Discover the pros and cons of internal vs external organisational design (OD) consultancy in UK local government. Explore how councils are navigating transformation, reorganisation, and devolution by blending internal OD teams with external expertise. Learn from case studies including Somerset, Luton, and Hillingdon, and understand when to use Big Four firms, SMEs, or in-house capability to drive sustainable change, build internal capacity, and deliver long-term value.

Alison Golding’s research into West Northamptonshire Council’s post-merger culture offers vital lessons for local government transformation. Her findings highlight the importance of leadership visibility, unified values, and employee voice in shaping resilient councils. Using frameworks like the Denison Model and Cultural Web, she outlines practical steps to build inclusive, high-performing organisations. Culture isn’t a side issue, it’s the strategy.

Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood and Rochford Councils, shares key lessons on transformation in local government. From values-led leadership and strategic digital reform to evidence-based reorganisation and sector-wide collaboration, his approach offers a blueprint for change. As councils face rising agency costs and structural reform, Stephenson reminds us: transformation is cultural, not just structural. “We’re not just building councils. We’re building com

Surrey is the first domino in England’s local government reorganisation strategy. The UK Government has confirmed the abolition of Surrey’s two-tier system by April 2027, replacing it with two new unitary councils and a directly elected mayor. This move signals a national shift toward fewer, larger councils. The reorganisation aims to streamline services, resolve financial issues like Woking’s debt, and accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery across the county.

Local government reorganisation isn’t the wrong idea it’s happening in the wrong order. Councils face financial collapse due to four broken systems: children’s social care, SEND, temporary accommodation, and adult social care. This blog argues that structural reform must follow service reform, not precede it. Fix the leaks before reshaping the bath. Discover why sustainability depends on repairing what’s draining local government dry.

Local Government Reorganisation shares many traits with corporate mergers and acquisitions. With 70–75% of M&A failing, councils must learn from private sector missteps prioritising cultural alignment, integration planning, financial control, legal clarity, and community engagement. Rebranding with purpose and treating technology as a strategic enabler are key to success. LGR is not just structural it’s transformational.

In local government, change is constant, but grief is often ignored. Whether it’s a council merger, a building closure, or leadership transition, emotional loss must be acknowledged. Without space to say goodbye, staff and communities struggle to embrace the future. This blog explores why grief matters, how to support transitions, and why emotionally intelligent leadership is key to sustainable change.

Local government reorganisation is complex, but it’s also a chance to build smarter, more unified digital foundations. Success starts with a clear baseline: understanding your systems, risks, and opportunities. At RPNA, we offer a rapid, evidence-based approach to help councils define their “North Star” and build a practical roadmap for transformation. Thank you to Ashley Roper for his contribution on this important topic.

West Northamptonshire’s LGR journey is not just a story of structural change it’s a story of cultural alignment, operational resilience, and strategic clarity. What emerged from the OPUS People Solutions event was a powerful narrative of how a newly formed council can move from fragmentation to cohesion, and from uncertainty to confidence.

In local government, we are rightly focused on seismic shifts reorganisation, devolution, funding formula changes, housing targets, and...

The Government’s ambitious programme of local government reorganisation (LGR)  is reshaping the structure of councils across England. At...

With the English Devolution White Paper advocating for universal coverage by strategic authorities and a strong governmental preference...

The Government’s English Devolution White Paper has triggered a profound shift in the structure and governance of local authorities...

Introduction: A Crisis and an Opportunity We in local government are facing one of the most complex and demanding periods in recent...

In the ever-evolving landscape of local government, reorganisation is often framed as a technical exercise a structural reshuffle...

Local government in the UK stands at a critical juncture. With reorganisation efforts gaining momentum across the country, the sector...

In a recent conversation with Paul Bell—National Officer at UNISON and Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Lewisham...

As the wave of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) continues to sweep across England, attention is increasingly turning to the...

I’m happy to admit that, like many, when the Devolution White Paper landed, my first reaction was not particularly positive. As someone...

In a time of significant transformation for local government in the UK, Collaborate CIC is leading the charge towards more inclusive,...