Navigating Uncertainty: How Local Government Reform Could Shape Your Career

Could Interim Management be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for? Sarah Longbottom explores how Local Government Reform may provide the perfect moment for the next step in your career – and how Faerfield can help you.

Local government professionals, especially at an executive level, are no strangers to change. But the scale and pace of reform and devolution expected over the next 12 to 36 months presents a unique moment of uncertainty and opportunity. Whether it’s structural reorganisation, funding shifts, or evolving service delivery models, these changes will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of local government careers.

At Faerfield, we have a saying: “Where there’s change, there’s opportunity”, and we believe that now is a good time to reflect on your career and consider the path you wish to take; considering how you can not only adapt but thrive in this evolving environment.

One path that’s gaining momentum is Interim management – it’s a dynamic, fast-paced career option that offers both challenge and reward. If you’ve never considered it before, now might be the perfect time to explore what it could mean for you.

Why Consider Interim Management?

Interim roles offer a unique blend of flexibility, variety, and impact. You could be stepping into a leadership role during a critical transition, driving transformation, or stabilising a service in flux. For many, it’s a chance to apply their skills in new contexts, broaden their experience, and make a tangible difference, often in a shorter time frame than permanent roles allow.

However, Interim isn’t for everyone. It requires adaptability, resilience, and a proactive mindset. This is where Faerfield Executive Interim can help; we want to meet you to discuss your career and understand your career aspirations and experiences. Since 2019, our dedicated executive Interim team has built a sector-renowned reputation for placing high-calibre Interim professionals into roles where they can truly make a difference. We don’t just match CVs to job specifications - we meet, advise and support individuals as they explore whether Interim is right for them.

Supporting You Through Change

Whether you’re curious about the Interim lifestyle, wondering how to navigate IR35, or unsure how to market yourself effectively, we’re here to help. Our team brings years of recruitment experience and up-to-date sector knowledge to guide you through every step of the journey.

We can help you answer questions such as:

• Is an interim career for me?
• How do I draft a compelling Interim CV?
• What should my LinkedIn profile look like?
• How do I position myself for the right opportunities?
• Am I better suited to inside or outside IR35 roles?

And if you feel Interim isn’t the right fit, we’re still here to support you. Our expertise also includes executive search and board recruitment across local government and broader public sector, and we’re committed to helping you find the right path, whatever that may be.

Come and talk to us.

As reform and devolution unfold, your leadership career doesn’t have to be at the mercy of uncertainty. With the right support and insight, you can take control of your next carer move and turn change into opportunity.

If you’re asking yourself “What’s next?”, let’s start the conversation. The Faerfield team is ready to help you navigate the road ahead. Contact us here to schedule a meeting with one of our executive Interim team.

Sarah Longbottom is a Senior Consultant, Executive Interim with Faerfield Limited. If you’d like to get in touch with her to find out more, please email slongbottom@faerfield.co.uk.

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