Driving Big Change: How Large-Scale Interventions Transform Organisations

When Councils Face Complex Challenges

Council mergers, major restructures, service redesigns, cultural shifts these aren’t just operational changes; they shake the foundations of how local authorities work together and deliver for residents. Traditional change methods often struggle because they rely on linear planning and top-down communication. In today’s fast-moving local government environment, that approach can feel slow, disconnected, and even alienating for staff and communities.

This is where large-scale interventions (LSIs) come in. Think of them as high-energy, inclusive processes designed to bring every voice into the conversation from frontline officers to senior leaders, partners, and sometimes residents. They’re not just meetings they’re immersive experiences that unlock collective intelligence, spark creativity, and build momentum for transformation. Instead of a handful of leaders dictating the future, LSIs invite the whole system to co-create it. That sense of shared ownership is what turns ideas into action.

Why Large-Scale Change Matters in Local Government

Big change demands big thinking and big participation. LSIs are built on a simple but powerful principle: the people who deliver services every day hold the insights needed to make change succeed. By involving elected members, officers, partners, and even community representatives, LSIs create a space where diverse perspectives converge to shape solutions that stick.

This isn’t about issuing directives from the top. It’s about generating energy, trust, and alignment across the whole council and its ecosystem. When done well, LSIs can:

• Clarify organisational values and vision so everyone understands what the future looks like for residents and staff.

• Solve cross-cutting challenges that traditional departmental silos can’t tackle think housing, health, and climate working together.

• Redesign services and structures to fit new realities like integrated care systems or combined authorities.

• Build unstoppable momentum for strategic priorities by turning passive observers into active change agents.

The result? Faster decisions, stronger buy-in, and a culture that embraces change rather than resists it critical when councils face financial pressures, rising demand, and the need to innovate at scale.

Three Proven Approaches to Large-Scale Change in Councils

Large-scale interventions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different situations call for different methods, and the choice depends on your goals, culture, and urgency. In local government, these approaches are particularly powerful when dealing with major restructures, service integration, or cultural transformation. Here are three frameworks that consistently deliver impact:

1. Open Systems Planning

When clarity and strategic alignment are critical such as during a council merger, a shift to a new operating model, or preparing for combined authority status Open Systems Planning offers a structured approach. It helps councils understand their external environment and design responses that position them for success in a complex, multi-stakeholder landscape. The process typically involves:

• Mapping external influences central government policy, regulators, partner organisations (NHS, housing associations), suppliers, and community stakeholders.

• Assessing current responses how well are we meeting statutory duties and resident expectations today?

• Defining the council’s core mission what is our true purpose beyond the corporate plan? What does “place leadership” mean for us?

• Creating scenarios one for “business as usual” and another for the ideal future where services are integrated, financially sustainable, and resident-focused.

• Developing action plans specific steps to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be, including governance changes, workforce development, and partnership models.

The strength of this method lies in its balance: it grounds strategy in reality while inspiring bold aspirations. It’s ideal for councils facing financial uncertainty, planning major strategic shifts, or responding to external pressures like devolution deals or new statutory requirements.

2. Open Space Technology

When your challenge demands creativity, agility, and rapid idea generation such as redesigning services under financial pressure or tackling cross-cutting priorities like climate action Open Space Technology (OST) is a powerful option for councils. Unlike traditional conferences with rigid agendas, OST thrives on self-organisation and shared ownership. Participants set the topics, form groups, and move freely between conversations. Guided by principles such as:

• “Whoever comes is the right people” quality matters more than quantity.

• The “Law of Two Feet” if you’re not learning or contributing, move to a space where you can.

This approach creates an environment where silos dissolve, ideas flow, and hidden opportunities surface. For councils, OST can be used to:

• Engage staff from multiple departments in shaping transformation plans.

• Bring together partners (NHS, housing, voluntary sector) to co-design integrated services.

• Generate practical ideas for community engagement or digital innovation.

It’s perfect for energising people and empowering them to take ownership of change especially when you need fast, bottom-up engagement to complement top-down strategy.

3. Appreciative Inquiry

Most change efforts start by diagnosing problems budget gaps, service failures, cultural issues. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) flips that script. It begins with strengths stories of success, moments of excellence and builds from there. This positive framing doesn’t just feel good; it energises people, builds confidence, and creates a culture of possibility. The process typically involves:

• Discovering what works through interviews and storytelling with staff, members, and partners.

• Dreaming big envisioning a future where those strengths are amplified across the council and community.

• Designing systems and structures to make that vision real, whether through new governance models or service delivery approaches.

• Delivering action plans with cross-functional teams committed to turning ideas into reality.

AI is especially effective when morale is low such as after a difficult budget round or when you want to spark innovation without dwelling on past failures. Councils have used AI to:

• Rebuild trust and engagement after major restructures.

