Truth about Public Sector podcast

Truth About Public Sector & NHPA PodcastThe Procurement Act 2023 has officially moved beyond implementation mode and so has the conversation. In this special forward‑looking episode, From Burden to Brilliance: Making PA23 Work, the Truth About Public Sector welcomes two of the sector’s most influential procurement leaders to explore what comes next for social housing.Joining host Hannah Quinn‑Hill, we’re delighted to feature:• Alan Heron, Director of Procurement, Places for PeopleA sector heavyweight leading procurement at one of the UK’s largest and most complex housing groups. Alan brings a national perspective on capability, commercial transformation, and how PA23 is reshaping the behaviours and expectations of modern procurement teams. Known for championing commerciality, innovation, and strategic value, Alan offers a clear-eyed view of what future‑proofing really looks like at scale.• John Wallace, Director of Procurement, Clarion Housing Group & NHPA RepresentativeRecognised for his work in strengthening governance and elevating procurement maturity across the sector, John brings both an organisational and national lens. As a representative of the National Housing Procurement Association (NHPA), he shares insight into evolving talent expectations, sector readiness, and the role NHPA must now play in driving capability and consistency under the new regime.In this episode, we move past early impressions of PA23 and dig into the future-facing truths that matter:✅ The long‑term risks and opportunities emerging from PA23 ✅ What “organisational fitness” now means; capability, skills, and commercial behaviours ✅ Whether PA23 is already creating a recruitment divide ✅ The pressure points facing social landlords across compliance, regulation, and cost ✅ How suppliers must evolve and whether innovation is really materialising ✅ The influence and expectations on the NHPA in shaping the next chapterThis conversation is for leaders, procurement professionals, suppliers, and anyone who needs to understand what PA23 really means for the next era of social housing.If the sector is going to shift from compliance to real strategic value, this is the conversation that shows how we get there.

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 professional expertise, lived experience, and deep sector insight, challenging organisations to rethink how they support neurodivergent talent and to build environments where every mind can thrive.Together, we explore how employers can better navigate and balance the conflicting needs that sometimes arise within neurodivergent teams. At a time when legislation, expectations, and understanding of neurodivergence are evolving at pace, Parul highlights the importance of reflection, curiosity, and confident leadership.This conversation is a practical guide for employers and line managers who want to create workplaces where neurodivergent colleagues feel safe, supported, and able to do their best work, not just in theory, but in everyday practice.

Is PA23 the housing sector’s biggest headache or was it long‑overdue catalyst for change? In this fast‑paced episode, Hannah Quinn‑Hill sits down with sector leaders Alan Heron (Places for People), John Wallace (Clarion), and Emma Briggs (MTVH) to unpick the reality of Public Procurement Notice 23.Together they explore the full journey: First reactions to PA23’s arrival, What PA23 actually means for housing associations, Burden vs brilliance and where the panel really stands Practical impacts on teams, suppliers, and procurement operations. Skills, capability, and culture shifts driven by the new requirements. What needs to change next and where the sector is heading over the next 18 monthsExpect honest debate, lived experience, and sharp insights from leaders who are navigating PA23 on the ground every day.Whether you're in procurement, governance, or executive leadership, this episode cuts through the noise and helps you understand what PA23 really means for the sector today and tomorrow.

Universities sit at the frontline of shaping the next generation of public sector officers and leaders, but what does that responsibility look like in a world defined by digital transformation, shifting values, and rising complexity?In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Claire Taylor, Vice‑Chancellor and Chief Executive at Plymouth Marjon University, to explore how higher education can build a pipeline of graduates who are not only digitally capable, but grounded in humanity, purpose, and public value.Together they unpack the evolving expectations of public service, the skills and mindsets future leaders will need, and how universities can create learning environments that nurture curiosity, resilience, ethical leadership, and digital confidence. Claire shares her perspective on aligning values, embedding digital literacy across disciplines, and preparing graduates to lead with integrity in a rapidly changing world.This is a conversation for anyone thinking about the future of public leadership, from council CEOs to early‑career officers, educators, and policymakers.

