In this episode of the Public Sector I Heart You podcast, Manny Sandhu, Director of Leadership & OD at West Midlands Employers, is joined by Shakil Butt, experienced HR Director, author of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Explained, and lecturer in Strategic HRM at Birmingham City University.

They explore the realities of equity, diversity and inclusion in public sector organisations, including where EDI sits, why many approaches fall short, and how to embed inclusion into the fabric of leadership, policy and decision-making.

With honesty, practical advice and a strong call for accountability, Shak shares why performative gestures don’t deliver change, and what truly inclusive organisations must do differently.

Ideal for public sector leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about creating equitable workplaces.

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.