In this episode of the PS I ❤️ You podcast, Matthew and Michelle take a deep dive into the often-overlooked discipline of strategic workforce planning. They explore why it’s crucial for councils facing demographic change, AI disruption, and hybrid work challenges.

From intergenerational knowledge sharing to the risks of shadow AI, they explore how public sector organisations can plan 3–5 years ahead, and why workforce planning must be a shared, continuous conversation, not a one-off project.Podcast, Matthew and Michelle take a deep dive into the often-overlooked discipline of strategic workforce planning. They explore why it’s crucial for councils facing demographic change, AI disruption, and hybrid work challenges.

From intergenerational knowledge sharing to the risks of shadow AI, they explore how public sector organisations can plan 3–5 years ahead, and why workforce planning must be a shared, continuous conversation, not a one-off project.

In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Rebecca Davis, Chief Executive of West Midlands Employers, is joined by Emma Bennett, Chief Executive at Walsall Council.

Emma shares her personal and professional journey, from her roots in social work to becoming the first locally born chief executive of Walsall. They explore leadership visibility, empowering workforce culture, building partnerships, and putting resident voice at the heart of transformation.

This is an essential listen for anyone interested in leadership, place-based working, and supporting women into senior roles in local government.

In this episode, Matthew Hotten is joined by Sue Chilton, Chief People Officer at Coventry City Council, and Elizabeth Lisle, Director at ELA Development Consultancy, for a deep dive into how organisations can create a culture that genuinely supports people and performance.

They discuss Coventry’s Owning and Driving Performance (ODP) programme, the importance of leadership modelling, and the role of values, consistency, and behaviour in shaping workplace culture. Whether you’re a senior leader, HR professional or OD specialist, this conversation is packed with practical insight for long-term, people-led change.