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.