The Golden Triangle Explained: Why Governance is Everyone’s Business

We’re joined by Robin Tuddenham, President of Solace, to explore the “golden triangle” of local government governance: chief executives, section 151 officers, and monitoring officers. Robin shares insights on integrity, statutory responsibilities, and the challenges of ethical decision-making in today’s complex council environment.
From financial management to regeneration and procurement, we discuss the importance of strong governance structures, collaborative leadership, and the evolving role of AI. A must-listen for anyone navigating the future of public service.

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Beyond the Town Hall: Where Community Really Happens

In this episode, Andy Ferrier, Chief Executive of Test Valley Borough Council, shares how the council is reshaping the role of councillors to drive grassroots change.

We explore Test Valley’s community council model, which empowers councillors, attracts diverse voices, and fosters asset-based collaboration. Andy discusses the shift to unitary authorities, the value of local decision-making, and innovative ways councils are amplifying community voice—from neighbourhood forums to pop-up deliberative spaces.

Packed with practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about local governance and leadership.

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A Council for Everyone: Making Local Democracy More Inclusive

Join us as we uncover the secrets of inclusive governance with Andy Bailey, the trailblazing youngest Mayor of Whitney Town Council—one of the UK’s largest and most forward-thinking councils.

Discover how Whitney is embracing diversity and pioneering community engagement through bold initiatives like its empowering youth council and COVID-inspired outreach strategies. Andy shares how these efforts are helping the next generation take the helm and shape their community’s future.

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The Best Worst-Paid Job: Why Councillors Matter More Than Ever

In this episode of Governance Matters, Catherine Mangan from the University of Birmingham explores how modern challenges—like the pandemic, climate change, and social media—are reshaping the role of councillors.

She shares insights from her research with graduate trainees, highlighting the need for new frameworks to support public servants. We discuss the pressures councillors face, the impact of party politics, and the importance of mentoring, peer networks, and supervision.

Catherine also offers practical strategies for managing social media and preventing burnout. A must-listen for anyone invested in the future of local governance.

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The 21st Century Public Servant Revisited: Why It Still Matters

What does it mean to be a 21st-century public servant? In this episode, Professor Catherine from the University of Birmingham shares powerful insights on modern governance, leadership, and ethical decision-making.

Explore the impact of perma-austerity, the rise of mega councils, and the role of trust in local government. Discover the skills public servants need today—where innovation meets frugality, and digital confidence is key. Catherine also tackles how to attract Gen Z talent, foster meaningful careers, and build stronger collaboration between officers and councillors.

Packed with practical strategies and forward-thinking ideas, this episode is your guide to building a more resilient, values-driven public sector.

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Asking the Right Way: Why Questioning Style Matters

What if the key to effective governance lies not just in what we say—but how we ask? Join Governance Matters as Kirsty Hunt speaks with Lynn Mead, a seasoned local government professional and career coach, to explore how tone, body language, and questioning techniques shape meaningful dialogue.

Discover Lynn’s "five bums on a rugby post" method for asking open questions, and learn how silence, empathy, and fairness can enhance decision-making in sensitive situations. This episode offers practical tools to foster respect, manage conflict, and improve communication in governance settings.

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Hearing the debate: why accessibility in meetings matters

Join Governance Matters for an inspiring conversation with Councillor Knowles, independent councillor and former mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Discover how he transformed contentious council meetings into inclusive, constructive spaces—drawing on his personal journey with hearing loss and the power of technology.

From assistive tools to post-COVID innovations in virtual meetings, Cllr Knowles shares practical tips and insights on making governance more accessible, fair, and engaging for all.

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Behind the Decisions: Why Resilience in Public Life Matters

What if prioritising mental health could transform your career and personal life? Join us for an enlightening conversation with David Beeney, a former commercial director who has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the workplace. David candidly shares his own story and discusses the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by local government councillors.

It's easy for councillors to neglect their well-being while tending to others' needs, but recognising early signs of burnout, like fatigue and difficulty concentrating, can be lifesaving. We unpack the vital importance of self-care for those in public service roles, focusing on balanced living to prevent burnout. Using relatable analogies, we emphasise the need for a supportive network and offer practical advice for maintaining mental resilience. This episode aims to inspire local government officials and beyond to take their mental health as seriously as their professional responsibilities.

We explore the transformative power of self-compassion and the importance of creating supportive work environments, fostering genuine connections and regularly checking in with colleagues to build a culture where mental health is a priority. As we conclude, we encourage listeners to practice self-kindness and consider its profound impact on mental health and success. Don't forget to explore our resources and subscribe for more insightful discussions, including our upcoming episode on handling conflict within meetings.

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Informed Councillor Allowance Reviews: Why Evidence-Based Decisions Matter

What if the backbone of a well-functioning society isn't just its people, but its governance? Join me, Kirsty, as we continue our new series, Governance Matters, with a deep dive into the intricacies of allowances. Our special guest, Mark Palmer, the Director of Development and Governance at South East Employers, shares his insights on their critical role of independent remuneration panels, which play a pivotal part in setting councillor allowances and ensuring accountability across councils. With the advent of parental leave policies for councillors, our conversation highlights the evolving landscape of local governance.

In our discussion, we emphasise the importance of recruiting a diverse Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) and share effective strategies for attracting a balanced mixture of representatives, especially from younger generations. Mark elaborates on how councils can efficiently manage the IRP process with elements like training Panel members, chairing the process and data analysis whilst exploring the support offered by South East Employers. We also underscore the annual members' allowance survey—a key resource councils shouldn't ignore and encourage all councils in the region to participate in this initiative to be able to access this comprehensive and enlightening data.

