Incremental Creep in Governance – Why It Matters More Than You Think
This special crossover episode features Matt Masters, host of The Truth About Local Government, in conversation with Kirsty Hunt, host of Governance Matters a podcast produced by South East Employers that explores the building blocks of good governance in local government.In Season 2, Episode 5, Matt interviews Kirsty to unpack the concept of incremental creep the slow, often unnoticed erosion of governance standards in councils. The discussion explores how small compromises in transparency, decision-making, and accountability can accumulate into systemic risk and public distrust.Kirsty shares six warning signs of incremental creep:Cultural complacency (“That’s how we’ve always done it”)Leadership turnover and loss of institutional memoryWeak scrutiny and challengeOver-reliance on individualsInformal decision-makingPoor record-keepingThe episode also highlights the importance of:Empowering statutory officers (the “Golden Triangle”)Councillor induction and developmentExternal reviews and peer learningResident engagement and democratic health KPIs“Expose it. Give it nowhere to hide.” – Kirsty Hunt “Is there incremental creep in your governance? And if so, what are you going to do about it?” – Matt MastersThis episode is a must-listen for anyone working in or with local government who wants to strengthen governance before crisis hits.
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28:21
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28:21
Beyond Boundaries: Leadership, Culture and the Future of Local Government
In this energising episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils, and the driving force behind the Public Sector Challenge. Together, they explore:The origins and evolution of the Public Sector Challenge as a movement for wellbeing, resilience and connection.Lessons from merging two councils without shared boundaries — and why culture, communication and shared systems matter.The opportunities and risks of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), including digital transformation, supplier relationships, and harmonising terms and conditions.How to build capacity for innovation in a sector under pressure — and why collaboration must become the default.The importance of transparency, trust and values-led leadership in shaping high-performing public services.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change in local government or seeking inspiration on how to lead with purpose and courage.
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19:39
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19:39
Ride the Wave: Local Growth, Fiscal Responsibility, and the Digital Future
In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to discuss Ride the Wave a major new project supported by CIPFA and Core Cities. The report explores how local authorities can balance the government’s push for locally led growth with the need for fiscal responsibility, especially in the context of urban renewal and investment risk.Joe also shares a preview of two upcoming Localis projects: one on digital integration during local authority mergers, and another exploring the intersection of devolution and digital public services. Together, these initiatives paint a picture of how local government can lead the next wave of reform smart, strategic, and digitally enabled.
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22:43
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22:43
Independent but Influential: The Power of Non-Party Politics in Local Government
In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Hannah Dalton, Independent Councillor and Leader of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, to explore the unique and often underappreciated role of independent councillors in the UK’s local government system. They discuss the challenges of operating outside party politics, the opportunities for community-led decision-making, and how independents can shape policy, culture, and collaboration in councils.
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17:16
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17:16
Neurodivergent and Leading: Sara Harrup on Inclusive Governance and Executive Coaching
In this episode, we speak with Sara Harrup, Executive Coach for Neurodivergent Professionals, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and Inclusive Governance Expert. As an openly autistic ADHDer, Sara brings lived experience and professional insight into how neurodivergent leaders can thrive in high-pressure environments.We explore her coaching practice, her governance work, and her advocacy for neuroinclusive leadership. Sara shares practical strategies for local authorities to better support neurodivergent staff, especially those in senior roles, and discusses her downloadable resource Performance Enhancers for Neurodivergent Directors and Executives. We also touch on her writing, including contributions to thought leadership on neurodivergent governance and leadership, and her upcoming book projects that aim to reshape how organisations understand and support different kinds of minds.This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams in local government.
New Zealand