Management
The answer to the leadership question
Blair Mcpherson looks at how leaders have to come to terms with the apparent contradictions inherent in demonstrating leadership behaviour.
Joining the new power dots
Donna Hall explains that ‘permanently wiring new power’ into the way the organisation and system do business takes time and is difficult, but it is the only way it will work for the long-term.
Council 'hopeful' of avoiding pensions fine
Barnet LBC officers are ‘hopeful’ that it will not be hit by a fine of up to £50,000 from The Pensions Regulator.
Lessons from Japan’s recovery plans
The 2019 Japan Local Government Study Tour looked at how the country plans for – and recovers from – emergencies. John Rooney was part of the tour. He explains how UK local government could learn from their approach
Ticket to independence in Lancashire
Helping adults with physical disabilities and those over 65 stay healthy and independent for longer is a key challenge. But there are ways services can change to ensure people’s lives are transformed for the better. Louise Taylor explains
EXCLUSIVE: Questions over suspension of Thanet deputy chief
Questions have been raised about Thanet DC suspending its deputy chief executive shortly after he was approached to help resolve an ongoing grievance.
Putting it on paper
An 'extremely long piece of paper' helped her finance team to understand 'what an integral part they have to play for our stakeholders', says Adele Taylor.
Chief executives will get access to the guidance, knowledge and support they need
Joanne Roney says she intends to ensure Solace provides accessible and self-managed development options to all in a timely and appropriate format.
All managers have to anticipate
Managers need to be able to distinguish growing problems from everyday problems, says Blair Mcpherson
How agile is your council?
Local authorities are struggling to implement flexible change programmes, a new survey by The MJ and PA Consulting has found. Michael Burton reports
How do you close down a council?
Two new unitaries – Dorset Council and BCP Council – came into being on 1 April this year. Mike Harries looks at how to successfully close down a council, focusing mainly on the journey taken by Dorset CC as it planned for its own demise
Second management overhaul for Grenfell council in two years
Further changes will be made to Kensington & Chelsea LBC’s management structure to ‘make it fit for 2020 and beyond’.
Setting the right playing field
Donna Hall assesses the value of strong belief systems against the all too common trend to measure progress in a mechanical manner, and says the public sector can benefit from an adaptable take on the former
New shared leadership team for council pair
Two councils that recently reinstated the position of joint chief executive have laid out plans to appoint a new shared leadership team.
Doubts over future of Kent councils' housing company
The fate of a housing company established by four councils in Kent hangs in the balance after a catalogue of failings was uncovered.
New management model with no chief approved
Redcar and Cleveland BC hopes to save about £220,000 per year after scrapping its chief executive role as part of a new management model.
Exclusive: Chief execs' survey highlights tensions of 'challenging politics'
Tensions between chief executives and their leaders are under greater scrutiny because of ‘challenging politics,’ a survey by Penna and The MJ has found.
Collaborative leadership for thriving places
PlaceMakers is a programme that brings local leaders from all sectors together to develop a collective understanding of their place. Anna Randle and Alex Khaldi explain why single-sector leadership development programmes are not enough.
‘Extraordinary pressures’ call for extraordinary resilience
Penna’s latest annual survey of chief executives, in partnership with The MJ, highlights their latest perspectives and organisational priorities. Ann McGauran looks at the results.
Rewards of cross-party collaboration
Kathy O'Leary says that with trust in national politicians at an all-time low, local government is thinking more about its relevance to the communities it serves through collaboration that begins with putting people and place first.