In this powerful episode of The Truth About Public Sector, Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Simon Clarke, Managing Director of Procurement for NHS Birmingham, the Black Country & Solihull — a leader who is proving that procurement isn’t paperwork. It’s power.What unfolds is an inspiring and deeply human conversation about how one NHS system is redefining what public money can achieve. From tackling entrenched health inequalities to building community resilience, Simon shares how his team is using procurement as a strategic engine for social value — and why every public‑sector leader in the UK should be paying attention.Together, Hannah and Simon explore ground breaking initiatives such as the Match My Project platform, innovative partnerships with the third sector, and the real‑world impact on families experiencing poverty, trauma, and long-term inequality. These aren’t theories — they’re lived outcomes: families rehoused, survivors supported, children lifted out of bed poverty, early cancer detection expanded, and thousands of essential items distributed with dignity.This episode is a call to ambition. A reminder that public procurement can save lives, shape futures, and transform communities when purpose meets purchasing power.If you’ve ever wondered what’s truly possible in the public sector — this is the story you need to hear.

“Risk, Creativity and Collaboration: Rethinking Urban Infrastructure with CIVIC” dives into how engineering can become a catalyst for better, more human‑centred places. Matt Masters sits down with Stephen O’Malley, Chief Executive of CIVIC, to explore how their philosophy of “civility from civil engineering” challenges long‑held conventions in the built environment.In just 20 minutes, Stephen unpacks why intelligent risk‑taking matters, how creativity emerges when disciplines fuse rather than compete, and what true collaboration looks like when public and private partners share purpose rather than process. The conversation cuts through technical jargon to focus on what really counts: designing towns and cities that enhance quality of life, respect the natural environment, and work with, not against, the geography and character of a place.This episode offers a sharp, practical look at how the public sector can rethink infrastructure delivery to unlock better outcomes for communities.

In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Andrew van Doorn, Chief Executive of HACT, to explore what social value really means in practice, beyond procurement scoring, compliance frameworks, and glossy reporting. Together, they unpack why the sector still struggles with the concept, how organisations can shift from transactional activity to meaningful community impact, and what it takes to embed social value into everyday decision‑making.Andrew reflects on HACT’s role in shaping national thinking, the evolution of the Social Value Roadmap, and the cultural and leadership shifts required to move from “doing social value” to living it. This conversation challenges assumptions, reframes impact as a long‑term relational endeavour, and offers practical insights for leaders across housing, health, and public services.

For years, the national housing debate has been dominated by one metric: quantity. How many homes can we build, how quickly, and at what scale. But that fixation on numbers has pushed a more fundamental question into the background, are the homes we build, manage, and retrofit actually good for people’s health?In this episode, Matt Masters is joined by Faye Sanders, Doctoral Researcher in Housing and Health, and Co‑Chair of both the Healthy Homes Research Network and the Housing Studies Association. Together, they explore why housing quality is a public health issue, how poor‑quality homes drive avoidable costs for providers and the NHS, and what it really takes to build cross‑sector partnerships that improve outcomes for residents.Faye brings insights from her research, examples of effective collaborations between housing and health, and reflections on how the sector can shift its mindset, from “how many” to “how well.”

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, Matt sits down with Andrew, Chief Executive of HACT, the charity at the heart of social housing innovation for over 60 years. Together, they explore how housing can act as the backbone of cross‑sector collaboration, from health and financial inclusion to data standards and community investment.The conversation digs into the societal problems no single organisation can fix alone, poor health outcomes, inequality, carbon reduction, and the widening trust gap between institutions and communities. Andrew shares how HACT’s work on social value, data excellence, health‑and‑housing integration, and retrofit innovation is helping housing providers partner more effectively with councils, the NHS, and voluntary sector organisations to create real, measurable impact.This is a candid, practical, and future‑focused discussion about what it will take to build systems that genuinely work for people, not just organisations.

