Building confidence and mutual trust
The LGA’s Member Peer Conference late last month again highlighted one of local government’s greatest strengths: the ability of councils to learn from each another.
Over two days in Kenilworth, more than 170 delegates from across the country came together to collaborate, constructively challenge each other, share insights and engage in practical learning.
Together, we reaffirmed the central role of peer-led improvement in helping councils and combined authorities to navigate change and deliver for their communities.
It was a pleasure to see such a strong sense of shared purpose among delegates, united by their commitment to supporting one another through challenge and transformation.
As Chair of the LGA’s Improvement Committee, I believe this collective energy is what makes the LGA’s improvement offer so powerful: it is driven by real-life experience, rooted in practice and shaped by a deep understanding of local government realities.
We were delighted to welcome Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, who recognised the vital contribution of peers in helping councils and combined authorities learn from each other and drive improvement. Her remarks reinforced the value government places on collaboration and innovation at a local level, and the importance of the sector working together to tackle shared challenges.
One of the conference highlights came from Somerset Council’s Leader, Cllr Bill Revans, and Chief Executive, Duncan Sharkey, who shared their council’s remarkable transformation journey.
The creation of a new, unified authority from five predecessor councils was no small feat, and their insights offered practical lessons on leadership resilience and the importance of building a strong organisational culture. Their story demonstrated how peer support and sector-led improvement can make a tangible difference in guiding councils through periods of significant change.
Delegates also engaged in a series of interactive, hands-on workshops covering a wide range of topics. These included performance, finance and risk, peer mentoring, local government reorganisation, housing, navigating mayoral combined authorities, corporate parenting, artificial intelligence, and the work of the LGA’s regional teams.
I enjoyed meeting fellow councillors, who told me they had particularly welcomed the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, helping to shape the next phase of the LGA’s improvement support.
As ever, our conference underlined the fact that peer-led improvement is not simply about reviewing processes or sharing advice; it is about building confidence, developing capability and fostering a spirit of mutual trust that strengthens the whole sector.
I left the conference feeling energised and immensely proud of the commitment, skill and generosity of our peers, and the difference that they make every day.
From providing tailored support to councils facing significant challenges, participating in peer challenges, helping new leaders to find their footing, providing mentoring or other peer-to-peer support, the conference reinforced the vital role of collaboration and shared learning in local government.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Member Peer Conference such a success.
I look forward to continuing this important work with colleagues in the months ahead, ensuring that councils and combined authorities have the support, insight and connections they need to thrive.
- Find out more about the LGA’s peer-led sector support offer. See a case study from Somerset Council on its transformation journey.