Transformation
Taking bold action for communities
‘Bold, public, political leadership’ with many forms of ‘listening’ as a critical feature has been at the core of Barking and Dagenham’s and Greater Manchester’s successes in recent months and years, say Sarah Gillinson and Chris Naylor.
Buckinghamshire’s break for success
Martin Tett looks at how Buckinghamshire Council’s unitary status removed some barriers to successfully responding to the COVID crisis and how it is now tackling residents’ mental health and wellbeing as it moves towards a greener future.
Edinburgh’s next chapter
The last 15 months have emphasised the City of Edinburgh Council’s strengths as an organisation, says Andrew Kerr. He reviews what has been achieved and looks ahead at the future strategic priorities for its workforce and the city.
Reflection on the year gone for iESE and the challenges ahead
Chief executive of iESE Dr Andrew Larner looks back on an unusual year, and highlights the creation of the next generation of care records management as a significant task for the year ahead.
Bringing data and teams together to help make reorganisation a success
Steve White looks at the challenges and opportunities emerging from local government reorganisation, and says system rationalisation can be a major benefit.
Working our way back to normality
Steve Guest says creating and maintaining COVID-safe and sustainable working environments is just the first step – and ‘workspace’ thinking is the way forwards – as we return from the pandemic.
The future is already here
Success can only come from choosing our battles - and our timing - well, and working for change collaboratively across the sector, says Abdool Kara.
IT modernisation holds the key to ‘build back better’
It is crucial that the Government moves even faster to deliver the digital public services now expected of them, argues Oracle’s UK Country Leader Richard Petley.
Will Zoom speed up reform?
As the Government plans a new round of public sector reform Michael Burton considers the impact of the Zoom revolution.
Town halls told: Don't depend on COVID cash
Councils need to wean themselves of COVID cash to fund social care before it runs out at the end of June, a director has warned.
Council had 'truly toxic atmosphere,' tribunal hears
The Hammersmith & Fulham LBC director at the centre of an unfair dismissal claim had been working in a ‘truly toxic atmosphere,’ an employment tribunal has heard.
Firms hired for transformation help
Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council has appointed KPMG and Agilisys as its strategic implementation partners to support delivery of its transformation programme.
A fresh start for the sector?
Josh Bembridge asks if, post-pandemic, the landscape has changed for future delivery of services across local government?
From surviving to thriving
Rob Barlow outlines the progress Boston BC and East Lindsey DC have made eight months into their Strategic Alliance, including a joint approach to workforce development.
Sector urged not to give up on health devolution
The sector should not give up on securing future health devolution deals despite the Government’s ‘centralising tendency,’ experts have urged.
The importance of autonomy, flexibility and connection
Claire Kober highlights the fundamentals that need revisiting 'in a world that feels very different to that of 12 months ago'.
Providing citizens with a better digital service through an alliance
High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands alliance’s digital transformation solution has put the councils ahead of the game when it came to delivering all of their services online during the pandemic, says Karen Lomas.
Government’s face off is virtual insanity
Central Government has ruled out extending the power to have virtual council meetings beyond the 7 May deadline. There are suggestions some councils could revolt, says Heather Jameson – 'forcing local democracy to stay firmly in the 21st century'.
Change has no end game
If local government is to thrive in a post-pandemic world and be truly people-centred then investing in vital HR professionals is key, say Rebecca Davis and Manny Sandhu.
Future Forum North: A clear vision is key to the future success of towns and cities
A clear vision for local places will be key to the success of high streets and city centres as they look to the future beyond the pandemic, say public realm experts.
