When Are Interims Typically Used?
29 Apr, 2025
Managing Accountability While Delivering Under Pressure: An Interview With an Interim Head of Resident Transformation Programme
29 Apr, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- How more women in senior leadership can benefit public services.
- How to balance short-term priorities with the long-term goals of a public organisation.
- Where the latest interim jobs are and how to apply for them.
In this industry interview, we’re speaking to an Interim Head of Resident Transformation Programme who shares their insights into working in the interim market.
From the day to day variation that interim work offers, to a desire to improve public service, there are many reasons that persuaded this individual to pursue a career within the public sector on an interim basis.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the interim market or looking for tips on balancing short-term priorities with the long-term goals of a public organisation, we’ve got you covered!
Can you tell me a bit about your current role?
My current role is Interim Head of Resident Transformation Programme. I am responsible for overseeing a major transformation programme and a resident experience service with a project delivery team and a large operational team of staff who support me with this.
The programme is focussed on improving the resident experience but it does have financial benefits attached to it too. Most, if not all Local Authorities are in the same position and it is getting harder to do more with less, so instead I have focussed my teams on enabling us to work better with what we have. I know that if I make the working life better for my teams then that will make the resident experience better.
Many days it feels like I’m trying to move a whole mountain with just a wheelbarrow for support but bit by bit, the work is getting done. There will be a huge sense of satisfaction at the end of this and for now, I take my daily, weekly and monthly wins wherever I can find them.
Can you walk me through your career journey and how it led you to interim work?
I have worked within Head of Customer Service or Programme Manager roles throughout my whole career but I was finding it difficult to be promoted into a more senior position within these roles.
I was stuck for several years and overlooked for promotion, so I decided to try something new.
What attracts you to interim work in the public sector specifically?
What particularly attracted me to interim work in the public sector is that it is very varied, always challenging and no two roles are the same.
I genuinely care about improving public service too, so the opportunity to go in and breathe new life into a role for a period of time is always exciting to me.
How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve?
I think women are underrepresented unfortunately but when we are placed into senior leadership positions, we bring a totally different perspective.
Typically male leadership can be quite aggressive and dominant which in my opinion are traits that work best in the commercial sector.
The more ‘feminine’ traits of listening, being able to empathise and make informed, rounded decisions is more suited to public sector values in my opinion.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role? Can you share a moment in your role that felt particularly rewarding?
I have acted as a mentor on a number of occasions, especially to other young women who were a little lost within their career. Seeing them excel and then actually have one of the women become my boss has been very satisfying for me.
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership positions?
Don’t try to lead with male traits. What makes you different and successful are your female traits. Embrace them, don’t replace them.
How do you balance short-term priorities with the long-term goals of a public organisation?
It is always difficult to manage competing priorities but the success you have in meeting short term goals will help push you and your team on to achieve the long term goals of a public organisation.
What’s one skill you’ve developed or refined through interim roles that you didn’t have in your earlier career?
I’d say one skill in particular is to see constructive feedback as a challenge. It can be difficult not to take things personally sometimes but if you realise that a fair challenge is for the greater good, then you can use it to your best advantage.
How do you manage uncertainty or gaps between contracts?
Personally, I am very fortunate that I haven’t had any gaps except for when the pandemic took place. I like to plan ahead and start to think about my next contract but if I am blessed with a few weeks off, then I will enjoy it whilst it lasts.
How do you manage transparency and accountability while delivering under pressure?
It is a challenge for me personally because I am someone who will work the necessary hours to get the job done. However, over time, I have learnt to be methodical in my planning, clear on expectations both ways and never promise something I don’t believe I can deliver.
Aside from that, it is really about sharing the load and keeping the communication lines open and busy.
Interim jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Interim recruitment services
As interim recruitment specialists, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary and interim recruitment needs.
We operate across a number of specialisms including Health & Social Care, Nursing, IT and Corporate Functions.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Lead Consultant, John Shorrock on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
