Transformation
The dash from cash
Head of innovation at Civica Liz O’Driscoll explores how public services can better prepare for the acceleration of the cashless agenda.
Time to stop what isn’t working
Before setting their budgets, councils must rethink themselves and the purpose they serve within their communities, argues Professor Donna Hall.
Being ready for change is critical
Local government reorganisation is on the near horizon, says Lawrence Conway. He believes South Lakeland DC 'will be well placed to provide a flexible way of working whatever the outcome of this latest round of deliberations'.
A crucial role for districts
Martin Ellender says districts, with their local and national partners, must consider 'what has worked well during this incredibly challenging period and protect the strengths in the system highlighted in 2020'.
Get ready for a reset between Brexit and pandemics
Two reports from the IfG this week make for stark reading, just as we begin the second lockdown of the pandemic, says Heather Jameson. But there may be changes afoot to health funding that could mean a big shift
The difficulty with hired guns
Independence and credibility are not the only factors to the fore when deciding whether to use management consultants, says Blair McPherson.
Digital transformation – the new norm
COVID has forced us to change the way we work forever says Ben Manojlovic, and local authorities have increasingly had to look at digital transformation in order to move forwards – but what are the benefits?
Future-proofing Walsall
Remote working can bring challenges, says Dr Helen Paterson. But Walsall MBC’s Workforce Strategy had already started to build agility and helped it become a council that is digital by design.
Change in a time of uncertainty
Stephen Young outlines how, as COVID-19 gripped the UK, Lancashire CC took the decision to grab a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a whole series of new working practices and customer experiences from scratch.
Hoping to pack a much bigger punch
Delivering council-wide savings rather than micro services reductions is the order of the day, writes Tracie Langley - 'but if we get it right, our staff will find new energy in new skills as part of multi-functional teams'.
Coming together whilst staying apart
In the midst of a global pandemic, Boston BC and East Lindsey DC signed off on their strategic alliance. The benefits are already coming to the fore despite the challenges, says Rob Barlow.
Using online tools to get businesses and citizens back on their feet
Joe Bedingfield looks at how councils are using online tools to serve citizens throughout and beyond COVID-19, and examines some of the digital usage patterns during lockdown.
Survey shows councillors expect more COVID-related cuts
More than two thirds of councillors believe the COVID-19 pandemic will mean further cuts to public sector budgets, according to a UK-wide survey.
Two challenges for councils
Professor Mark Thompson believes that while a focus on reducing duplication and waste in the current system of local government has much to recommend it, data should become the lifeblood of any new model.
The new (ab)normal?
Green Park’s Neil Lupin looks at one of the most common terms heard since the pandemic began, and asks just what ‘new normal’ means in local government.
COVID and Brexit call for radical transformation
Havant BC and East Hampshire DC already have a shared chief executive and senior management team and are now looking to build on their already close partnership, says Gill Kneller. 'We need to be radical', she adds.
Councils v Coronavirus: plan beats no plan
Coronavirus scenario planning exercises with councils have revealed insights into the types of decisions local leaders will need to take to support their communities, says Robert Pollock.
Moving from the sprint to the heptathlon
Jon Ainger offers five recommendations for depleted management teams looking to make better recovery decisions in the short term.
Moving forward in a time of unprecedented demand
Lawrence Conway says confidence building, hope and support, and visionary and purposeful local leadership are needed ‘as we move forward to build a better world now and for future generations’.
Ex-ministers unite in health devolution call
Five former ministers from all three main parties have called for health and social care to be devolved and integrated within a single budget.
