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.
This case study explores how BCP Council prepared for day one of its creation, including the establishment of a transformation programme that addressed inherited legacy technology, built new organisational skills and capabilities, and used programme management and governance to enable effective, sustained change across the council.
North Northamptonshire is a largely rural unitary authority in the East Midlands. It emerged from local government reorganisation (LGR) on 1 April 2021. The council has established a performance and intelligence team, which provides bespoke data analysis and reporting support for adult social care, children’s services, education, and corporate services.
The council undertook a complete redesign of its corporate performance management system after the platform it had relied on for over a decade became increasingly costly, unreliable and poorly aligned with staff needs. The redesigned approach aimed to create a system that was user‑centred, transparent, and aligned with the council’s updated Performance Management Framework (PMF).
In this case study we hear from Exeter City Council. Working with the LGA, the Council utilised the Decision-Making Accountability (DMA) review to reshape their senior leadership and cross-council working.
The Old Kent Road Family Zone (OKRFZ) is a groundbreaking community-led initiative transforming how local government addresses health inequalities in one of London's most under resourced areas. Facilitated by Surrey Square Primary School (part of the Big Education Trust) and funded by Impact on Urban Health, the zone operates on a radical principle: working 'with' communities rather than 'for' or 'to' them. By placing children, families and residents at the heart of decision-making, OKRFZ is creating sustainable, systemic change that tackles the root causes of poor health and wellbeing.
Following a Decision-Making Accountability review, East Hertfordshire underwent a significant leadership and structural transformation. The changes improved decision-making, enhanced member relationships, and prepared the council for Local Government Reorganisation.