Community cohesion, leadership and local government perspectives
A system-wide view of how community cohesion is being experienced, led, and constrained across different types of councils and places.
Rebuilding the scaffolding to repair communities
The MJ reports on Starfish’s survey and talks to councils about the scale of the challenge, and the need to appoint leaders who can build trust.
The new reality of visible leadership
Sunita Patel outlines how the need for community cohesion has presented an important challenge for today’s local leaders, and is affecting the way we recruit, support and retain them.
Boardroom Breakthrough: Land Your First (or Next) NED/Trustee Role
Whether you're launching a portfolio career, seeking a strategic challenge, or planning a phased transition from executive life - this is your moment. Non-Executive Director roles offer more than prestige. They give you influence, purpose, and the chance to shape the future of organisations. But getting shortlisted for a NED/Trustee role is tough - and your CV is the gatekeeper.
2025 Budget
We wrote to 400 leaders to ask them for a reaction to last week’s Budget. Here’s what they said.
Funding Crises and the Search for Financially Resilient Leaders
Councils in England are under systemic strain. The Bennett School of Public Policy estimates a collective funding gap of £9.3 billion over the next few years, with most authorities forecast to operate in deficit. Meanwhile, Grant Thornton warns that up to 40% of councils could face financial failure within five years without new income or deeper cuts.
Statutory Officers Under Pressure: Leading in a Fluctuating Political Environment
Statutory officers have always been central to the integrity and stability of local government. Today, their roles are under unprecedented strain. Political volatility, heightened scrutiny, constrained resources, and rising public expectations have created a more complex and demanding environment than ever before.
Why we should all be doing more to celebrate leaders in 2025
What does it really take to lead organisations in 2025? The question has been in my mind for a while, prompted partly by the state of flux we continue to find ourselves in. I’ve also been speaking for many months now to chief executives about the challenges they’re facing and their personal and professional struggles as they try to forge a path forward. Some are more open than others, yet their comments can still make me stop in my tracks.
Celebrating New Leadership: Announcing Starfish Search’s 2025 Promotions
At Starfish Search, we believe in the transformative power of skilled and principled individuals to shape successful organisations. We are therefore delighted to announce the promotion of four exceptional colleagues, each of whom exemplifies our values of integrity, professionalism, and inclusive leadership.
Join the starfish team
We hire people who bring insight, integrity and ambition to their work. If you’re ready to contribute to shaping the future of leadership and you want to explore our current opportunities please click the link below.
find out more