As well as listening, and contributing, to keynote plenary sessions, The MJ Future Forum delegates were also invited to attend targeted workshops offering chief executives the opportunity to discuss specific challenges facing their authorities. Each workshop featured a presentation by a local government expert, and a question and answer session covered by the Chatham House rule. Mark Conrad and Jonathan Werran report.

Two workshops on future funding proved popular – and required standing room only. Tim Byles, chief executive of Cornerstone and former chief of Partnerships for Schools, explored new funding models.