View from the Hill - Leadership Insights from Public Service Professionals

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with John Pearce, experienced Director of Children’s Services, about leadership during a period of significant change across children’s services.John reflects on the evolving landscape of children’s services, the complex decisions leaders are required to make, and the responsibility that comes with shaping outcomes for children, families, and communities. He shares insights from his own leadership journey, exploring how thoughtful, values-driven leadership can influence not only individual organisations, but wider systems.We explore the realities of leading through change, the opportunities for leaders to shape thinking beyond their immediate roles, and what it takes to create meaningful, lasting impact across services.An honest and reflective conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating complexity, responsibility, and change in practice.

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Mark Barrow, Interim Director of Place at East Devon District Council, about leadership in local government and the responsibility of shaping places and communities.Mark reflects on the practical decisions that make a real difference in people’s lives, the challenges of leading across complex systems, and how leadership requires patience, perspective, and a focus on long-term impact. We explore what it takes to create meaningful change at both a community and organisational level, and the lessons learned from navigating high-stakes decisions.An honest and reflective conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating responsibility, community impact, and the realities of leadership in practice.

In this episode of View from the Hill, we speak with Anisa Darr, Executive Director of Finance and Resources at the London Borough of Barnet, about leadership in the public sector and the moments that truly test you as a leader.Anisa reflects on the hardest calls of her career, the responsibility that comes when the buck really does stop with you, and how those moments shaped her leadership and confidence. We explore ownership and accountability in practice, learning through challenge, and the importance of being seen as a whole person - not just a role or title.An honest and reflective conversation for public sector leaders and aspiring leaders navigating responsibility, pressure and the real cost of leadership.

Welcome to the third episode of View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape.In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Julie Kelly, Corporate Director (DCS), Children’s Services at the London Borough of Hillingdon.Julie shares her reflections on leadership in children’s services, exploring how to navigate complexity, champion curiosity, and stay grounded while delivering meaningful change.

Welcome to the fourth episode of View from the Hill, your window into leadership, recruitment, and the changing face of the public and not-for-profit sectors.In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Alex Kubeyinje, National Director of Safeguarding for the Church of England.Alex brings a unique perspective on leadership in complex, high-accountability environments. This conversation explores what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in spaces where people’s safety and wellbeing are paramount.

Welcome to the second episode of View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape.In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Heather Sandy, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council.Heather brings a wealth of insight from her leadership in children’s services, sharing what drives her, and the power of leading with clarity and compassion. If you're passionate about public service leadership and want to hear what it takes to make a lasting impact—this one's not to be missed.

Welcome to the second episode of View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape.In this episode, host Jai Patel is joined by Theresa Leavy, who was serving as Executive Director for Children (DCS) at Dorset Council at the time of recording, and is now Interim Director of Children’s Services at Cheshire East Council.Theresa shares her insights on leading through complexity, the value of curiosity in leadership, and the importance of staying grounded while driving change in children’s services.

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new podcast, View from the Hill, your go-to for fresh perspectives on leadership, recruitment, and the ever-evolving public sector landscape.In our first episode, we’re joined by Ana Popovici, who was Director of Children’s Services at the London Borough of Wandsworth at the time of recording and is now the Deputy Chief Executive Serving Richmond and Wandsworth Councils as well as DCS at Wandsworth. Ana shares her reflections on leadership in local government, the importance of authenticity, and what it means to create impact in challenging environments.

The full episode will be released on Wednesday, April 15th, where Amy Harhoff shares her journey to becoming Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority and what it takes to build a new organisation from the ground up.Amy reflects on her early motivations in public service, the realities of leading in a traditionally male-dominated environment, and the leadership mindset required to drive growth, confidence, and impact across a region.