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.

In this episode of Our World is Local, Heather Jameson is joined by guest co-host Dan Humphreys, Cratus Group, for a deep dive into the hot topic dominating local government reorganisation. Together with special guest Simon Kaye, Policy Director at the think tank Reform, they explore the competing visions for future council structures, the tug-of-war between county and district authorities, and the thorny issue of scale versus locality.

From boundary battles in Rutland to bold thinking on economies of context, this episode unpacks the political, practical, and cultural challenges facing local government reform. We also reflect on the roles of councillors, mayors, and strategic authorities in shaping public services and what true local leadership could look like in a reshaped system.

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, hosts Heather Jameson and Nick Kilby, sit down with Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, to unpick the economic narrative emerging from central government — and ask the big question: is there a real plan for growth?

What follows is a candid, wide-ranging conversation that explores the intersection of national economic policy and local delivery. From the Treasury’s tricky fiscal position to the real-world implications of Rachel Reeves’ growth agenda, Paul brings clarity and challenge in equal measure.

This is a conversation for anyone in local government, policy, or public service who’s grappling with how national policy translates on the ground — and what local leaders need to drive meaningful change.

As ever, Paul makes the complex understandable — and reminds us that even in tight fiscal times, clarity of purpose and long-term commitment matter more than ever.

Please note, this episode was recording in January 2025.

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 are joined by Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, to explore the complexities of local government reorganisation and the creation of combined authorities.

Drawing from his experience in Bedfordshire, the West Midlands, and now Oxfordshire, Martin shares insights on the challenges of restructuring, the role of leadership, and the opportunities for innovation.

With councils facing budget pressures, political debates, and the need for transformation, how can local government adapt while keeping communities at its core?

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.

This week's episode features special guest Mark Greenberg, a renowned lawyer with a rich history in local government, who shares his unique journey from council leader to legal troubleshooter. Together, they discuss critical issues like the upcoming finance settlement, the evolving role of local authority leaders, and the delicate dance of navigating governance challenges.

Learn how empathy, clear communication, and staying true to governance principles can guide local authorities through today’s complexities. And don’t miss Mark’s candid reflections on political dynamics, difficult decisions, and the resilience required to lead in turbulent times.

Tune in now for a mix of humor, insight, and actionable advice for local government professionals.

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, we sit down with Adele Wylie, the dynamic Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council, to discuss her journey, challenges, and ambitions in local government. Marking a year in her leadership role, Adele reflects on the transition from monitoring officer to Chief Executive and shares her experiences navigating the complexities of leading a newly reorganized local authority.

Adele dives into the challenges of merging multiple councils into a single unitary authority, particularly in the wake of Northamptonshire’s financial struggles. She provides valuable insights into managing change, unifying teams, and building a strong organizational culture.

One of the standout discussions is Adele’s vision for the future. She introduces the “Big 50 Vision,” a bold plan to transform Northamptonshire by 2050, focusing on community outcomes and collaboration with partners. Adele also highlights exciting innovations in digital transformation, including AI and data-driven strategies to improve education, social care, and housing services.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear how Adele is reshaping local government and championing positive change in her community.

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.