In the latest Radical Reformers episode, I welcome Des Murray, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council and Chair of Solace Scotland. Des shares his personal journey from growing up in Lanarkshire to leading the council in his hometown, highlighting the power of local roots and the value of a generalist perspective in leadership. He explains how North Lanarkshire’s “one plan” approach integrates housing, economy, infrastructure, and digital strategy to deliver real change

Watch the first in our #GettingStuffDone webinar series and explore the power of relationships. Public services are a people business. This is true from top to bottom: the shaping force of democratic politics, the responsibility to all citizens, the care of vulnerable children and adults, and a workforce motivated by public service.  Relationships with and between colleagues, stakeholders, and partners are what make or break the delivery of programmes and projects. Ultimate

Client:  Department for Education  Date:  April 2024 – April 2025 Challenges faced by the client: Local Authorities bear a statutory responsibility to ensure there is sufficient and suitable accommodation for looked-after children. Local authorities commission services within a market that, despite its necessity, faces significant and well-documented challenges. Recent influential reviews, such as the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care and the Competition and Market