Coronavirus
Telling a more powerful story about health
The Health Foundation has released a new toolkit to help people explain the wider determinants of health. Louise Marshall shares five top tips for those working and communicating in public health.
A community wealth fund could be a game changer
Local government needs to engage with the dormant assets consultation and help further strengthen the case for a community wealth fund, says Matt Leach.
What will the two leadership candidates mean for councils?
It is clear there are some major differences in the two Conservative leadership candidates' likely approaches if they win the top job, but it is less clear what they might mean for local government, says Sheila Oxtoby.
Nottingham has reasons to be cheerful
Mel Barrett looks at the future of Nottingham’s centre post-COVID, including a bold new vision for the old shopping centre, and an integrated transport system that supports a target to be a carbon neutral city by 2028.
Cheering a public health champion
Professor Kate Ardern has retired after a stellar career in local government public health. Alison McKenzie-Folan pays tribute to her achievements, including her work on the Wigan Deal and the pandemic response.
Learning the lessons of the pandemic
Professor Matthew Ashton outlines how Liverpool is promoting its data-led vaccination programme, focusing on places and communities with the lowest uptake and working hard to address inequalities.
Capturing moments of national togetherness
What would be a fitting legacy for the Lionesses’ triumph, asks Claire Kober? She puts forward three ideas.
A different future for Barnet
Dan Peters talks to Barnet LBC chief executive John Hooton about the end of the council’s controversial easyCouncil outsourcing model, its new HQ and the shift into a hybrid work pattern.
Doncaster’s long and winding road
Mayor Ros Jones and chief executive Damian Allen reflect on Doncaster’s journey from tough town to England’s newest city that’s on its way to becoming an ‘exemplar’ council.
Get ready for change
The new chair of the District Councils’ Network chief executive group Yvonne Rees, says her local authority members are up for change, but it needs to be done in a way that benefits residents. Ann McGauran reports.
Empowering communities – what works and why it matters
A report published in Groundwork’s 40th year sets out what works in helping to empower communities to take action on poverty and the environment. Graham Duxbury highlights the key findings.
Ofsted calls for social care workforce strategy
The watchdog the need is ‘more urgent than ever’ as it published a report looking at the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on children’s social care.
What’s the deal with the latest pay offer?
Heather Jameson says creating an atmosphere where the only option for maintaining your pay level amid rapidly rising inflation is to move job is not ideal. 'It’s not exactly strong, stable and sustainable corporate management.'
How to be an employer of choice
Maxine O’Mahony explains how creating a modern, welcoming office environment has boosted recruitment and made Breckland DC a sought-after place where people feel valued and a part of the organisation.
Happiness is a community hub
Joanne Brady explains how East Riding of Yorkshire Council launched an impactful and accessible support network in two days, using a citizen engagement community hub.
Emergency response revival
Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire’s single resilience function has been deployed repeatedly in the last few years. Tom Knibbs and Ruth Tennant set out what was learned.
Time for clarity
With the contenders for the Conservative Party leadership race narrowed down to two, staunch Rishi Sunak backer Sir Bob Neill wants them to lay out a far more comprehensive package of policies.
Deprivation should be the cornerstone of council funding
The Fair Funding Review presents a huge opportunity to get ‘levelling up’ back on track, says Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Unfinished business
Stephen Moir is back in Cambridgeshire for his third public services role – this time as chief executive of the county council. He talks to Heather Jameson about the corporate plan, shifting cultures and the importance of good governance.
Reset and renew
Steve Crocker outlines the major challenges facing children’s services – getting the right staff and protecting children’s mental health.