Radical Reformers ep.107: Public Service Reform (Scottish Style) with Des Murray

In the latest Radical Reformers episode, I welcome Des Murray, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council and Chair of Solace Scotland. Des shares his personal journey from growing up in Lanarkshire to leading the council in his hometown, highlighting the power of local roots and the value of a generalist perspective in leadership.

He explains how North Lanarkshire’s “one plan” approach integrates housing, economy, infrastructure, and digital strategy to deliver real change for communities. The council’s success, he argues, comes from aligning all partners behind a shared vision and focusing on outcomes that improve lives, not just statistics.

Des emphasises a need to steer away from our obsession with immediacy and that meaningful change comes from long term vision, tough decisions and the bravery to address bias in all its forms to achieve the best for the people that need it most.

It’s a powerful reminder that visionary leadership, local knowledge and honest conversations are essential for public service reform.

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