The World at Our Doorstep: Rethinking Recruitment in Local Government

In this thought-provoking episode we speak with Steve Jorden, Chief Executive of Havant Borough Council, as he prepares to retire after more than 40 years of distinguished service. With a career spanning decades of transformation in the sector, Steve offers a timely and personal perspective on one of local government’s most pressing challenges: attracting talent from the Commonwealth and internationally.Together, they explore how councils can open their doors to global expertise, the structural and cultural shifts needed to make international recruitment viable, and the untapped potential of a more diverse workforce. From policy reform to practical onboarding, this conversation invites listeners to rethink what it means to build a truly inclusive and future-ready local government.