Inside the Civil Service and Inside the Podcast

In Episode 2, we go deeper into what Not Another Press Release is trying to do, and what it is not.Part 1 is a one-to-one with Chief Secretary Glendon Martinez, exploring the day-to-day reality of leading Gibraltar’s public service. Glendon explains why the role is strictly apolitical, what it means to oversee an organisation spanning 54 departments (plus agencies, authorities and government-owned companies), and how the job is often defined by the unexpected. We also talk about morale, training, reforms, and why recognising public servants matters. Glendon reflects on union negotiations, the balance between supporting staff and protecting the public purse, and why long-term affordability sits at the heart of public finances.Looking ahead, he discusses the civil service’s approach to modernisation, including how AI is already being used to improve processes, and what a future treaty could mean for Gibraltar and the public service, including adaptation without job losses. The conversation also touches on public perceptions of the civil service, accessibility in a small community, and the value of local talent in senior roles, alongside recruiting the best candidates from abroad when needed. Glendon finishes by sharing cultural picks, from grunge music and Alice in Chains to Meet Joe Black, plus a message of gratitude to public servants across every area of government.Part 2 is a transparent “housekeeping” chat with the podcast team: Anton Calderon, Amy Hayward and Daniel Ghio. We explain how the podcast is made, the format and frequency (every two weeks, usually in two parts), and how guests and topics are chosen. We also address editorial intent: this is a communications tool for the public, not a replacement for journalism and not a vehicle for partisan political debate. Furthermore, we also set out our approach to AI. AI was used to design the logo and compose the theme music, but the conversations and content are unscripted and intentionally human. Finally, we break down the cost: the set-up uses existing Press Office equipment, with spending of just under £400 on items like the neon sign, mugs and paint.