In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Tony Mallaghan MSc CIHCM, Chief Executive of Yorkhill Housing Association and former strategic lead for Scotland’s largest council housebuilding programme. Together they explore why collaboration across public bodies, housing associations, utilities, and the private sector is no longer optional, it’s the only way to deliver homes, tackle homelessness, and meet net zero ambitions in the modern era.Tony reflects on his leadership in North Lanarkshire, where a 5,000‑home programme demanded innovative partnerships with developers, Scottish Water, the Scottish Government’s More Homes Division, and local Housing Associations. He shares the lessons learned from brownfield regeneration, turnkey acquisitions, and the Strategic Housing Investment Plan process.The conversation then shifts to Yorkhill, where the challenges look very different: homelessness pressures in Glasgow, the complexities of tenemental retrofit, and the need for a coordinated national approach to clean heat and energy efficiency.This is a grounded, honest, and practical discussion about what collaboration really looks like, the tensions, the breakthroughs, and the opportunities for a more joined‑up future.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Matt Masters sits down with James Walder, Chief Executive of North Star Housing Group, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain resilient communities in the modern public sector landscape.Drawing on North Star’s long-standing commitment to social purpose, community investment, and trauma-informed practice, Matt and James unpack the practical realities behind “community resilience”, what it means, how it’s built, and why Housing Associations are uniquely positioned to lead this work.From the pressures of the current economic climate to the deep-rooted strengths within communities themselves, this conversation goes beyond strategy and into lived experience, organisational culture, and the power of long-term relationships.Expect honesty, challenge, and a grounded look at what works, and what doesn’t, when trying to build stronger, safer, more connected places.

In this episode, Matt Masters speaks with Craig Browne, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice North Staffordshire, and Amy Thomas, Head of Debt, about the escalating debt crisis gripping the region and the country at large. Over the past three years, debt cases have surged by 600%, with the organisation’s collective personal debt caseload rising from £30 million when Craig joined in March 2024 to £212 million by the end of the year.Craig and Amy unpack the pressures driving this unprecedented rise, the difference between priority and non‑priority debts, and the reality facing households who are running out of options. They explore their partnerships with seven Citizens Advice services nationwide, their accreditation for Debt Relief Orders, and their work helping people write off unmanageable debt or move onto affordable repayment plans.The conversation also highlights their preventative work, budgeting support, and the collaborative effort needed to stop people falling back into crisis.

In this episode of Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill speaks with Anne Costain, Chief Financial Officer at Stonewater, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers. Managing 40,000 homes for over 93,000 people, Stonewater delivers affordable rentals, shared ownership, supported living, and specialist housing for vulnerable groups—all with a mission to create thriving communities.Anne shares her journey from global corporate finance into the housing sector, reflecting on how treasury expertise and transformation leadership prepared her for the unique challenges of social housing. Together, they explore Stonewater’s strategic priorities.Listeners will gain insight into the realities of CFO leadership in housing: influencing decisions beyond finance, driving community investment, and ensuring strategies translate into tangible impact for residents. Anne also discusses the importance of values alignment, governance, and communication at board level, while offering practical advice for aspiring leaders in the public and not-for-profit sectors.This conversation reveals the truth about leading financial strategy in housing—where numbers meet purpose, and finance becomes a driver of social change. As Anne says, "Commercial for a Purpose".

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector Podcast, host Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Stephen Fitzgerald, Strategic Director for Finance (Section 151) at Woking Borough Council. With a career spanning decades across local government finance, Stephen has advised councils throughout England and worked closely with the Local Government Association, bringing unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.Together, they explore the realities behind public sector finance—from the critical responsibilities of Section 151 officers to navigating funding gaps and rising service demands. Stephen shares his perspective on transformation and innovation, while reflecting on the leadership qualities needed to steer councils through change.Whether you’re curious about the complexity behind balancing local authority budgets, the implications of a Section 114 notice, or the future of collaboration in public finance, this conversation offers a candid look at what it really takes to keep local government sustainable.

