Supporting Neurodivergent Members: Better Councils, Better Communities

Supporting Neurodivergent Members: Better Councils, Better Communities

Author: Matt Masters September 8, 2026 Duration: 21:13

Neurodivergent people are represented across every part of society, including local government, yet the conversation about supporting neurodivergent elected members is often overlooked. In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Simon Bowers interviews Matt Masters about why councils should be doing more to recognise, support and develop neurodivergent councillors.

The discussion explores how better support can strengthen local democracy, improve officer-member relationships, enhance decision-making, reduce burnout and encourage a broader range of people to stand for elected office. Matt shares practical insights on creating councillor environments that enable people with different thinking styles to thrive, ultimately leading to better outcomes for councils, communities and residents.


Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at your city hall or county office? Truth about Local Government pulls back the curtain, offering a clear-eyed look at the systems and people that manage our communities every single day. Hosted by seasoned professional Matt Masters, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the practical, often unspoken realities of public service. Each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by those in the trenches, from budgeting and infrastructure to community engagement and policy implementation. It’s a space dedicated to the growth and development of local government professionals, but it’s equally valuable for any curious citizen who wants to understand how their neighborhood actually functions. You’ll hear candid conversations that blend experience with actionable insights, all aimed at fostering better leadership and more effective governance. Tune in for a straightforward discussion that replaces jargon with clarity and passion, revealing the human impact of decisions made close to home. This is where the abstract becomes concrete, and where dedicated public servants find a resource for honest reflection and professional development.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Truth about Local Government
Podcast Episodes
Upstream by Design: The Corporate Role in Making Prevention Real [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters is joined by Simon Higgins to explore why local government must focus on prevention, and why corporate services have a critical and often underestimated,…
ABCD & Beyond: What Local Government Needs Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:32
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we explore a bold new resource reshaping how councils think about community development: ABCD & Beyond: A Practical Guide for Local Government.Matt is joined by two of…
Managing Conflicting Needs between Neurodivergent Colleagues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:15
In this episode, Matt sits down with Parul Singh, Founder of Parallel Minds, a neurodiversity consultancy shaping a more inclusive future for people working in tech and digital roles. Parul brings a rare combination of p…
Launching the LGR Initiative: Purpose, Partners & the Path Ahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:53
In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Rowan Cole (COALFACE®) and Professor Amelia Hadfield (Centre for Britain and Europe, University of Surrey) to unpack the launch of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)…
The Cost of Defiance: Local Government vs Sovereign Citizens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:21
In this episode, Matt speaks with David Bainbridge‑Zafar, General Manager of Operations at Gore District Council, New Zealand, about the rising challenge of sovereign citizen ideology in small communities.Gore’s populati…