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Liam is a Consultant in the Local Government Practice.

He specialises in working with councils to identify and secure the senior leaders needed to drive transformation in an increasingly complex operating environment. With local authorities facing significant financial pressures alongside rising service demands, the need for adaptive, strategic leadership has never been greater. Liam brings deep sector knowledge and a strong understanding of the leadership capabilities required to navigate these challenges. He works closely with councils to ensure they have the right people in place to deliver for their communities.

Liam’s background in political strategy and public affairs, coupled with hands-on experience working with local authorities across the UK, gives him a unique perspective on local government leadership.

“My interest in local government, devolution, and regional development has been lifelong, spanning both my professional and academic life. In the current climate of national reforms, the need for strong local leaders has never been more critical. The concept of creating the ‘Council of the Future’ is at the forefront of many minds, and I am eager to contribute to this endeavour by securing innovative talent for the sector.”

Before joining Berwick Partners, he specialised in the appointment of senior communications and public affairs professionals at a boutique executive search firm. Prior to that, he held in-house leadership roles in political strategy and media relations. He also worked as an advisor to Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.

Liam is currently completing a multi-disciplinary PhD in contemporary politics and literature, including a focus on regional economic theories – bringing a research-led approach to his work in executive search. He holds a BSc honours degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and an MA in Literature from the University of London.

Outside of work, Liam enjoys reading, music festivals, and supports First Touch at his local hospital in Tooting, a charity supporting premature babies and their families.

My Articles

The UK’s AI Ambitions Depend on Attracting Top Academic Talent
Today’s announcement of the UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan underscores a bold ambition: to establish Britain as a global leader in artificial intelligence.…
2024 Reflections & 2025 Predictions Series: The Grand Challenges Higher Education can help solve in 2025
Higher education has always reflected the societies it serves – their ambitions, anxieties, and contradictions. But in 2025, it feels like something more: the key to…
5 Higher Education Leaders React to Tuition Fee Increase
The UK government’s decision to raise tuition fees by 3.1% has prompted mixed responses from the higher education sector, with many seeing it as…
The 4 Factors Higher Education Leaders Need to Prepare for this Academic Year
As the new academic year dawns, the higher education sector finds itself at a pivotal moment, grappling with unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From financial…
The University Guide to Hiring After the Election
The recent election has delivered a Labour government, prompting a number of policy changes that universities need to consider when recruiting candidates. While the immediate…
What does the new government mean for talent?
Labour have won the 2024 general election. Keir Starmer is forming his government, with “change” as the watchword throughout his campaign. New Ministers are getting to…
The Crucial Role of External Affairs Teams in Education

In this podcast, Liam Young explores the world of external affairs with Michelle Smyth, Head of External and Government Affairs at the Open University.

UK General Election 2024: Higher Education in the spotlight
As the General Election campaign gains momentum, higher education has unexpectedly taken centre stage. Political parties are unveiling strategies focused on education, with…