Communities
How COVID confirmed Greater Manchester’s focus on people not programmes
Daisy Carter outlines how the citizen experience across Greater Manchester changed during COVID and shows the impact of ‘doing things quite differently’.
When a digital community is the answer
Kathy Kyle Bonomini outlines how she and her team have created a free community platform and social media channels to enable groups to collaborate on high street rejuvenation.
Learning from innovation in a crisis: Greater Manchester
The disruption of COVID has given Greater Manchester the chance to ‘design back differently,’ say David Jackson and Julie Temperley of the Innovation Unit.
'Hypersensitivity' on data sharing needs to be overcome
Solace’s digital leadership chief says data-sharing is ‘about how we save lives’, and 'hypersensitivity' within the sector about the risks involved needs to be overcome.
Sampling COVID’s impact on Surrey
Michael Coughlin describes how Surrey CC is developing a ‘rich and granular’ understanding of how its residents, communities and the local economy are being impacted by the pandemic.
A hard act to follow
Neil McInroy steps down this year as chief executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). Ann McGauran talks to him about his legacy and the challenges ahead for the UK.
No turning back the digital revolution
The pandemic transformed councils, in their digital processes and engagement. The MJ and Capita hosted two webinars in which chief executives and directors discussed how they and their communities were changed by COVID-19. Michael Burton reports.
Top insights on adversity
Leadership in local government was tested in 2020 like never before. Here, chief executives reflect on the lessons they will take with them into this year and beyond. Ann McGauran reports.
Our councils are our true heroes - now is the time to shine the spotlight on them
When councils had to step up during COVID-19, they ‘leapt up’ says Sean Anstee. Here he explains why Cratus has decided to sponsor a new Community Hero category in the The MJ Awards.
Why Hackney's sharing of Windrush heroes’ stories stood out
Hackney LBC received the ‘delivering best outcomes’ award at The MJ Achievement Awards. Martin Ford looks at the reasons behind the success of its Windrush Generations programme.
London boroughs call for closure of religious sites
Council leaders in London have called for the closure of places of worship for communal services amid rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.
Hats off to those who have worked tirelessly on the pandemic frontline
The efforts of local government at the pandemic frontline during the past year have been nothing short of heroic, says Heather Jameson. 'Never have local authorities been so ambitious, so innovative and so committed', she adds.
We must sustain and strengthen hyper-local causes
We must learn lessons about getting support to hyper-local community causes, says, CEO of Neighbourly Steve Butterworth.
Genuine community power derives from and requires a strong state
The voluntary and community sector (VCS) should never allow itself to become a surrogate for councils or any other part of the public sector, argues John Tizard.
The 2020s offer us the opportunity to truly realise the potential of places
When local government puts civil society at the heart of what they do, it brings democracy closer to the people, argues the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees.
We need to reach out to disabled people in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
Dr Peter Unwin highlights the findings of a new and pioneering study into the missing voices of disabled people in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Let's grasp this opportunity to create One Somerset for outstanding public services
A single council for Somerset is the best option for the county, argues Cllr David Fothergill. 'On every test, it delivers over the alternative five organisation approach'.
Understanding the value of place-based leadership
Professor Robin Hambleton outlines the three reasons why place, and place-based leadership, should be given far more prominence in the future.
Why town centres have intergenerational appeal
We will need many more affordable homes in the heart of our communities that work for people of all ages if we are serious about building a society for all generations, say Stephen Burke and Roland Karthaus.
Tackling social isolation must get equal status
Cllr Maureen Worby says 'tackling social isolation must receive equal status alongside proper funding for social care and public health if we are to truly co-exist in our COVID-19 world'.
