Allen Graham
Allen Graham is chief executive of Rushcliffe BC
Key role for local government vital to vaccination rollout
The sector, through its talented staff, elected representatives and influencers should be fully utilised to guarantee the success of the COVID vaccine rollout, says Allen Graham.
Final reflections
The MJ columnist Allen Graham has stood down as chief executive of Rushcliffe BC. He says the sector is ‘at a unique cross-roads where the dilemmas and challenges facing us must be met with creativity, transformation and collaboration’.
Sufficient polling stations are essential to democracy
Allen Graham says he is continually impressed by how Rushcliffe BC's election staff respond to immense logistical and administrative pressures.
A 'one bid per council' approach to high streets cash holds back collaboration
Allen Graham understands that bids for the Government's planned £675m future high streets fund will be restricted to one per authority - with no mechanism for districts to collaborate by linking bids.
Don't underestimate the perseverance of councils' unseen staff
District councils face another year of uncertainty as we strive to second guess the Fairer Funding Review, the impact of Brexit and adjust to the automation revolution, writes Allen Graham.
Social media can be a distraction as well as a useful tool
Allen Graham argues it is important to maintain a focused communication presence within an organisation while being sure not to get stuck on fads or fashions.
The prize is additional and fairer funding - not just redistribution
We need to make the case through collaborative data analysis of the real needs within and across district areas, while supporting the aggregate needs within individual counties, writes Allen Graham.
The knock on effects of the General Election
Allen Graham outlines the impacts of having two sets of elections so closely together.
Think globally, deliver locally
An ideal opportunity has materialised for district councils to deliver the industrial strategy at a local level, writes Allen Graham.
Handling fake news and misrepresentation online
Rushcliffe BC was recently the victim of a viral social media campaign. Allen Graham asks how councils can create a headline as attention-grabbing as the supposed scandal
A powerful case of collaboration
Allen Graham explains how a local project has shown the importance of wider collaboration across local government
Feet on the ground
Allen Graham says the stakes have never been higher for district councils and leaders need to keep themselves grounded in this time of change.
Time is right for districts
With so much now at stake, Allen Graham says districts must be fully engaged with devolution, business rate reforms and health and social care integration.
A misplaced sigh of relief?
Allen Graham examines how Spending Review announcements will impact on districts and questions whether the sector was too quick to breathe its sigh of relief
What came first: Devolution or collaboration?
Allen Graham tries to answer the perennial question and finds a solution for local government partnerships.
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do
As the devolution and combined authority agenda progresses, district councils need build on their strengths says Allen Graham
Nurturing local democracy
Following an election, there is often a lot of work that needs to be undertaken to support both ruling administrative and opposition groups, writes Allen Graham.
Aiming for the top
Allen Graham hails the high quality of discussions, trust and relationships that improve the transformation and collaboration opportunities faced by district councils.
Driving reform
Districts are being offered a fundamental opportunity to be part of the wider public sector reform agenda, and must seieze opportunity to shape strategic planning,w rites Allen Graham
The race to make every vote count
Rushcliffe BC chief executive Allen Graham looks ahead to the 1 December publication of revised electotral registers, as returning officers gear up for next May's general election.