Althea Loderick, a stalwart in London government for over two decades, currently serves as a Chief Executive at Southwark Council. 

With a background in HR and OD, she transitioned into transformational roles across various London authorities before becoming a chartered professional in the civil service.

Notably, she successfully led Newham Council during the pandemic, showcasing her leadership in one of the most impacted boroughs in London.

Althea's roots in public service go back to roles in homelessness organizations. 

As the lead London Chief Executive at Southwark on policing, crime and public protection, working closely both with the Mayor of London and the Metropolitan police, Althea continues to make a significant impact in her role.
 
Althea grew up in west London and was the youngest of her siblings. Her family experienced temporary homelessness which has shaped her. At the time, she was studying for her A levels with plans of becoming a journalist, this led to her first job as an Accounts Clark at the BBC to earn a crust. 

However, Althea wanted to do something more meaningful within society as she enjoys being in touch with the community. After two years at the BBC she then became a Hostel Manager working with young people, single women and homeless people who had HIV and aids.

She went from the housing organisation as a Training Consultant in Social Services in Hammersmith and Fulham then worked in another small consultancy as a Management Development Consultant. She then became a Deputy Director of HR at London Borough of Endfield.

Althea moved onto become a Service Director of People Strategy experiencing culture issues in leadership within the National Policing Improvement Agency.

She was then posted to the the role of The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) developing a people strategy across prisons in England and Wales helping them to improve their performance through their work with people.

She then went to work in National policing improvement and moved to becoming a service director of people strategy, her role was workforce planning at a national level. 

She then moved organizations to the London Borough of Waltham Forest as a Director of Human Resources and Transformation progressing to the Chief Operating Officer.

Her job was to maintain strategic oversight and give a direction for the resource developing her leadership, strategic and people management skills. 

Althea then moved into the Strategic Director Resources role at London Borough of Brent gaining learnings from colleagues. Althea has gained important friendships from colleagues who have supported her throughout her career.

Althea then takes us through her experience of the pandemic and how London Borough of Newham was one of the most impacted boroughs in London and some of the highest rates in the capital, how her tight-knit team got her through those difficulties of the pandemic in the Chief Executive role and her experience of business, work and society.

Althea worked in in Endfield council moving into the Change Manager role progressing to Deputy Director at the National Offenders Management Services. Her job was to develop peoples strategy working across prisons in England and Wales and develop the people's strategy for policing. A job came up for a position in Chief Operating Officer London Borough of Waltham Forest developing her leadership skills, the people management skills.

Althea takes us through her mental preparation of being in a positive mindset when considering a new job. 

She chats to Nazeya about the strong bonds she has formed with colleagues during the pandemic and how much she enjoys the roles she undertakes because of the difference she can make within the communities. 

Althea's confidence has flourished with more experience and even though a the Chief Executive job is challenging, the rewards are gained from being able to contribute to making changes within work, society, and the city.

Althea Loderick & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories Podcast

Tom Stannard, a regeneration and economic development professional, shares his experience of diversity and cultural changes.

Tom is a former West Londoner turned Director of Comms in East Lancashire, where he led Blackburn's council to multiple 'Council of the Year' victories. With a background in regeneration and economic development, Tom unveils his secrets of effective leadership, emphasising the value of diversity in learning. 

As a commissioner at the Living Wage Foundation and a Solace spokesperson for climate change, Tom sheds light on the motivations behind taking on the Chief Executive role. Tune in for a first-hand account of the CEO's day-to-day reality and gain insights from a leader dedicated to success and positive change.

Solace website:
https://solace.org.uk

Dedicated podcast site: 
https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/

Socials:
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories

Happy listening!

Tom Stannard & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories Podcast

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.

We were thrilled by the positive response to Episode 3! If you're enjoying the podcast, your support matters. Following, sharing, and contributing your own local government experiences on social media amplifies our reach, connecting with potential future CEOs in our sector. 

Solace website:
solace.org.uk

Dedicated podcast site:
https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/

Socials:
@Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories

Happy listening!

Joanne Roney & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories Podcast

Dr Grace Vickers, Chief Executive at Midlothian Council, is a dynamic leader in local government. She has improved school performance and played key roles in addressing pandemic-related schooling issues as co-chair of the Scottish Government's National Children and Families Collective Leadership Group. In 2023, she chaired Solace Scotland, highlighting her extensive leadership experience. 


Grace's leadership journey from Head Teacher to Chief Executive at Midlothian Council is rooted in her strong academic foundation, including a postgraduate certificate in secondary education, a PhD from the University of Edinburgh Business School, SQH, and a B.Mus (Hons). 


Dr Vickers gained invaluable insights into impactful policy decisions during her time as a secondary Head Teacher at a diverse Catholic school, where she witnessed firsthand the difference such decisions can make on the ground. This experience propelled her into the role of Quality Improvement Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, marking the beginning of her distinguished career in local government. 