What does it take to transform procurement from a compliance checkpoint into a strategic powerhouse? In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with John Wallace, Director of Procurement at Clarion Housing Group, to uncover the secrets behind building credibility, influencing stakeholders, and aligning procurement with organisational goals.From implementing category management and cutting-edge systems to championing social value and sustainability, John shares candid insights on leadership, cultural change, and why saying “yes” matters more than saying “no.” Whether you’re a seasoned procurement professional or curious about the future of public sector strategy, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and bold ideas for driving real impact.Tune in to learn why procurement is more than process—it’s about people, partnerships, and purpose.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Fiona, a seasoned procurement and transformation specialist, to explore the real-world challenges and triumphs of driving change in the public sector.Fiona shares her journey through high-impact interim roles, including her pivotal work in local authorities following their intervention period. With a focus on strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and building team capability, Fiona reveals how procurement transformation is as much about people as it is about process.We delve into her approach to organisational culture, data, and contract management — and hear how her work helped shape a nationally available toolkit for local authorities. Fiona also offers her perspective on the Procurement Act 2023, unpacking the opportunities and complexities it brings for public sector compliance and innovation.Whether you're a procurement professional, transformation leader, or simply curious about how change really happens in government, this episode is packed with practical insights and authentic reflections.Tune in now to hear the truth about public sector transformation — and why procurement might just be the strategic enabler you’ve been overlooking.

The Truth About Public Sector Host: Hannah Quinn-Hill Episode: Strategic Procurement with Nichola Cooke MCIPSIn this insightful episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Nichola Cooke MCIPS, Acting Director at STAR Procurement, to explore the evolving landscape of public sector procurement. From her early career across councils and agencies to leading one of the UK’s most innovative shared services, Nichola shares her journey, leadership lessons, and the transformative power of collaboration.Discover how STAR Procurement balances commercial ambition with social value, leverages data and technology for smarter decisions, and drives real impact for communities. Nichola also reflects on her roles as an LGA Peer Reviewer and trustee, offering advice for aspiring professionals and revealing one powerful truth about the public sector that everyone should know.Whether you're a procurement leader, policy maker, or curious listener, this episode offers a compelling look into the challenges, opportunities, and future of public sector strategy.

In this inspiring episode of The Truth About Public Sector, we’re joined by Andrew Russell, Assistant Director - Procurement at Stonewater Housing. Andrew opens up about his career journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of procurement professionals.We dive into the power of self-initiated learning, the value of returning to procurement fundamentals, and how Andrew fosters a culture of continuous growth within his team. He also shares insights into collaborative and commercially savvy procurement —highlighting how strategic sourcing and supplier engagement are delivering meaningful impact in housing and sustainability.Whether you're new to procurement or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, purpose-driven strategy, and making a difference in the public sector.

In this insightful episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Sally Hopkin, Head of Procurement at Community Health Partnerships to explore the realities of leading procurement in the public sector. From her journey into procurement and her passion for public service, to the strategic priorities shaping Community Health Partnerships, Sally shares candid reflections on the challenges, opportunities, and future of procurement in the NHS.Tune in to hear about major initiatives, the power of collaboration through networks like the Procurement Directors’ Network, and what transformation might look like in the months ahead. Whether you're in the sector or simply curious about how public procurement works behind the scenes, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring look at leadership, innovation, and impact.Listen now for practical insights and honest reflections from one of the sector’s leading voices.

