Local Government Stories

In the first episode of Series 3 of Local Government Stories, we take a wider lens on leadership across the local government ecosystem. This week, Ali Whiteley, Chief Executive of London Councils (representing London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London), joins us to discuss what it takes to lead in complexity.We talk about how leaders build consensus (and recognise when “red lines” make agreement impossible), and why credible evidence and analysis matter when shaping recommendations and influencing across the system. The conversation also explores the scale of housing and homelessness pressures — including the impact on councils and communities — and why these challenges are rarely solved by a single policy lever. To close, Ali shares a powerful reflection: a wish that, despite everything going on, we celebrate more and are kinder to each other — and a legacy rooted in inspiring and supporting others to do their best work. In this episode:Building consensus across complex issues (and identifying “red lines”) Using evidence and analysis to test recommendations with political groups Housing, homelessness pressures and system-wide impactsLeadership reflections: kindness, celebration, and supporting othersEnjoyed this episode? Follow Local Government Stories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network.Follow Solace: solace.org.ukConnect with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/

Hackney faced a perfect storm: At the centre of it all was Dawn Carter-McDonald—Chief Executive of Hackney Council, lawyer, and lifelong public servant—who led with calm, clarity, and conviction. 🎧 Dawn shares: What it’s like to lead through unprecedented disruption. How her legal background shaped her leadership. Why governance, transparency, and community trust matter more than ever. Her vision for Hackney’s future—and the legacy she hopes to leave. 🎧 This is essential listening for anyone in local government, leadership, or public service. View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠Share on our Socials:X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStoriesBluesky: ⁠⁠⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠Threads: ⁠⁠⁠uk_solace

📢 “There’s no one way to be a Chief Executive or Director. It’s about fit—fit for the place, fit for the people, and a sense of smell, taste, and feel for where you are.” In this episode of #LocalGovernmentStories, Robin Tuddenham, Chief Executive of Calderdale and Solace President—shares his leadership journey and vision for the future of local government, grounded in four core themes: Place – Stewarding thriving communities through collaboration and care. People – Reimagining leadership and investing in future talent. Equity – Shifting power, listening to unheard voices, and leading with humility. Purpose – Embracing the privilege of making a difference every day. View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠Share on our Socials:X: ⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStoriesBluesky: ⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠Threads: ⁠uk_solace

🎧 From growing up in Doncaster to leading Sheffield City Council, Kate Josephs story is one of passion, leadership and public service. Now Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Chair of Core Cities CEO group and Resolution Foundation Trustee, her journey is inspiring. In 2021, she was recognised with a CB for her contribution to public service. View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠Share on our Socials:X: ⁠@Solace_UK⁠LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStoriesBluesky: @solace-uk.bsky.socialThreads: uk_solace

How can leadership transform local gov?On the Local Government Stories podcast, Gavin Jones, Chief Executive of Essex County Council, shares his journey from private to public sector & how he’s tackling council challenges.View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠Share on our Socials:X: @Solace_UKLinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStoriesBluesky: @solace-uk.bsky.socialThreads: uk_solace

🎧🚀 Series 2 is LIVE! 🚨 It's what we've been waiting for, the NEW series of #LocalGovernmentStories podcast has landed. We begin our first podcast episode with Kath O'Dwyer, Chief Executive of St Helens Council. Kath has dedicated over four decades to local government, starting her career in Children's services and becoming the Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council. In March 2020, she returned to her hometown of St Helens to take on the CEO role at St Helens Council. Her journey includes significant roles in Lancashire, Rochdale, Knowsley, Halton, and Warrington as well as serving as a national director for social care in Ofsted and contributing to government intervention in Stoke on Trent.Her commitment doesn't stop there, as she serves nationally as the spokesperson for leadership and learning. As a coach and mentor to aspiring Chief Executives, she continues to share the culture of local government.In this episode, Kath shares her experience of climbing the corporate ladder, highlighting the unique challenges women face. She emphasises the importance of gaining diverse experiences and building confidence at each stage. Her story is a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female leaders.View our dedicated Podcast Site: https://solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/Share on our Socials:X: @Solace_UKLinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories

With a career spanning over 28 years in Local Government, Pippa Milne brings a wealth of experience and insights. As Scotland Solace Leadership Lead, a member of the electoral management board for Scotland, a qualified coach, and now a podcast host, Pippa's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We are excited to announce the release of Episode 9 of our podcast series, featuring an inspiring conversation with Pippa Milne, the Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council, the second largest council in Scotland. In this episode, Pippa passionately discusses the benefits of aiming for the top job in local government. She highlights the significant impact one can have on communities, the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people, and the chance to develop invaluable career-building skills. Pippa shares how the role allows for new connections, travel, and networking, making it a dynamic and rewarding career choice. Additionally, Pippa opens up about joining the council after a challenging period marked by a breakdown in relationships between members and officers. She delves into the strategies she employed to rebuild trust and improve collaboration within the council, showcasing her resilience and leadership during tough times. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and learn from Pippa Milne's experiences and career-changing moves. Solace website: solace.org.uk Dedicated podcast site: ⁠⁠⁠https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠ Socials: @Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories

Natalie Brahma-Pearl, newly appointed Chief Executive of Portsmouth City Council shares her vast experience in local government spanning over 26 years. Natalie's career journey on Episode 6 gives us a comprehensive account of her impressive portfolio in environmental health to managing large front-line services focussed on transformation and change, paving her way into local government. From her Chief Executive position at Crawley Borough Council in West Sussex to navigating political challenges at Horsham District Council focussing on transformation, we gain insights from her perspective on managing the political landscape and leading large organizations. Her academic background in environmental policy and strategy led to her first job as an Environment Officer at Lancaster Council tackling pollution in the environmental Department, then moving to Harrow branching into policy and environmental health. From Harrow she moved to Adur District Council working in sustainability taking on responsibilities of safety culture gaining exposure within community and regeneration. As a Chief Executive at Crawley, she shares her dedication to improving communities, setting up STEM programmes for schools, facing unemployment issues and the effects of furlough during the pandemic. In her current role as Chief Executive of Portsmouth Council, she has transitioned from a borough setting to leading a unitary at Portsmouth City Council and through sheer determination and resilience during personal challenges we learn how her early childhood shaped her. Solace website: solace.org.uk Dedicated podcast site: ⁠https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠ Socials: @Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories

Joanne Roney, CEO at Manchester City Council earned an OBE in 2009 for her exceptional service to local government. As Solace's president during the pandemic, she was an strong and authoritative voice for the whole sector. Joanne adds a CBE to her accolades this year in the King's New Year's Honour List. In this podcast episode, we delve into Joanne's remarkable career journey. Starting as a young Apprentice at Birmingham City Council, Joanne shares pivotal moments that shaped her leadership path. As a CEO, she reflects on the dynamic nature of her role, emphasising strategic thinking and leveraging strengths and weaknesses to build a supportive team. Join us as Joanne recounts her move from Birmingham to her first Chief Executive role at Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council, where she held the top post from 2008. From leading the 'Our Manchester' plan to dealing with unprecedented events including the Manchester Arena Bombing, discover how Joanne continuously learns from the diverse experiences of those around her. Solace website: https://solace.org.uk/ Dedicated podcast site: https://solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/ Socials: @Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories