Corporate Peer Challenge

The LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) offer is effective and well regarded by the sector. A recent survey found that every council that had received a corporate peer challenge was very or fairly satisfied, with more than eight in ten councils being very satisfied.

By bringing together political and managerial leadership, through the use of member and officer peers, a peer challenge provides robust, strategic and credible challenge and support to councils. Peer challenge also enhances the capacity of the sector and helps to avoid insularity within councils.

It is expected that all councils will receive a CPC at least every five years.

Each CPC will cover the five core elements detailed below as well any local needs or specific challenges requested by the council:

1. Local priorities and outcomes
2. Organisational and place leadership
3. Governance and culture 
4. Financial planning and management 
5. Capacity for improvement.

There is an expectation that all councils having a corporate peer challenge will commit to publishing the feedback report and its action plan in response.

Six months after the CPC, the LGA will organise a check-in meeting.  This will be a facilitated session which creates space for the council’s senior leadership to explore progress and challenges with peers, and discuss next steps.

If you want to discuss a peer challenge in your council then please contact your regional LGA principal adviser.