Title

PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local' podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. 

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

Loneliness is a public health crisis: Could city branding be the cure?

By Paul Blackburn | 24 September 2026

Paul Blackburn says stronger place identities can help councils foster connection, community and civic pride.

PODCASTS

The talent market isn't waiting for certainty

By Helen Anderson | 24 September 2026

There will be different responses to uncertainty across any workforce, so the conversation needs to shift from trying to predict every structural outcome to ...

PODCASTS

A certain view of local government

By Jonathan Werran | 23 September 2026

Jonathan Werran looks at how local government could gain inspiration from General Charles de Gaulle as it starts to construct the strongest case for its surv...

PODCASTS

Getting ahead of council reform in Nottinghamshire

By Ann McGauran | 22 September 2026

Nottinghamshire’s councils are developing a framework covering safe, legal, transformational and operational changes, ready to support reorganisation if it r...

-->