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Engaging and Adaptive Communication Styles: Why They Matter

Unlock the secrets of effective communication and transform your workplace dynamics with our latest episode of Governance Matters. We're thrilled to feature Lynn Mead, our associate and a career transition coach, who brings her wealth of knowledge on DISC behavior profiling to the table. Discover how the four communication styles—dominant, influential, conscientious, and steady—can enhance your self-awareness, adaptability, and ability to connect with colleagues. Learn to tailor your interactions by recognising these styles in others, fostering a more harmonious and collaborative environment. This insightful exploration promises to equip you with the strategies to better navigate diverse personalities and improve team relationships.

But there's more. We also delve into the profound impact of effective listening skills. The episode challenges you to move beyond hearing and truly listen, emphasising authenticity, honesty, and respect in every professional interaction. Through practical techniques like active listening and providing feedback, we offer ways to fully engage with your conversation partners. With personal anecdotes and actionable insights, we illustrate how genuine attention can significantly enhance professional relationships and organisational culture. Tune in to redefine how you communicate and listen, making every interaction count.

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Designing for Everyone: Why Inclusive Services Matter

Join Kirsty Hunt on Governance Matters for a powerful conversation with Councillor Minas-Bound, Conservative group leader at Basingstoke and Deane. Together, they explore how governance can move beyond bureaucracy to focus on people—designing inclusive services that truly meet community needs.

From a moving story of a family navigating multiple agencies to the urgent need for better support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing domestic abuse, this episode highlights why asking the right questions matters. Discover how challenging the status quo and using technology can lead to more compassionate, effective services.

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Effective meetings: Why Chairing Skills Matter

Join Governance Matters as we sit down with Councillor Knowles, former Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, to explore what it takes to lead effective and respectful meetings. Drawing on years of experience, he shares how to foster participation, manage conflict, and strike the right balance between legal knowledge, communication, and active listening.

Learn how great chairing is less about control—and more about creating space for productive dialogue.

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Collaboration in Local Governance: Why Community Voices Matter

What if your community's voice could truly shape its future? In this episode of Governance Matters, Cllr Minas-Bound returns with an inspiring story of how local residents came together to build a primary school—proving that data, curiosity, and trust can drive real change.

We dive into the complexities of engaging diverse communities, challenge the label "hard to reach," and explore fresh ways to connect with “rarely heard” voices. From pandemic-era shifts to creative cultural initiatives, discover why authenticity and transparency are key to meaningful community engagement.

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Navigating conflict in meetings: Why Chairing Skills Matter

Discover the art of conflict management in public forums with our returning guest, Councillor Minas-Bound from Basingstoke and Deane. Minas-Bound shares how asking the right questions can transform discord into productive dialogue. We discuss the nuances of chairing meetings and why ensuring that every voice is heard is crucial for achieving meaningful outcomes. Get an inside look at common sources of conflict, from community disagreements to overlapping efforts, and gain insight into Minas-Bound's strategies for balancing perspectives and facilitating open dialogue.

Engagement with the community is more than just a buzzword—it's a long-term investment in harmony and understanding. We explore the benefits of connecting through both traditional public forums and modern platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Hear about the significance of mediation services and the subtle art of coaching for those tricky conversations. Whether it’s mastering chairing skills or knowing when to step back, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Embrace the discomfort and step into effective governance and public interactions with confidence and clarity.

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Breaking Through Myths About Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities – Why Understanding Difference Matters

Jake Bowers is a Romani journalist, producer, media teacher, film maker and blacksmith who joins us on Governance Matters for an insightful discussion on the critical role of governance, particularly for ethnic minorities such as the Gypsy and Traveller communities. Listen in as Jake's unique perspective as he explains the significance of executing governance with morality and equality in mind, and the potential pitfalls when it falters. He also guides us through the appropriate terminology when referring to his community and challenges the misconceptions perpetuated by sensationalised media portrayals. Jake emphasises the importance of aligning perceptions with the reality that these communities are recognised ethnic groups with protected racial identities.

In another chapter of our conversation, we explore the barriers Gypsy and Traveller communities face in accessing essential services like healthcare and education, often exacerbated by their nomadic lifestyle and lack of secure housing. Jake shares insights into the discrimination these communities encounter and the reluctance of institutions to include them, while also highlighting efforts by organisations like the NHS in Surrey to bridge these gaps. He shares his personal experience as a blacksmith creating sculptures to celebrate Gypsy and Traveller culture, highlighting a project in Appleby that, despite facing resistance, holds the potential to foster inclusion and fulfill race equality duties. This episode underscores the need for proactive governance and community engagement to address these challenges.

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Investing in Councillor Development: Why Effective Training Matters

In the final episode of our series, we ask the big question: Why does effective training matter—and what difference does it really make?

We explore the transformative power of the Councillor Development Charter, a framework that’s reshaping how councils approach leadership and learning.

Join us on Governance Matters, where Rachel Basham and Councillor Gareth Barnard share their invaluable perspectives as assessors of this critical process.

Discover how the Charter:

• Cultivates stronger member-officer relationships
• Empowers councillors with enhanced knowledge and confidence
• Leads to improved governance and service delivery
• Strengthens council reputation
• Provides a sustainable pathway for continual improvement

This episode is packed with insights into how structured development can drive real change in local government.

If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to this episode, or any other Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at info@seemp.co.uk

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