Grace's leadership roles at Midlothian Council, a rapidly growing local authority specializing in life sciences, have been pivotal. She served as Education and Chief Education Officer, overseeing significant initiatives that drove positive change in education across the region. Her subsequent role as Head of Education at Midlothian Council allowed her to spearhead the implementation of a new curriculum across Edinburgh, further cementing her impact on educational development. 


Throughout her career, from pioneering educational initiatives to her current position as Chief Executive, Grace remains dedicated to delivering improved outcomes for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds within her community. 


Tune in to Episode 7 as we explore Grace Vickers' transformative journey and her unwavering commitment to educational excellence. 

Solace website solace.org.uk

Dedicated podcast site:
⁠⁠⁠https://solace.org.uk/blog/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠

Socials: @Solace_UK #LocalGovernmentStories

Dr Grace Vickers & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories Podcast

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

Pippa Milne & Nazeya Hussain -  Local Government Stories

Nazeya interviews Kath O’Dyer, Chief Executive at 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.


Kath O'Dwyer & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

Transforming Communities through Leadership with Shokat Lal of Sandwell Council:

In this insightful episode, Shokat dives into his experience of engaging Pakistani, Indian and Afro-Caribbean communities to help them navigate the implementation of poll tax. His innovative approach turned a challenging situation into a successful initiative, and he shares the lessons learned along the way.

He emphasises the importance of coaching and mentoring when transitioning into senior leadership roles. Reflecting on his own journey, he reveals how valuable this support would have been when he first stepped up into leadership.
⁠View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠

Share on our Socials:
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LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories
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Threads: uk_solace



Shokat Lal & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

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: ⁠⁠

solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/


Share on our Socials:
X: @Solace_UK
LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernementStories
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Gavin Jones & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

Devolution is reshaping local government – but what does that mean for leaders?
The latest episode of our Local Government Stories podcast features Dr Henry Kippin, CEO of North East Combined Authority. With experience across multiple combined authorities, Henry discusses public service innovation, economic development, and why collaboration is key to navigating change.
If you’re interested in devolution and its real-world impact, this episode is a must-listen.
View our dedicated Podcast Site: 
⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠
Share on our Socials:
X: ⁠@Solace_UK⁠
LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories


Dr Henry Kippin & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

🎧 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_UK⁠⁠
LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories
Bluesky: ⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠
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Kate Josephs & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

Would you take the top job during a financial crisis?

When Nottingham City Council issued a Section 114 notice and government commissioners were brought in, many would have stepped back. Sajeeda Rose stepped up.
In this episode, we speak with Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council, about her decision to lead the council through one of its most turbulent periods. From shaping regional economic strategy to navigating frontline crisis leadership, Sajeeda shares how she’s driving transformation in the face of political and financial pressure.

🗓️ This episode marks one year since the arrival of commissioners in Nottingham and the first anniversary of the Council Leader’s tenure. Recent reports highlight the positive progress being made—read more here: Nottingham News:

https://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/latest-commissioners-report-highlights-positive-progress-at-council/

⁠Latest Commissioners’ report highlights positive progress at Council – My Nottingham News⁠.

Tune in to hear how leadership, resilience, and vision are reshaping the future of local government.


Sajeeda Rose & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

📢 “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_UK⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories
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Threads: ⁠⁠uk_solace


Robin Tuddenham & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

🚨 “Commissioning is a superpower.” 
From delivering the UK’s first rural devolution deal to reshaping adult social care, Kate Kennally—Chief Executive of Cornwall Council explores the seismic shifts happening across local government and health reform. 
🎧 Tune in for: 

How Cornwall led the way on Devolution—twice. 
Why social care must reclaim its voice. 
Why commissioning is the public sector’s “superpower”. 
Building inclusive, future-ready public services. 
 
🎧 If you care about the future of local government, this is a must listen. 

View our dedicated Podcast Site: 
⁠⁠⁠⁠solace.org.uk/local-government-stories-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Share on our Socials:

X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Solace_UK⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Kate Kennally & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

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_UK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIn: Use the hashtag #LocalGovernmentStories
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Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠uk_solace

Dawn Carter-McDonald & Nazeya Hussain

🎧 "It’s lonely at the top—but what if you had someone to lean on?  

👥 We’re closing series two with a first: a Leader and Chief Exec in open conversation. 

🗣️ Councillor Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, and Andy Donald, Chief Executive share how they’ve built a values-led partnership to lead through political transition, community challenge, and organisational change. 

💬 From rebuilding trust to rethinking devolution in London —this episode is a must- listen for anyone in public service. 

Cllr Peray Ahmet, Andy Donald & Nazeya Hussain

Join Nazeya Hussain, Solace Board member and EDI lead, as she uncovers the stories, drive, and passion that have shaped some of the most esteemed Chief Executives in Local Government. Delve into in-depth interviews that explore their experiences, best practices, and inspirational tales, perfect for those intrigued by the challenges of the CEO role and the profound impact of councils on communities. With Nazeya's two decades of experience across all tiers of local government and her unwavering passion for making a difference, tune in for firsthand perspectives on local governance's challenges and triumphs. Proudly presented by Solace.

Enjoy listening!

Local Government Stories

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