In this fast-paced and practical episode, host Hannah Quinn-Hill explores one of the most pressing challenges in public sector procurement today: the widening skills gap. Despite more than half of employed adults in England and Wales holding qualifications that align with their roles, a staggering 79% of organizations are still facing procurement skill shortages.Hannah examines why this gap exists, especially within the public sector—and what it means for the future of procurement governance and capability. From strategic thinking and negotiation to analytics and relationship management, the demand for well-rounded commercial skills has never been greater.With insights from recent research, including findings from the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) showing that nearly 1 in 5 public sector professionals are unfamiliar with innovation in procurement, this episode calls for urgent action in building teams that can thrive in the face of change.Tune in for a sharp and insightful discussion on how to close the gap, and why doing so is critical to unlocking true public value.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood corners of government: procurement.Joining us is Mark Pearson, Learning and Development Lead at the Crescent Purchasing Consortium, a Chartered procurement pro who's on a mission to help public institutions buy smarter and lead better.We explore the skills crisis in procurement, the power of digital transformation, and why ethical, sustainable procurement isn’t just a buzzword — it’s changing lives.Mark shares surprising truths, busts persistent myths, and offers a compelling vision for the future of public sector buying. Whether you’re a procurement insider or just procurement-curious, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill engages in a compelling conversation with Graham Collins, Director of Proquest Consulting and Orbita Collaborative Analytics. Graham shares his transformative journey from leadership roles at multinational corporations like Diageo, Unilever, JP Morgan, and the National Australia Bank to founding his own ventures focused on enhancing public sector procurement.​Discover how Graham's extensive corporate experience has shaped his innovative approach to procurement in local government. He delves into the key elements that contribute to procurement excellence, best practices for optimizing procurement functions, and the critical role of collaboration between local governments and suppliers.​Graham also introduces Orbita Collaborative Analytics, a platform designed to address the unique needs of public sector procurement. Learn how Orbita has improved procurement processes for local governments by providing essential information and knowledge services to procurement, commissioning, and contract management professionals.​

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Natalia Silver, Director at Local Partnerships, to explore the evolving world of local government procurement. From navigating the biggest challenges facing councils today to the opportunities presented by the new Procurement Act, Natalia shares deep insight from years of experience across transformation and commercial functions in the public sector.They also dive into the power of collaboration, the growing importance of social value, and what it takes to be a procurement leader in today’s complex environment. Whether you’re new to public procurement or a seasoned pro, this candid conversation is packed with practical wisdom, strategic advice, and a peek into the future of the sector.

Discover the transformative power of social value in public sector procurement in our latest episode of "The Truth about Public Sector" podcast. We sit down with Michael McLaughlin, Group Social Value Manager at LHC Procurement Group, who brings over two decades of experience in social housing and community development. Michael has been instrumental in embedding social value into procurement practices, ensuring that projects not only meet economic objectives but also deliver tangible benefits to communities. In this insightful conversation, Michael shares his journey, the significance of social value in today's public sector landscape, and practical strategies for measuring and implementing impactful initiatives. Whether you're a procurement professional, policymaker, or simply passionate about community development, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating meaningful change through procurement.

Welcome back to The Truth About Public Sector with me, Hannah Quinn-Hill! This week, I’m joined by Darren Lowe, MCIPS, Managing Director of Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC), for an eye-opening conversation on public sector frameworks, procurement changes, and the impact of the Procurement Act 2023.What’s inside this episode? The role of CPC in supporting education & beyond. How framework agreements drive value, compliance & efficiency. The impact of the Procurement Act 2023 on frameworks & public procurement. Key trends, challenges & opportunities in the sector. The future of sustainable & digital procurementIf you’re in public sector procurement, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping procurement in the housing sector. With rising costs, sustainability demands, and increasing regulatory pressures, how can procurement leaders drive efficiency, value, and innovation?Joining Hannah Quinn-Hill is Emma Briggs, Director of Procurement and Sustainability, to share her expert insights on: The biggest procurement challenges in housing today, The role of strategic commercial procurement in delivering better outcomes, Embedding sustainability and social value into procurement strategies ,The future of procurement in an evolving sector.Whether you're in procurement, housing, or just passionate about smarter public sector strategies, this episode is full of valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to The Truth About Public Sector Podcast—where we dive deep into the policies, challenges, and innovations shaping the world of public services. I’m your host, Hannah Quinn-Hill, and in each episode, we uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes of government, procurement, and public sector transformation.Today, we’re focusing on a topic that impacts every community across the UK: NHS Procurement. From social value to sustainable sourcing, how is the NHS evolving to meet today’s demands while delivering the best value for the public?Joining me is Neil Hind, Interim Head of Commercial Consulting at NHS Shared Business Services. With years of experience in public sector procurement, Neil will be breaking down how the NHS is driving smarter purchasing decisions, embedding social value, and making sustainability a priority.So, whether you're a procurement professional, policymaker, or just curious about how taxpayer money is being spent—this episode is for you!

