The Evolving Role of HR Leaders in Local Government

HR leaders are operating in one of the most complex and demanding environments we have seen in decades. With ever tightening budgets, increasing workforce pressures, and rapidly evolving resident expectations, they are being asked to do more than ever before, to redefine how organisations operate, lead transformation, and build inclusive, resilient workplaces. I often liken it to spinning plates on sticks, managing workforce planning, inclusivity, and political expectations all at once. The demands on today’s HR leaders have never been greater, and neither has their potential to make lasting impact.

From my 20 years in local government HR and my current role as a Senior Consultant at Tile Hill, specialising in executive HR appointments, it is clear HR leaders are stepping up as catalysts for transformation. Over the past 12 months, I have had the privilege of placing some of the most influential senior HR leaders across the country, helping councils find, develop, and empower the individuals who will shape the future of their workforce. They are shaping organisational culture and ensuring workforces are equipped to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

According to the CIPD’s The Future of HR Report, 73% of HR leaders say leading organisational change is now their top priority, while 64% are focused on developing workforce strategies to respond to rapid labour market shifts. This data underscores why organisations cannot afford to treat HR leadership development as optional. Those who succeed are equipped to lead strategically, think systemically, and act with empathy.

Investing in HR Leadership isn’t optional

To thrive in today’s environment, HR directors need more than technical expertise. Leading transformation, managing ambiguity, and influencing at the highest levels requires reflection, resilience, and continual learning. Investing in HR leaders is not a “nice to have.” It is a strategic necessity. Organisations that create time and opportunity for their people leaders to reflect, connect, and upskill are the ones building the workforce cultures of the future, inclusive, data driven, and purpose led.

What is being asked for

In my work with councils across the country, six clear trends emerge in what organisations are asking for and what exceptional HR candidates are bringing to the table:

• Strategic agility - Councils need HR leaders who can balance long term workforce planning with day to day operational challenges. The best leaders understand how to pivot quickly, without losing sight of their people.
• System wide leadership - Increasingly, councils are looking for HR leaders who can influence and collaborate beyond organisational boundaries, working across systems, partnerships, and sectors to deliver better outcomes for communities.
• Inclusive leadership - There is growing recognition that inclusive workplaces do not happen by accident. The most effective HR leaders are intentional about building cultures that reflect and serve their communities.
• Evolving the HR service - The most forward thinking leaders are reimagining what the HR function looks like, modernising processes, introducing new technologies, and reshaping services to meet the evolving needs of their people and their communities.
• Transformation leadership - Exceptional HR leaders are integral to organisation wide transformation programmes, ensuring HR strategy and workforce planning are aligned with broader organisational change and innovation.
• Evidence based decision making - Great HR leaders are using insights to shape workforce strategies, predict trends, and measure impact, turning HR from a support function into a strategic engine.

How we can support you?

At Tile Hill, our approach goes beyond simply filling senior HR roles. We partner with organisations to understand their strategic priorities, culture, and workforce challenges. When I speak with councils, we dive deep into the kind of HR leader who can balance strategy with people focused approaches, foster inclusive cultures, and navigate ambiguity and emerging workforce challenges, while leading with empathy and truly caring about people.

The future of local government depends on the people who lead it, and HR leaders are at the heart of that future. We pride ourselves on identifying people who can inspire teams, influence and lead. It’s a privilege to do this work, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the right leader step into a role and make a tangible difference, for employees, communities, and the long-term success of the organisation.