
Robert Peasnell says that the business case for employee advocacy is proven – but why don’t employers invest in it?
How Clear thinking can develop your performance
Will Godfrey looks at how a new approach to his council’s annual appraisal process is proving a good example of how changing the status quo can inspire effective culture change for any organisation.
Minimum wage for sleep-in shifts poses ‘existential threat’ to care sector
The financial viability of nearly 70% of the care sector is threatened by the looming funding crisis over sleep-in shift pay, according to a survey by the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG).
Councils need bespoke deal to avoid Brexit staff shortages
Councils need an EU workforce deal to cope with staff shortages, says CIPFA Brexit report
Talent development is a strategic impreative
Karen Grave on her priorities for the year ahead.
Should workforce change put HR heads in the driving seat?
As HR heads meet this week for their annual conference Michael Burton questions why the profession is still not better represented at the top.
Senior salaries are justified by the burdens of the job
Heather Jameson comments on the latest Taxpayers' Alliance annual town hall rich list.
How to manage today’s millennials (and tomorrow’s public sector leaders)
Jonathan Swain says the millennials are becoming the most important generation, and this talent base needs to be properly encouraged and enticed if the sector is to ensure its future.
IR35 – the first year
A year into the new rules on IR35, The MJ and Solace spoke to HR professionals about the difficulties – and the unexpected upside – of its implementation. Heather Jameson reports.