Case studies

West Berkshire achieved rapid improvement in its children’s services leading to a turnaround from an inadequate inspection result in March 2015 to an overall good result in May 2017. One of the contributory factors was a Staff College Leadership Development Programme which was commissioned in consultation with the council by the Local Government Association in 2015.

West Berkshire has been using a focus on engagement in positive activities, education, training and employment to prevent reoffending and improve outcomes for children working with the Youth Offending Team.

In June 2021, the London Borough of Barnet approved the Outline Business Case for the development of an £18.8M strategic sports hub including a wider leisure and community offer at West Hendon Playing Fields.

West Lindsey District Council undertook a review of their draft visitor economy strategy as part of the LGA’s Economic Growth Advisers Programme and commissioned a consultant to assist them in developing a fit for purpose strategy and action plan.

West Midlands Combined Authority has used £5 million of national funding to commission digital retraining bootcamps for adults, working with over 20 specialist training providers.

The West Midlands Combined Authority helped raise understanding of the role of the combined authority while meeting the needs of communities.

With communications vital for the success of the Authority the seven members are working hard to get their messages in order and identity developed.

West Midlands has made working with the most vulnerable people a key priority. The service’s 1,322 fire officers have been given public health training to support the people they come into contact with.

The West of England Combined Authority embraced digital and social media marketing to raise awareness of their ‘Future Bright’ skills service.

This case study provides an overview of the West of England and its cultural and creative economy, and the role of the West of England Cultural Compact in this context. It also summarises the new West of England Cultural Plan, including reference to some early initiatives.