Case studies

Norwich City Council responded quickly at the onset of the pandemic to communicate priorities to staff and residents, including the local emergency planning response and support for vulnerable residents.

Barnsley Council and its local partners were beginning the process of updating the economic strategy for the borough – with a focus on the inclusive economy – when the Coronavirus crisis began in early 2020.

Cambridge city council did not have an economic development team in place at the onset of the pandemic. These functions had been led by the Combined Authority and Greater Cambridge Partnership – the delivery vehicle for the Cambridge City Deal.

Harrow coordinated its economic recovery planning with six other authorities in the West London Alliance.

Before the pandemic hit, Great Yarmouth had well-defined corporate and  economic growth strategies in place. The impacts of COVID has reinforced the need for previous plans to be delivered successfully and as such Greater Yarmouth has retained continuity and a clear vision.

As part of our work with the Early Years sector and the Food Environment through the Childhood Obesity Trailblazer programme (COTP) we decided to consult with providers (childminders, day care, after school clubs) to establish levels of knowledge, awareness, confidence and skills regarding food and nutrition. Our aim was to set a baseline from responses to help us measure progress and success against our overall project objectives. We also wanted to identify the needs of the Early Years sector and any further support required in relation to the food environment, adopting a whole systems approach.

The key lesson from this case study is the increased impact through working in partnership to tackle the challenge of vacancy, rather than in silos and with individual approaches.

An example of a major positive action programme driven by the council to increase the diversity of senior leadership within public and private sector employers across a region.

An example of how a council significantly improved its equality impact assessment processes.

Recovery planning in Plymouth epitomises the best of local government across the country. It has been driven by inspiring civic leadership working with highly competent officers who have emphasised the importance of place, community and partnership working with the private sector.