Transformation
Towns and cities as a testbed for innovation
Tom Bridges and Siri Arntzen explain how testbeds can be successfully used to experiment our way towards the high streets of the future.
Registering the impact of COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 on registrars services has been massive, says John Rooney. Here, he outlines how staff adapted swiftly to put vital new processes in place at Rochdale BC.
Watchdog urges faster improvement at Argyll and Bute
The council has been told it must ‘significantly increase’ the pace of improvement by the Accounts Commission.
Superstars delivering in the face of adversity
When the pandemic hit, South Somerset DC quickly decided to redeploy staff in changed or closed services to carry out duties related to the local coronavirus response. Kirsty Larkins explains the approach.
Why future system resilience must be built into recovery plans
In thinking forward to recovery, there is no better time than the present to learn from the experience of the pandemic and build future system resilience into recovery plans, argues Jon Ainger.
Can councils convene local systems to develop resilience against future shocks?
In the very near term there are enormous challenges in London, not least of the capacity of public transport to move a reasonable number of people around safely to jobs and schools, says John O'Brien.
What are you imagining?
As councils re-examine their transformation plans in the light of the possibilities on the other side of lockdown, Dr Catherine Howe highlights some points worth reflecting on.
Transformation delivers flexibility in a crisis
Craig Cusack and Rob Powell talk to Ann McGauran about how Warwickshire CC’s transformation programme meant it was ‘pretty much ready for the pandemic when it arrived’.
A catalyst for change?
The coronavirus crisis is speeding up the shift towards new people-centred operating models that were already being adopted by progressive councils, writes Codrina Cretu.
Creating success from a crisis
When we are all heads down and dealing with the current coronavirus crisis, how do we make sure we learn from it and harness what really matters? Benjamin Taylor offers some ideas.
Post-COVID’s time for transformation
COVID-19 has generated a ‘powerful sense of egalitarian togetherness as communities pull together to support the vulnerable’, says Simon Parker. The key question is whether we can create a lasting legacy of social action.
Designing our collective future normal
We have been given a 'precious liminal space' at the moment writes Donna Hall - and we need to 'use it well to deliver a renaissance in democracy, communities and local economies'.
The days after – creating a new learning community
The Public Service Transformation Academy has set up a free virtual learning community to help prepare for a ‘real reboot’ and radical rebuilding after the coronavirus crisis. Benjamin Taylor explains.
Councils vs coronavirus: the future starts now
Councils are on the front line in the fight against coronavirus, says Tom Davies – and he outlines four ‘quite different but plausible’ scenarios to help them plan for uncertainty.
Adapt, Innovate, Motivate: Responding to a Crisis
Since the pandemic began, North Kesteven DC has transformed the organisation into a virtual network with a straightforward AIM: to Adapt, Innovate and Motivate. Ian Fytche explains.
We are working more closely together than ever
‘In terms of channel shift, in little more than a fortnight we have achieved what I thought would take about a year’, says chief executive of Stroud DC Kathy O’Leary.
Radical transformation’s biggest gift
As the COVID-19 crisis escalates, its impact has shifted the community empowerment and participation agenda into overdrive, writes Heather Jameson as she looks at what the lasting legacy could be for local government and society.
‘We must speak truth to power’
HR directors gathered for a Penna/The MJ round table to discuss a service with an ‘identity crisis’ – and whether they can drive disruption and transformation at pace and scale. Heather Jameson reports.
Fit for the future
Surrey County Council and PwC outline the ‘very clear and powerful’ shared ambition driving their joint approach to transformation – focused on creating an inclusive and healthy place where people are proud to live.
Building communities for change
In order to deliver sustainable and impactful change we need to take a whole place-based approach that involves deep understanding of what each group within a network contributes, says creative director at FutureGov Robbie Bates.
