LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION & DEVOLUTION

Local and regional government are undergoing the most significant transformations in a generation. Councils across two tier areas are addressing the demands of Local Government Reorganisation, with some also – ahead of unitarisation – establishing Strategic Authorities in response to the Government’s devolution agenda. Leaders, elected and appointed, are being asked to create new organisations and governance structures, meet the tightest of tight timelines, whilst continuing to deliver for their communities – all at once.

This situation presents both opportunity and risk. Led effectively, these reforms will strengthen public services and deliver better outcomes for places, and for the country as a whole. But without strong, relationally-focused leadership, the new unitary, constituent councils and their strategic authorities could face service disruption, political tensions and eroded trust.

For over twenty years, the Leadership Centre has been partnering successfully with senior teams (officers and members) to turn disruption into renewal, combining expertise in leadership and change with a place-based approach that builds the adaptive capacity for transformation that lasts. And, as an organisation created specifically to support local government leadership, the Centre has garnered extensive experience and expertise over these two decades in reorganisation, devolution and transformation for better outcomes.

By accessing the links below, you will see that we offer specialist, tailored and, where appropriate, connected programmes of support crafted to help you lead through this perhaps unprecedented period of change with confidence and lasting impact.

Strategic Authorities & Devolution

Partnering with leaders to design and lead strategic authorities with clarity and ambition, unlocking innovation, strengthening partnerships, and turning devolution into real outcomes for places and communities.

Our Design Principles: Supporting Council Leaders in LGR and Devolution

These principles guide how we support council leaders through LGR & Devolution, ensuring our work delivers real impact for places and communities.

• Clarity and Adaptability
We help leaders cut through complexity with clear frameworks and adaptive approaches that respond to evolving political, financial, and community contexts.

• Co-Design with Stakeholders
Transformation succeeds when it is shaped together. We work alongside senior teams, elected members, and partners to build ownership and trust in new arrangements.

• Anchor in Place-Based Impact
Every change must deliver real benefits for communities. Our support is rooted in local priorities, ensuring governance and leadership decisions translate into tangible outcomes for places.

• Whole Leadership Ecosystem
System change is not just about top teams. We strengthen leadership capacity across political, executive, and civic spheres—creating alignment and resilience throughout the organisation and beyond.

• Communication as a Core Capability
Narrative drives confidence and legitimacy. We help leaders craft and sustain compelling stories of change that engage stakeholders and maintain public trust.

• Wise Experimentation
Reorganisation & devolution are full of unknowns. We help leaders create safe spaces for purposeful experiments that test new ways of working, build confidence, and reduce fear of failure while learning fast.

Book a Strategic Consultation

A confidential 60-minute session to explore your LGR & Devolution challenges and how we can support your leadership team. We’ll discuss your specific context and identify opportunities for tailored support.