In this episode of Our World is Local, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Kath O’Dwyer, Chair of Solace and former Chief Executive of St Helens, for a wide-ranging and candid discussion about leadership, culture and the future of local government.

Recorded back in November 2025, Kath draws on more than four decades in the sector, reflects on what it really means to be a modern chief executive, why the role has fundamentally changed post-austerity and post-COVID, and why humility, curiosity and personal development are now essential leadership traits. The conversation explores the pressures facing senior officers, the evolving relationship between politicians and officers, and the challenges of governing in an increasingly politicised and digital environment.

With local government reorganisation accelerating across England, the episode also dives into what often gets overlooked: organisational culture, capacity, talent retention and the realities of building brand-new councils from scratch. From vesting day myths to lanyard amnesties, this is an honest, insightful and occasionally irreverent look at the state of local government today – and what it will take to make the next chapter work.

Essential listening for anyone navigating leadership, change and complexity in the public sector.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

Nick and Heather are back in this latest episode of Our World is Local.

For this special episode, they sit down with the formidable Theresa Grant OBE, whose 47-year career in local government has seen her lead councils through some of the most challenging reorganisations in recent memory.

Theresa shares unflinching insights on local government reform, leadership, and the 21 new reorganisation areas now underway - warning against glossy business cases, talent shortages, and political short-termism. Drawing on her experience in Northamptonshire, Liverpool, and Greater Manchester, she explains why transformation must go hand-in-hand with reorganisation, and how real leadership means taking accountability, not avoiding hard decisions.

A must-listen for anyone navigating the future of local government - packed with honesty, experience, and sharp lessons from one of the sector’s most respected voices.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode of Our World is Local, we’re joined by Rachel McKoy, Director of Law and Governance (and Monitoring Officer) at the London Borough of Newham. Rachel lifts the lid on one of local government’s most vital but often least understood roles — from upholding the constitution and navigating political pressures, to protecting democratic integrity in a world of social media pile-ons and anonymous complaints.

Nick and Heather explore Rachel’s reflections on leadership, kindness, and the quiet strength it takes to stand your ground when the going gets tough. We also hear about Rachel’s passion for running, the joy of movement, and how she stays resilient while holding the legal line in one of London’s busiest councils.

This is a conversation about power, responsibility, and why the best monitoring officers are equal parts legal expert, moral compass — and marathon runner.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.