Stronger together: shared management in local government

Shared management can act as a springboard for transformation, improve efficiency and service delivery and enhance the resilience and capacity of individual councils.

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This report highlights the benefits of shared management and shares some of the ‘success factors’ that make it work. It is never an easy option and it takes commitment from leaders, councillors and managers. However, the benefits, financial and otherwise, are clear. Many of us in successful partnerships are surprised that more councils are not following this path.

Around 45 councils across England share a chief executive and senior management team in about 20 different partnerships. Most also share at least some services. These councils have already delivered savings of at least £60 million through greater efficiencies and the other benefits of collaboration, with more savings planned.