Unlocking Local Potential – Skills Reform and Systemic Change

Unlocking Local Potential – Skills Reform and Systemic Change

Author: Matt Masters July 30, 2025 Duration: 18:25

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, about their latest report, Guarantee of Potential. The conversation explores how the UK can reform its skills system by adopting a whole systems approach integrating employment, health, education, and procurement at the local level.

Joe explains how devolution, Integrated Care Systems, and the absorption of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) into councils are reshaping the landscape of local service delivery. He also highlights the untapped power of procurement as a tool for driving social value and aligning local spending with strategic goals.

Packed with insights, case studies, and a forward-looking vision, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of local governance, economic inclusion, and public service reform.


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: 100

Truth about Local Government
Podcast Episodes
The Interim Edge: Staying Relevant in Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:50
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Olivia Treanor interviews Matt Masters to explore the evolving role of interim professionals and why staying relevant is critical in today’s local government landscape…
Smarter Outcomes: Rethinking Value in Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
In this episode of Smarter Outcomes, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore a transformative idea in public service delivery: achieving better outcomes at lower cost. With local government…
Beyond Safe and Legal: Rethinking Local Government Reorganisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:57
In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, to unpack the deeper truths behind Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Too often, LGR is treated as a technical exercise, focus…
More Than a Tick Box: Rethinking Corporate Responsibility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:15
In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Natasha Whiles to explore the real meaning of Corporate Responsibility (CR) and why it’s far more than a tick-box exercise. Natasha shares her insights on how CR has evolve…