Management
Becoming ‘COVID Secure’ at Hertfordshire CC
Scott Crudgington outlines how Hertfordshire CC’s senior management teams are supporting the workforce during the pandemic through an approach that includes a focus on equality and diversity.
Birmingham loses a political giant
Brigid Jones pays tribute to Theresa Stewart – the only woman to have led Britain’s largest local authority – and says her ‘legacy lives on in the women councillors she encouraged and inspired’.
Breaking down the barriers to employment
Will virtual working lead to a greater spread of geographical talent? Partner with GatenbySanderson’s interim leadership practice Craig Clarke looks at the possibilities.
Sorry is the hardest word
For the sake of the organisation sometimes you just have to swallow your pride, accept the criticism, and say and do what is expected, according to Blair McPherson.
Local government will continue to move mountains
Those working in the sector will be pushing themselves to breaking point to get through a difficult winter, says Graeme McDonald. 'During this time, we must also look after ourselves and our colleagues', he adds.
The difficulty with hired guns
Independence and credibility are not the only factors to the fore when deciding whether to use management consultants, says Blair McPherson.
Persist and survive
We will get through and beyond the ‘six-month wall’ and survive this crisis by working together and looking out for each other, says president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services James Bullion.
Thinking correctly under pressure
'Connecting, communicating and collaborating with our teams has never been more important than now,' says Kathy O'Leary.
Helping staff speak up on gambling
Wigan MBC is the first local authority in the country to sign a charter pledging to support employees struggling with gambling. Alison Mckenzie-Folan explains why the council is leading the way.
Is there a local government blueprint?
If the sector misplaces its energies into structural reform, the point of what matters most may be missed, says Nathan Elvery. He argues that local government should perhaps instead select what works, and shape places and enable lives accordingly.
From good to great
In the wake of The MJ’s successful virtual achievement awards last week, Penna’s Julie Towers takes a look at what qualities lead to success in a leadership team.
Taking steps to a more inclusive organisation
Nancy Scott and Barry McNeill look at the topic of ‘organisational belonging’ – is it top of your to-do list or just a ‘nice to have’?
Get local government into the room – before decisions are made
Local government is far from perfect, says Heather Jameson. 'And that is before you consider the huge headache of how to fund councils in future. But local government is also the solution'.
Whole-place approach for a COVID-ready city
Globally, it has been shown that local leadership is the critical convenor in effective responses to COVID-19, say David Nabarro and John Atkinson, adding that time is lost where national and local authorities are at odds with each other.
A people-based approach to diversity and inclusion
Westminster City Council’s BAME staff network was formed to ensure representation for those most affected by feelings of racial inequality. Bernard Bruce says it has already led to significant culture change.
Croydon appoints Katherine Kerswell as interim chief
Crisis-hit Croydon LBC has appointed Katherine Kerswell as its interim chief executive, following the departure of Jo Negrini.
Giving certainty in an uncertain world
Chief operating officer at Cornwall Council Tracie Langley looks at how to do financial planning in an era of huge uncertainty.
Council chief claims auditor 'not balanced or fair'
The boss of a council where an auditor raised concerns about culture and governance failures that ‘stem from the very top’ has rejected the claims.
Councils in talks over single workforce
Havant BC and East Hampshire DC are in talks over creating a single flexible workforce.
Now is not the time to downgrade council chiefs
York's top team reorganisation could end up being a case of putting cost before value, says Heather Jameson. 'Now is not the time to downgrade the chief executive, it is time to celebrate what an extraordinary job they do', she adds.
