Governance Matters

Ever wondered how moving from a stable local authority role to the dynamic world of consultancy can transform your career? Our guest, Shilpa Manek, shares her inspiring journey from democratic services to consultancy, highlighting how embracing change can drive both personal and professional growth. Her story reinforces the vital role of democratic services in governance and how new opportunities can reignite your passion for the work.Explore the realities of local governance and the challenges contractors face. Drawing on experiences across multiple councils, we unpack how contrasting organisational cultures ranging from collaborative to siloed working shape governance practices. Through candid discussion, discover practical strategies for successful integration and delivering impactful governance work.Finally, we delve into the ethical dimensions of governance. From transparency and accountability to the “golden thread” linking individual roles to organisational goals, we examine how these principles build trust and cohesion. Learn what resilience and adaptability look like in governance roles, especially when navigating unexpected challenges or modern logistical demands.Tune in to Governance Matters for insights and resources to strengthen your understanding and practice of effective governance.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

In this episode of Governance Matters, host Kirsty Hunt speaks with Matthew Barber, the current Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, about the recent government announcement to abolish PCCs by 2028. The conversation explores the implications of this major governance shift, the vital role PCCs play in community safety, and the challenges of maintaining accountability and public trust in policing. Matthew shares candid insights on the future of policing governance, the importance of strategic leadership, and the risks of losing local engagement and expertise during the transition. This episode offers a timely and thought-provoking look at how governance reforms could reshape the relationship between policing, local authorities, and communities.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

What if the key to transforming local governance lies in the hands of those we elect, not just within council chambers but beyond? Join me, Kirsty, as I sit down with Aidan Rave from the Good Governance Institute to explore this unique opportunity for councillors. We navigate the complex landscape where councillors play an essential role in external organisations, from commercial entities to small charities. Aidan, with his varied experience within local government, shares insights on how leveraging the knowledge and influence of councillors can enhance community services and why this involvement has become a cornerstone of effective governance. This episode is a treasure trove for those curious about what is expected from this at times afterthought when councillors take representation of the council to outside bodies.As we continue, the conversation shifts to the nuanced art of balancing influence and integrity. We tackle the challenges of managing conflicts of interest, emphasising the importance of curiosity and innovative thinking to push public services beyond traditional boundaries. Dive into the role of councillors in health services, where potential conflicts are managed with a commitment to the Nolan principles. The discussion also covers the intricacies of council governance and risk management, underscoring the need for robust frameworks and the critical support from senior officers. For those invested in the future of local governance, this episode promises a rich exploration of how public servants can navigate risks while seizing opportunities to make lasting impacts in their communities.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

Can small, unnoticed compromises in governance lead to significant failures within local authorities? Join me and Matt Masters, host of Truth About Local Government, as we unpack the subtle but impactful risk of incremental creep in local government governance. We discuss how outdated governance documents and informal practices can gradually erode transparency and accountability. Our conversation sheds light on the importance of maintaining integrity and minimum standards, as well as the critical role of external, objective oversight in preventing systematic weaknesses.As we shift focus to improving governance within local authorities, we emphasise embedding strong practices and resetting values at the first sign of trouble. Matt and I explore strategies like implementing clear decision-making systems, performance dashboards, and budget trackers to avert governance issues. We also highlight the crucial role of public accountability, urging the involvement of residents through panels and surveys to enhance transparency and engagement. The development and training of elected officials are key to effective leadership, while external reviews offer fresh perspectives using tools such as the CIFPA governance framework and LGA peer support. Our conversation touches on resetting governance culture after standards slip, focusing on continuous skill development and the role of Overview and Scrutiny as well as Audit Committees.Kirsty highlights warning signs like inadequate record keeping and councillor disengagement and underscores the significance of active participation from councillors and statutory officers in maintaining governance integrity.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

Catherine Mangan from the University of Birmingham returns to our latest episode of Governance Matters to dive into the evolving roles of 21st-century councillors, influenced by modern societal dynamics like the pandemic, climate change, and the ubiquitous presence of social media. Our discussion explores how these factors have reshaped local governance, demanding new skills and attitudes from councillors. Catherine's innovative research process, involving collaboration with graduate management trainees, offers unique insights into the changing landscape of public service roles. She emphasises the pressing need for updated frameworks for public servants and councillors to bolster communication and collaboration. The episode also tackles the challenges councillors face, from the weighty burden of public service to negative perceptions tied to party politics.We unravel the importance of robust support systems, from mentoring to peer networks, and the pivotal role of monitoring officers in addressing social media challenges. Catherine shares strategies like self-care and "safe mode" social media use, while also considering how councils can proactively offer supervision and coaching to prevent burnout.This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to sustaining effective and transparent local governance.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts