Explore every episode of the podcast Public Sector I HEART You

In this episode of PS I ❤️ You Unplugged, Rebecca Davis (Chief Executive, West Midlands Employers) is joined by Brad Sinclair (Managing Director, Opus People Solutions) to explore how councils can transform agency provision into a strategic asset. They unpack the challenges and opportunities of temporary recruitment, share insights from the WMTemps framework, and show how investing in people can deliver better value, stronger communities, and a future-fit public sector workforce. 

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of PS I Heart You Unplugged, host Rebecca Davis (Chief Executive, West Midlands Employers) sits down with Tim Johnson, Chief Executive of the City of Wolverhampton Council, for a candid conversation on the future of local government.

With over 30 years of experience, Tim shares personal stories of career highs and hard-won lessons, his belief in values-led leadership, and why investing in people is key to building resilient organisations. From developing future leaders to navigating the political landscape and driving regional collaboration, Tim offers practical advice and hopeful insights for public sector professionals at all stages of their careers.

In this episode of The Public Sector I Heart You Unplugged podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, sits down with Ian Miller, Chief Executive of Wyre Forest District Council. 

With over 25 years in local government, Ian shares his leadership journey, from shaping key legislation in Wales to driving shared services and transformation in Worcestershire.

Together, they explore pressing issues facing the sector: local government reorganisation, the reality behind devolution, finance reform, and the importance of keeping services truly local.

In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD. Together, they explore the evolving world of work, from the rise of AI and hybrid working to skills shortages and the importance of ethical leadership.

Peter shares reflections from his global career, insights on public vs private sector workforce development, and how CIPD is influencing government policy and empowering the next generation of people professionals. A must-listen for anyone shaping the future of HR in the public sector.

In this episode of PS I ❤️ You, Manny Sandhu, Director of Resourcing at West Midlands Employers, sits down with Shoshana Davies — widely known as The Fairy Job Mother — for a powerful conversation about the Gen Z experience of entering the world of work.

The discussion shines a light on the hopes, doubts, and challenges facing young people as they start their careers, and explores what employers can do to create more supportive, inclusive and confidence-building recruitment journeys.

In this thought-provoking episode of PS I ❤️ You, Michelle O’Neill, Matthew Hotten and Nick Rice (Warwickshire County Council ) dive into how ‘squiggly’ careers and talent mobility can help shape a more agile, inclusive and future-ready public sector. 

From Gen Z’s evolving career expectations to the changing face of leadership and learning in the age of AI, the trio explore how we can unlock potential across the workforce.

In this episode of Public Sector I Heart You, we explore how employers can attract and retain Gen Z in the workplace with insights from Shoshana at Fairy Job Mother. 

We discuss what Gen Z values at work, why they are often misunderstood, and how councils and public sector organisations can rethink their recruitment and retention strategies. 

From using social media to engage young talent to breaking down career progression myths, this conversation highlights practical steps to future-proof the workforce. If you work in HR, recruitment, or leadership, this episode is essential listening. 

Join Rebecca Davis, CEO of West Midlands Employers, and organisational culture expert Stephanie Wheeler as they unpack what truly drives employee engagement and how leaders can shape a thriving workplace. 

How can local government bridge the gap between today’s workforce and a digitally native, sustainability-focused Generation Alpha?

In this episode, Michelle O’Neill and Matthew Hotten unpack bold ideas like ditching job descriptions, embracing flexible careers, and aligning values with the next generation. 

Join us for the latest episode of West Midlands Employers' Public Sector I ♥️ You Unplugged podcast, where Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive at West Midlands Employers, chats with Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. 

With 43 years in local government, Paul shares career highlights, including grassroots community projects and leading transformative regional initiatives. The conversation delves into leadership lessons, fostering social mobility, and inspiring the next generation of local government leaders.

Join Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive at West Midlands Employers as she sits down with Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive of Tamworth Borough Council, to discuss his 30+ years in local government. From his early days on the frontline to leading a council, Stephen reflects on the lessons he’s learned, the challenges he’s faced, and the importance of staying connected to the community

We'll be diving into "End Ghosting: A Future Employee or Customer"—a critical topic for anyone involved in recruitment and customer engagement.

Joining us will be Katrina Whitby, Talent Acquisition Consultant with West Midlands Employers , and guest speaker Neil Armstrong from Tribepad 

In this first episode of Public Sector I HEART You ‘Unplugged’, Rebecca Davis sits down with Joanna Killian, Chief Executive of the Local Government Association, to explore her inspiring journey from housing officer to leading the LGA.

Join Michelle O’Neill and Matt Hotten as they focus on the critical steps Local Governments must take to stay ahead. 

From evolving talent strategies to transforming policies, they explore what it takes to be future ready.