Podcast Episode: Navigating Public Sector Procurement with Simon Bullimore of Norse GroupIn this insightful episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Simon Bullimore, Head of Procurement at Norse Group, to explore the evolving landscape of public sector procurement. Who Are the Norse Group? Simon provides an overview of Norse Group’s role in the public sector, how their unique model of working with local authorities sets them apart, and the procurement challenges and opportunities they face.What Is a Teckal? The term "Teckal" isn’t widely known outside procurement circles, but it plays a crucial role in public sector operations. Simon breaks down what it means, how it applies to procurement, and whether its principles could be used more broadly. The Procurement Act 2023 – What’s Changing? With the Procurement Act 2023 coming into force, we discuss the long-term implications for local authority procurement, potential compliance challenges, and how procurement teams can prepare for the transition.🔹The Changing Local Authority Environment With financial pressures mounting, Simon shares insights on how local authorities can reshape procurement strategies, adapt to shifting government priorities, and ensure they continue to deliver best value.Whether you're in procurement, local government, or simply interested in the future of public sector partnerships, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

In this episode of the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership podcast, host Hannah Quinn-Hill interviews Judith Hughes, the Associate Director of Procurement at the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP). The discussion centers around the evolving landscape of healthcare procurement, emphasizing patient-centered strategies and the implications of the new Procurement Act.Judith Hughes shares insights on how the new Procurement Act aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and ensure better value for money in healthcare procurement. She highlights the importance of integrating patient-centered approaches, which prioritize the needs and outcomes of patients in procurement decisions. This shift not only improves patient care but also fosters stronger relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the new legislation, including the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and data analytics to optimize procurement processes. Hughes emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and innovation to meet the dynamic demands of the healthcare sector.Overall, the episode provides valuable perspectives on how strategic procurement can drive quality improvements and cost efficiencies in healthcare, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.

It was great to sit down with Graham Galbraith CB, Vice Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth since 2013.We had a fruitful and meaningful conversation around the economic and social contributions higher educations play to local areas and regions. International students. Challenges facing the sector and the ability for local authorities and HE's to collaborate to take greater control of local legacies and destiny.

Public Sector change programs, need to add value for money, achieve the desired outcomes and fundamentally be successful.I sat down with Ray Wagner, an experienced transformation programme manager and consultant. He has a proven ability in both the public and private sector to successful deliver major strategic change programmes - translating strategy into action.He answered the below questions:What is a Programme and why go to the effort?How to scope a programme.What’s needed to support a Programme to be successful?Using methodologiesDon’t be afraid to say “no” or” stop”

Today Professor John Brewer, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, Visiting Professor at University of Suffolk and Chair of the Board of Trustees at the National Football Museum, helped me do a deep dive into the University sector.We explored:- Is University the right route for everyone?- Are Universities honest enough with their prospective students?- Has the University sector become too big and is there sufficient focus around quality assurance?- Are foundation year offers the right thing for the students taking them?- What three things should a University do to retain its quality of service?- What three things should students do when considering what route to take after finishing school and whether to go to University or explore an alternative career route?

You cannot help but be invigorated by the passion and energy with which Corporate Director at Partnerships LLP Julie McEver approaches change. We talked through her journey, the inevitability of change and how she is helping local authorities, central government and her public sector partners, prepare for the inevitability of change.