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.
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View our dedicated Podcast Site: ⁠⁠

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


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Gavin Jones & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

In the new episode of Radical Reformers, Andrew Laird welcomes Graeme Duncan, Chief Executive of Right to Succeed, a charity that supports communities in areas of high deprivation to work collectively and give children and young people the best start in life.

In this discussion, Graeme and Andrew discuss the transformative power of building community agency. Graeme notes that the biggest challenge facing our communities isn't just the individual issues like poverty, education, or health - but the lack of control people have in defining their own needs and solutions. True change comes from a collective approach, where everyone works together, rather than top-down or bottom-up methods.

Graeme offers insights into how Right to Succeed engages with different levels of administration, from individual councils to the Liverpool City Region and how this approach has led to significant savings and better outcomes for communities.

Allowing communities to take ownership, builds trust and collaborative solutions that are hard to beat. As Graeme says, if a community chooses an intervention – they will make it succeed.


Creating community agency with Graeme Duncan

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


In this latest episode of Radical Reformers, Andrew Laird is joined by Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. 

Greater Manchester became the first new Mayoral Combined authorities in 2014 and in this conversation, Caroline has a refreshing approach to leadership and shares how she navigates the incredibly complex but rewarding Greater Manchester environment.  

What’s clear from this conversation is Greater Manchester thrives on strong relationships built on trust and transparency, and not being afraid to have difficult conversations. This solid foundation of trust and knowledge of the place makes room for balanced risk and makes Manchester the perfect place for a test and learn approach.

If you take just one thing away from this episode, we hope it’s inspiration from the boundless energy that Caroline embodies as a leader. Times are certainly tough for public services – but all great change starts with the belief that it can be done and as Caroline says, going "All in"! 


All In for Greater Manchester with Caroline Simpson

🎧 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

In this new episode of #RadicalReformers, I chat with Kath O'Dwyer, former Chief Executive of St Helens Council and Chair of SOLACE. 

During her tenure at St Helens, Kath led the council through significant challenges, including a poor corporate culture, the COVID-19 pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and a ransomware cyber attack. Despite these hurdles, she successfully transformed the organisation, leading to a very positive corporate peer challenge this year. 

Kath describes herself as a “fix it” Chief Exec and she explains why it’s so important to recognise what sort of leader you are and what environment you are likely to thrive in. Trust and honesty are central to Kath's success and she explains the “kindness” of making tough decisions. 

Kath also emphasises the importance of collaboration across local authority boundaries and the benefits of St Helens being part of the Liverpool City Region and the positive impact of regional programs and investments on local communities. 

Enjoy it!


Leading a turnaround with Kath O'Dwyer

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

In this week’s episode Radical Reformers, we welcome back a duo we’ve had on the podcast before - Scott Darraugh from Social Adventures and Sophie Clarke from We Are Juno.

It’s a rich conversation that touches on topics we’ve been thinking about a lot here at Mutual Ventures, specifically around the challenges in children’s residential care:

- The difficulty of finding suitable local placements so young people are close to their families and communities. 
- The need for a renewed focus on relationships and creating safe, trusting and inspiring environments for young people.
- The role of Regional Care Cooperatives and the need for local authorities and organisations to work together to fix the challenges facing the children’s social care system.

This conversation also contains a strong message about ensuring all children and young people are not only kept safe - but have a “dare to dream” plan and the opportunity to find their “glimmer”. 

It’s very inspiring stuff. Enjoy it. 


The opportunity children deserve with Sophie Clarke and Scott Darraugh

📢 “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
Bluesky: ⁠⁠@solace-uk.bsky.social⁠⁠
Threads: ⁠⁠uk_solace


Robin Tuddenham & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

In this latest episode of Radical Reformers, Bas Sadiq, the Chief Executive of the Homerton Healthcare Foundation Trust and the place-based leader for City and Hackney, joins Andrew Laird and shares her incredible journey from an outpatient receptionist to leading one of the most iconic hospitals in London.

Bas discusses the unique role of The Homerton as a community anchor and gives us an insight into her leadership approach, which is firmly rooted in relationship-building. Logistics and structures never trump relationships!

We learn about the importance of the innovative neighbourhood teams which are transforming healthcare delivery in Hackney and the City of London. It is inspiring to hear from an Acute Trust Chief Executive who genuinely sees the bigger picture and understands that the “left shift” towards prevention will require hospitals to cede power to local partners and communities.

If you’re excited by the potential of neighbourhood health and are determined that it doesn’t become a big organisation serving box-ticking exercise, then this is one for you!

Enjoy it!


Caring for the community with Bas Sadiq

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!

Sajeeda Rose & Nazeya Hussain - Local Government Stories

Local Government Stories

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