Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

Don't lose focus on your people

Julie Towers has the questions workplaces should be asking themselves as the sector faces unprecedented challenges.

With new year's resolutions either embedded in your normal daily life or (more likely) given up on, I thought I would share some interesting and timely questions we've been pondering with our clients in the public and private sector:

1)–Will your talent acquisition strategy keep pace with your staff turnover?

2)–How will you improve the diversity of your workforce – for real?

3)–Have you invested enough in early career talent – the future professionals?

4)–What creates work culture in a blended workplace?

5)–What does onboarding in an agile workplace look like?

6)–How does your employer brand stand up against the competition?

7)–Does your candidate engagement experience fulfil your promise?

8)–Fifty per cent of leavers would stay, says the research. Is your retention strategy in play – are your managers playing their part in it?

9)–Are you selecting for fit or added value?

10)–Is your people strategy ready? More importantly, are your people managers ready?

There are no easy answers, no simple solutions. But I know that, with the right strategies and applied approaches, organisations will get through the unprecedented challenges of high staff turnover, professional talent shortages, and a new approach and attitude to work.

Post-pandemic recovery, refresh and renewal in local government is rightly focused on communities, the place and the economy, but ensure you include your people and your people strategy, too.

Julie Towers is managing director of Penna

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Welsh Way: Reimagining local government through social partnership

By Cllr Jane Gebbie | 14 October 2025

As the UK and Welsh budgets are debated, Cllr Jane Gebbie says a social partnership mindset can help public bodies, unions and government to navigate tough c...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Breaking the cycle

By Matthew Taylor | 14 October 2025

Can local government protect the vision of the 10-year plan from the pressure of day-to-day NHS delivery? Matthew Taylor ponders the question.

HUMAN RESOURCES

An opportunity for honesty

By Robin Tuddenham | 14 October 2025

As local government leaders convene in Leeds this week for the Solace Summit amid a backdrop of unprecedented challenges, Robin Tuddenham says there are stil...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Talking opportunities

By Dr Helen Paterson | 13 October 2025

Dr Helen Paterson believes that while the sector faces real challenges, it must still make space for dialogue with government about the opportunities council...

Popular articles by Julie Towers