Sophie Coles

Sophie joined MV in November 2024 and works across central and local government, including children’s services, family justice, neighbourhood operating models and local government reorganisation (LGR), helping councils design, lead and deliver effective, evidence-driven change.

She is known for her ability to connect with people quickly and blends evidence, system insight from more than 20 years in local government, the third sector and the NHS, and strong relational instincts to help councils create the environments - cultural, organisational and community, where better outcomes for children, families and residents become genuinely possible.

Sophie brings a people-centred, system-literate approach that helps places translate learning, not defend against it, and turn complex challenges into grounded, confident delivery. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to people; building connection, trust and shared purpose across systems that don’t always work together easily.

Sophie recently led the Department for Education’s DFJ Trailblazers Guided Learning Programme, synthesising national interviews with Designated Family Judges and HMCTS leaders and translating the learning into practical support for local areas. Her work has strengthened judicial/local authority relationships, improved the use of data across the family justice system, and helped areas reduce pre-proceedings delays.

Sophie plays a central role in LGR work nationally undertaking strategic assessments and high-level options work across areas including Norfolk, Worcestershire and Staffordshire Moorlands. She also authored Mutual Ventures’ Children’s Services LGR guidance, bringing clarity to DCS continuity, statutory responsibilities and safe-service design during structural change.

Alongside this, Sophie is one of the core developers of Mutual Ventures’ Radical Place Leadership model, shaping practical tools that help councils build enabling cultures, strengthen community identity and shift from “delivery-heavy” to genuinely collaborative ways of working.

Sophie remains on an entirely serious mission to find the world’s best birria tacos. She’s also writing her first novel and learning to DJ - both undertaken with enthusiasm that far outweighs her technical ability (for now).