• Shape organisational values and behaviours during cultural change programmes.

• Inspire creativity in service redesign by focusing on what already works well.

Designing an Impactful Event for Local Authorities

Behind every successful Large-Scale Intervention (LSI) in a council setting is thoughtful preparation that reflects the complexity of local government. These events aren’t just meetings they’re opportunities to align diverse stakeholders around shared priorities and create momentum for real change.

Key ingredients include:

• A compelling theme: Councils should start by asking, Why are we here? What’s at stake for our communities? Themes should connect to strategic objectives whether tackling housing shortages, improving adult social care, or driving climate action. A strong theme gives participants a clear sense of purpose and urgency.

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• The right participants: LSIs work best when the “whole system” is in the room. For councils, this means elected members, senior officers, frontline staff, partner organisations (NHS, police, voluntary sector), and even residents or service users. When all voices are present, decisions are more inclusive and grounded in reality.

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• Relevant tasks: Activities should link directly to the theme and lead to actionable outcomes. For example, if the focus is on regeneration, tasks might include mapping barriers to investment or co-designing community engagement strategies. Councils should avoid abstract exercises every task should move the group closer to practical solutions.

Logistics matter too. Whether hosting in a civic hall with round tables or using a virtual platform with breakout rooms, the environment should encourage dialogue and collaboration. Councils often face budget constraints, so creativity is key think about using community spaces or leveraging existing digital tools to keep costs down.

The Digital Shift in Council Engagement

The pandemic accelerated the move to hybrid and online LSIs across local government. Platforms like Zoom, Miro, and Slido now enable councils to engage hundreds of stakeholders without the limits of physical space. This shift has opened doors for greater inclusion many participants report feeling more comfortable sharing ideas virtually, especially those who might be less confident speaking in large in-person gatherings.

For councils, this is a game-changer. Digital tools allow for:

• Broader participation: Residents who can’t attend in person due to caring responsibilities or transport issues can join online.

• Real-time feedback: Polling and interactive boards help capture diverse views quickly.

• Cost efficiency: Reduced venue and travel costs free up resources for implementation.

The lesson? Technology isn’t just a workaround it’s an opportunity to make council engagement more democratic and accessible.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Council LSIs

Even the most well-intentioned Large-Scale Intervention can fall flat if certain traps aren’t avoided. For local authorities, these pitfalls often stem from the complexity of governance and the diversity of stakeholders involved.

• Ambiguity of purpose: If participants whether elected members, officers, or partners don’t understand why they’re in the room, energy fizzles quickly. Councils should clearly articulate the purpose of the event and link it to tangible outcomes, such as shaping a new housing strategy or improving SEND services.

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• Over-reliance on hierarchy: LSIs thrive on equality of voice. When seniority dominates, innovation suffers. In council settings, this means creating space for frontline staff, community representatives, and voluntary sector partners to contribute alongside chief executives and cabinet members. Techniques like mixed-table seating or anonymous digital input can help level the playing field.

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• Neglecting follow-up: A great event without action plans is just theatre. Councils must embed follow-up into the process assigning responsibilities, setting timelines, and communicating progress. Without this, trust erodes and cynicism grows, especially among residents who gave their time to participate.

The Future of Transformation in Local Government

Large-Scale Interventions aren’t a passing trend they’re becoming essential in a world where complexity, speed, and collaboration define success. For councils facing challenges like climate adaptation, financial sustainability, and community resilience, participative methods unlock collective wisdom and build trust across the system. By embracing LSIs, councils can:

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• Break silos: Bring housing, health, education, and economic development teams together to tackle shared priorities.

• Accelerate change: Move beyond lengthy consultations to co-create solutions in real time.

• Strengthen legitimacy: Demonstrate transparency and inclusivity, which is critical for public confidence.

So, next time your council faces a big challenge whether balancing budgets or delivering net zero ask: Are we ready to bring everyone into the conversation?

Conclusion: Making Transformation Real in Local Government

Large-Scale Interventions offer councils a powerful way to tackle complex challenges by bringing the whole system into the conversation. When designed with clarity of purpose, inclusivity, and strong follow-up, LSIs can move beyond talk and deliver tangible outcomes whether that’s shaping a new housing strategy, improving SEND provision, or driving climate action.

The shift to digital engagement has only expanded the possibilities, enabling councils to involve more voices and build trust in decision-making. But success depends on commitment: from leaders who champion openness to officers who turn ideas into action.

In an era of tight budgets and rising expectations, councils can’t afford fragmented approaches. LSIs provide a structured, participative method to harness collective wisdom and accelerate change. The question isn’t whether local government needs these interventions it’s whether we’re ready to design them well and follow through.

Next time your council faces a big challenge, ask: Are we ready to bring everyone into the room physical or virtual and make transformation happen?