I recently attended a seminar on the future of retail. It was an interesting mixture of digital and high street, about a curated experience that started in the home but continued seamlessly in the high street. It is this attractive 'retail' experience, guiding you to the resources you need, that the Local Government Association is building to support sector-led improvement and innovation.

At the local level, councils are not just improving but really innovating, not least in driving forward the development of more thriving and resilient communities.

We want to share the latest thinking on what works as efficiently and effectively as possible. By taking a digital approach, it allows us to share our information, any time, any place anywhere, not just broadcasting the information, but creating a real exchange of the latest practice that is inclusive and easy to use.

To support this exchange, we have developed an improvement and innovation model. The model is based upon the iESE ‘from surviving to thriving' model which was updated and published last year. Initially supported by our friends at The MJ, local authorities have been supporting the development of this model for more than five years now.

The model provides a common language for a set of resources accessed via a self-assessment tool. The assessment looks at key characteristics of change as they go through a number of levels, from the beautiful basics to the latest innovations across the sector. The output isn't a ranking, but it does provide a real chance to reflect on where you are, where you want to be and place at your fingertips the resources and networks for the next stage of your journey.

But you can only compare yourself if you get involved, which is why the beta test is now available for you to try today at https://beta.eic.esd.org.uk/. The information you share will not only allow us to crowdsource those who have experience and expertise to help you get to next level, but to also work on the barriers to innovation together.

The online tool additionally gives you the opportunity to feedback where barriers, legal or wider public sector partnership, are blocking progress. So, the assessment will not only help us improve and innovate, but help the sector articulate those things where changes can release more growth and renewal in the way that our communities deserve.

For more information visit www.iese.org.uk

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