Failure Demand...the hidden cost of doing the wrong thing well
When systems are designed around trust and relationships, they create change. Sophie Coles argues that great public services are about...
Sophie Coles
5 days ago2 min read
Radical Reformers ep.104: From Whitehall to Local Authority, with Helen Bailey, Chief Executive of Sutton Council
In the latest episode of Radical Reformers, I talk to Helen Bailey, Chief Executive of Sutton Council. Helen brings the rare experience...
Andrew Laird
Oct 21 min read
What's stopping us?
When it comes to public service reform, large swathes of public services have been experiencing “delivery paralysis”. In this article,...
Andrew Laird
Sep 199 min read
The Efficiency Fallacy: Why finding savings in siloed services is fundamentally flawed
Andrew Laird argues that leaders must reject the short-termism of traditional approaches to achieving efficiency savings. Instead, they...
Andrew Laird
Sep 57 min read
Webinar catch up - Trusting place: Improving the lives of local people through place-based approaches
Catch up on our webinar 'Trusting Place' , which discussed the findings of our report to the LGA on place-based working, held on 6th...
Mutual Ventures
Aug 61 min read
Beyond the Test Drive: Turning prototypes into sustainable public service reform
T he spending review has given government departments some medium-term budget certainty and with it, the opportunity to launch multi-year...
Andrew Laird
Jul 317 min read
Radical Reformers ep.100: Public Service Reform Special - Part 2: Trusting Place with Eve Roodhouse, LGA, Simon Kaye, Re:State and MV Non-Exec Director, Professor Donna Hall
This is episode 100 of the Radical Reformers podcast! We wanted to take the opportunity to thank all the guests who have taken the time...
Andrew Laird
Jul 92 min read
REPORT: From Transaction to Transformation
We have published a new guide for councils going through the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process – the focus is on the...
Mutual Ventures
Jun 262 min read
Radical Reformers ep.99: Public Service Reform Special - Part 1: Relational Practice with Rob Wilson, Kathy Evans, Emma Lord, Ron Charlton, Toby Lowe, and Wendy Lansdown
The next two episodes of the Radical Reformers podcast will be a bit different (and hopefully a treat for the public service reform nerds...
Andrew Laird
Jun 262 min read
When Power Forgets the People
In this article, Prof. Donna Hall and Andrew Laird recognise the challenge now faced by public service leaders and set out a positive set...
Andrew Laird
Jun 237 min read
On demand - Beyond the Spending Review: Rebuilding financial sustainability and trust
Watch our recent webinar that reflected on the Spending Review announcement on the 11th June and the impact on local government. Almost...
Mutual Ventures
Jun 111 min read
Radical Reformers ep.96: Leading a turnaround with Kath O'Dwyer, former Chief Executive of St Helens Council and Chair of SOLACE
In this new episode of Radical Reformers, I chat with Kath O'Dwyer, former Chief Executive of St Helens Council and Chair of S OLACE . ...
Andrew Laird
May 151 min read
REPORT - Children's Services and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Key Considerations
Our latest report explores Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the significant opportunity it brings to reshape and improve the...
Emmet Regan
May 142 min read
Radical Reformers ep.95: All in for Greater Manchester with Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority
In this latest episode of Radical Reformers, I'm joined by Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority...
Andrew Laird
May 11 min read
Radical Reformers ep.94: Creating Community Agency with Graeme Duncan, Chief Executive of Right to Succeed
In this new episode of Radical Reformers, I chat to Graeme Duncan, Chief Executive of Right to Succeed, a charity that supports...
Andrew Laird
Apr 171 min read
Radical Place Leadership: The Public Money that Falls Between the Silos
This long-read article by Andrew Laird and Prof. Donna Hall sets out a new way of considering public money across a “place” and provides...
Andrew Laird
Apr 513 min read
Radical Reformers ep.93: The Business of Running a Council with Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council
In this new episode of Radical Reformers, I chat to Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council....
Andrew Laird
Apr 31 min read
Radical Reformers ep.92: Convening Leadership with Kate Josephs, Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council
This week, I'm joined by Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council. Kate is a former Senior Civil Servant in Whitehall who...
Andrew Laird
Mar 201 min read
Case Study: South Ayrshire Radical Place Leadership
Client: South Ayrshire Council Date: August 2024 to January 2025 Challenges faced by the client: South Ayrshire’s Radical Place...
Mutual Ventures
Mar 123 min read
Watch now: Radical Place Leadership - stretching the ambition of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
Local public services are not as integrated as they should be. Public service professionals everywhere will have examples of individuals...
Andrew Laird
Feb 252 min read