Discover why creating a City of Culture is more than a year of events, it’s a long-term strategy for economic growth, social cohesion, and public health. Learn critical success factors, how to balance ambition with sustainability, and why inclusivity matters. Explore lessons from Europe, evidence-based planning, and the role of arts in improving well-being. Culture isn’t a luxury, it’s a catalyst for transformation.

Public service reform demands whole-system thinking, not siloed fixes. Local government, NHS, charities, and housing providers overlap, yet reforms often ignore these interdependencies. True transformation requires shared outcomes, integrated governance, data-driven collaboration, and cultural change while maintaining frontline delivery mid-flight. Are leaders ready to embrace complexity and design connected systems for better communities?

Discover how councils can use Large-Scale Interventions (LSIs) to drive transformation. Learn best practices for designing impactful events, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging digital tools for inclusive engagement. Explore why LSIs are essential for tackling complex challenges like housing, climate action, and community resilience in local government.

Discover why up to 74% of UK local government transformation programmes fail and how councils can succeed. Explore key challenges like siloed structures, unclear outcomes, and technical debt, plus actionable strategies for smarter change. Learn from real-world examples such as Strata Service Solutions, which saved £7.6m through shared services. Make transformation continuous, data-driven, and people-focused.

Local government in England faces its biggest transformation in 50 years. By 2028, district and county councils will be replaced by consolidated structures, impacting £100bn budgets and 1.3m employees. Culture, not just structure, will determine success. Research shows 70% of change initiatives fail due to cultural resistance. Strong, values-driven cultures boost engagement, performance, and resilience, making culture the ultimate catalyst for sustainable change.

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.

Transformation is not a destination, it’s a discipline. Councils that embed operating principles, invest in people, and govern innovation ethically will not only sustain their vision, they’ll evolve it. Success demands leadership alignment, staff engagement, and a relentless focus on resident outcomes. In a world of rising demand and shrinking budgets, transformation must be continuous, inclusive, and courageous. The future of local government depends on it.

Discover how to truly integrate public health in local government with NHS systems. This blog explores the barriers structural, cultural, and policy-driven and highlights successful case studies like St Helens Cares and Cheshire & Merseyside ICS. Learn how neighbourhood health models, stronger ICSs, strategic commissioning, and national-local partnerships can transform care, reduce inequalities, and rebuild public trust.

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.

Discover how local authorities can unlock the hidden value of adult social care data to drive efficiencies, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. This blog explores insights from the Social Care Value Index project, highlighting the need for better data integration, shared goals, and cross-functional collaboration between Directors of Adult Social Services and Section 151 Officers. Learn how data can transform decision-making and support evidence-led reform in adult social care

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

Restructuring in UK local government is inevitable but it doesn’t have to be harmful. This practical guide explores how to lead departmental restructures with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Learn how to engage staff early, rebuild culture, measure success, and foster psychological safety. Featuring real-life case studies, tools for change champions, and insights from Truth About Local Government research, this is essential reading for public sector leaders driving change.

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

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.

Revenues and benefits teams are undergoing a transformation from transactional administrators to strategic leaders within local...

We throw around the phrase “future ready”  a lot in local government. It appears in strategies, transformation plans, and funding bids....