Watch now: Changing Futures and the next phase of public service reform

Watch our seminar as we discuss the next phase of the Changing Futures Programme.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMW9Vv8W0PY

The government has announced a new phase of funding for the Changing Futures programme. This seminar brought together leading voices from policy, practice and research to explore what Changing Futures has achieved so far, what comes next, and how local areas can use this investment as a catalyst for wider public service reform.

Over two hours, we looked at the Changing Futures journey so far, where the next phase will be taking place, and what the programme has already shown about working differently with people facing multiple disadvantage.

We also considered how Changing Futures connects to the wider public service reform agenda, including Test, Learn and Grow, place-based budgets, and the broader movement towards more relational public services.

Changing Futures should not be seen as just another pilot. Instead, it should be understood as an enabler of more fundamental change. We will explore this through a practical framework covering three modes: enabling; delivery; and sense-making/learning.

The second part of the seminar focused on lessons from the first phase of Changing Futures. Drawing on frontline, leadership and national perspectives, speakers shared practical advice for areas receiving funding and reflected on how places can use the opportunity to build lasting change.

Andrew Laird, Chief Executive, Mutual Ventures, was joined by:

·       Jenny Ewels, MHCLG Programme Lead

·       Hannah Hesselgreaves, Professor, Manchester Metropolitan University,

·       Mark Smith, former Programme Director for Changing Futures Northumbria

·       Thomas Johnson, Changing Futures, GMCA

·       Bobby Lowen, Programme Director, Changing Futures Nottingham

It's relevant to local government leaders, public service reform practitioners, policy professionals, commissioners, delivery partners and anyone interested in how Changing Futures, or other approaches to relational practice, can support a more person-centred, place-based approach to reform.