Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
When illegally dumped industrial waste caught fire at a former mushroom factory, Selby District Council’s crisis communications plans kicked into action. Communications manager, Mike James, explains how they tackled the issue and why the experiences of the past helped them manage the situation.
This case study forms part of a children's public health transfer resource. On 1 August 2017, the council transferred all of its children’s services to a community interest company owned by the council and two other local authorities.
With pregnancy smoking rates showing a slight increase in 2014/2015 Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health Service wanted to encourage pregnant smokers to quit for good. Senior Campaigns and Communications Officer Jo Necchi explains what they did.
Communicating messages about death is always challenging, but Leeds City Council decided to take the reins and work with partners across the city to help residents face their fears. Communications officer Debra Kerr and Ageing Well Officer Carole Clark explain how collaboration helped people to find the right words to tackle this difficult subject.
Leeds City Council’s new Culture Strategy was developed through a co-production model, involving extensive consultation with the cultural sector and local communities.
The work began in 2012 with a series of events for arts practitioners and health-based commissioners to discuss joint working. This led to a £250,000 investment from the council’s public health and arts services, along with investment partners Artswork and Royal Opera House Bridge, for a pilot commission.
How can councillors help to position the arts, culture and heritage within their council’s priorities?
Councillor Mike Hill of Kent County Council shares his thoughts.