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.

Discover how UK local government officers and councillors can effectively handle angry residents. Explore causes of public frustration, rising abuse trends, and best practice strategies including SHIELD principles, complaint handling, safeguarding policies, and resilience training. Learn how councils can foster a culture of safety and support while protecting democratic engagement.

Local councils face major recruitment challenges, yet millions in apprenticeship levy funds go unspent. This blog urges councils to treat apprenticeships as strategic workforce tools, not compliance tasks. It outlines how to overcome barriers, align standards with roles, and embed apprenticeships into planning. With a 24-month expiry on levy funds, councils must act fast to unlock talent, boost retention, and support inclusive growth.

Discover how local government can make training stick using the COM-B model. Learn why £42bn in workforce development often fails to drive behaviour change, and how capability, opportunity, and motivation must align. Explore practical strategies for embedding learning, measuring success, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Featuring insights from Kevan Collier and the Truth About Local Government podcast.

Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, shares bold insights on local power, SEND reform, and regeneration in The Truth About Local Government podcast. She champions grassroots democracy, town centre housing, and financial discipline amid a £180m SEND deficit. Earl’s leadership focuses on restoring trust, delivering value for residents, and creating inclusive communities through governance reform and strategic investment.

Interim officers in local government face high-pressure roles with limited time to deliver results. This guide from The Truth About Local Government explores how interims can build lasting legacies and prove their impact through sustainable systems, talent development, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes. Learn how to leave behind more than fixes: leave behind momentum, credibility, and change that lasts.

Discover what 400 senior local government officers say are the most valued and most damaging traits in interim professionals heading into 2026. This thought leadership piece explores emerging trends, behavioural expectations, and practical advice for contractors seeking to lead with impact, build legacy, and thrive in high-pressure environments. Essential reading for interims working in UK councils.

Neurodivergent professionals are underrepresented in UK boardrooms despite comprising 15–20% of the population. Boards miss out on strategic thinkers with unique strengths in governance, risk, and innovation. Inclusive NED recruitment boosts performance diverse boards deliver better decisions, more innovation, and stronger oversight. Neurodiversity isn’t just inclusive it’s transformative. Discover how to unlock boardroom potential through inclusive practices.

Local government faces a workforce crisis, with nearly half of staff over 50 and under 5% aged 16–24. Apprenticeships offer a strategic solution to bridge the age gap, boost retention, and build future leaders. This blog explores how councils can maximise the Apprenticeship Levy, create impactful programmes, and highlights the Truth About Local Government Apprenticeship Accelerator, a bold initiative to transform talent pipelines and public service delivery.

Growth for growth’s sake isn’t enough. Councils must ask: What does success look like for our residents? By defining a local vision, investing in core services, and engaging communities meaningfully, local authorities can lead the way in shaping places that thrive economically and socially. Senior officers and elected Members can find inspiration in Localis’ research. For deeper insight, connect with Joe Fyans directly.

Thinking of moving from central to local government? Discover how policy professionals can successfully transition into council leadership roles. Learn the key differences in culture, pace, and accountability, and explore practical tips for adapting your leadership style, building relationships, and understanding local context. Featuring success stories from Leeds, Guildford & Waverley, and the North East Combined Authority. Make the leap and lead with impact.

The SEND White Paper is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset a system that has failed too many for too long. It must be more than a policy refresh, it must be a bold, values-driven transformation. This is a call to act with courage, challenge outdated systems, and build a future where every child with SEND is supported to thrive. Let this be the moment we chose to be bold, to lead with purpose, and to deliver the change children and families both need and deserve.

Thinking of leaving your local government role? This guide helps officers evaluate when it’s time to move on, how to take emotion out of the decision, and how to clarify career motivations. Explore values alignment, impact, growth, and wellbeing through a decision matrix. Whether you stay or go, make the choice with clarity and purpose. The sector needs energised leaders, not just loyal ones.

Cabinet Members in UK local government play a vital role in shaping public services, policy, and community outcomes. This guide explores the scope of the role, key responsibilities, and how councillors can excel from day one. Learn what to avoid, how to engage with scrutiny, and how to lead strategically. Featuring lessons from the sector, performance insights, and expert quotes, this blog supports councillors in delivering effective, accountable leadership for their communit

Discover what it takes to become a Director of Education in UK local government. This guide explores essential leadership skills, strategic priorities, and insights from current Directors on what they wish they knew from day one. Learn how to navigate SEND pressures, build strong partnerships, and avoid common pitfalls. Perfect for education leaders ready to shape policy, practice, and outcomes for children and young people.

Discover what it takes to become a Head of Democratic Services in UK local government. Learn essential skills, hear insights from current postholders, and avoid common pitfalls. This guide offers practical advice on governance, scrutiny, political acumen, and leadership perfect for aspiring professionals ready to lead local democracy with integrity and impact.

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.

This blog guides aspiring Directors of Transformation in UK local government, outlining essential skills like strategic visioning, emotional intelligence, and governance. Drawing on real council case studies and survey insights, it highlights what current leaders wish they’d known on day one, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for success. It closes with practical advice and a reflection piece for those already in post, reinforcing transformation as a journey of impact

This blog explores the strategic use of interim resource in UK local government, arguing that while interim professionals offer vital expertise, their deployment must be intentional, time-limited, and aligned with organisational goals. With councils facing a £4.3bn funding shortfall in 2025/26, unchecked interim spend risks undermining stability and value for money. The article calls for a six-month limit on vacancy cover and embeds interim use within broader workforce planni

Discover the top property management systems for UK local government in 2025. This in-depth review explores leading platforms like Civica, Idox, and PaTMa, comparing features such as compliance tracking, GIS integration, usability, and value for money. With real-world case studies and sector insights, this guide helps Heads of Property make informed decisions to modernise estate management, improve compliance, and support strategic goals like Net Zero and regeneration.