Laura Sharman 04 January 2018

Councils urged to adopt a ‘changemaking’ approach

A think tank has warned that a radical cultural shift is needed in local government rather than the redesign of structures.

In a new essay, the New Local Government Network (NLGN) calls on councils to embrace a bold ‘changemaking’ approach focused on the core values of creativity, collaboration and self-determination.

It warns that in the current 'fraught' financial and political environment, councils risk simply 'muddling through' with services becoming more fragmented.

The essay states: ‘A changemaking approach would focus on using shifts in culture and norms to ramp up levels of impact. It would not necessarily reject the pursuit of organisational reform outright but it would recognise that the obsessive focus on structures through devolution, integration and economic development can exclude transformation of culture and norms to the detriment of overall impact.

‘It recognises that without that cultural focus there is a risk that organisational restructure simply continues negative behavioural norms such as inertia, territorialism and hierarchy under a different banner.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner