Pam Parkes

Jan 16, 2025 | themj.co.uk | Pam Parkes

HR HR must prepare for devolution discussions today HR must start planning to ensure it has the strategic OD and workforce capacity to deliver devolution in a way that transforms council services for the better, says Pam Parkes. By Pam Parkes | 16 January 2025 SHARE Faced with the biggest reform to local government in 50 years, now is an exciting time to be in HR and OD.

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Ann McGauran |Paul Marinko |Matt Crossley |Pam Parkes

Devolution to combined authorities is ‘really working and is powering growth in our city region', says the chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Caroline Simpson told the opening session of The MJ Future Forum North in Manchester: ‘Ours is the fastest growing economy in the UK at the moment. Manchester is the most invested in city because of the decades of work that's gone into building up the devolution agenda in Greater Manchester and the set of organisations involved.

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Sherina Lewis |Matt Crossley |Pam Parkes |Dan Peters

The discrepancy in performance between councils and registered providers in the ‘C' gradings awarded by the Regulator of Social Housing following inspections has been striking. Only one council so far has achieved C1. Nearly two-thirds have scored C3 or C4, indicating serious failings, with major changes and improvement required. The top C1 grading is not, it should be said, a confirmation of the highest performance.

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Dino Christodoulou |Sherina Lewis |Matt Crossley |Pam Parkes

There's a growing concern about the leadership gap in the public sector. While there are many reasons for this, one area organisations can directly influence is succession planning. By providing the right tools and support, they can help individuals transition from operational roles to executive leadership. This includes structured pathways, targeted development programs, mentoring, and other initiatives that equip emerging leaders with the skills and mindset needed to manage complex challenges.

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Matt Crossley |Pam Parkes |Jon Rouse |Heather Jameson

In today's landscape, delivering city-wide decarbonisation isn't just about investing in new technologies and implementing isolated retrofit measures across the built environment. It requires a deep, cohesive partnership between service providers, local authorities, and the communities at the heart of the city in question, to ensure there is buy-in from all parties. The path to net zero isn't simply about reducing carbon emissions.