Leading a Successful Restructure: What Matters Most Precision planning builds confidence, start with a clear business case and timeline. Define roles early, engage trade unions upfront, and consult openly to improve outcomes. Communicate constantly; silence fuels speculation. Show visible, empathetic leadership and provide employee support like redundancy tools and mental health resources. Above all, be transparent about role impacts to maintain trust and fix issues early.

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