Opinion

• Tough times for creaky outsourcers

  With shares in outsourcer Interserve falling to an all-time low, is another market failure on the cards? Mark Whitehead explores.

  

• Why the Government is right to embrace modular

  David de Sousa explains why the Government is right to embrace a modular future.

  

• Saying sorry goes a long way

  Mark Whitehead calls on councils to make a direct apology to the public when something goes wrong.

  

• A leading question

  Jayson Darby considers the traits of good leaders and the role people assessment tools can play in identifying if someone’s leadership material.

  

• The fragile state of outsourcing

  Mark Whitehead explores why councils are reconsidering their reliance on big private sector companies to provide public services.

  

• The long journey towards rebuilding trust at Kensington and Chelsea RLBC

  The Grenfell tragedy and its aftermath were devastating, says Elizabeth Campbell - and she pledges to listen more closely to local people to ensure they 'have a real stake in what is happening on their own doorsteps and in their own lives'.

  

• Redefining public-private partnerships

  David Mawson explains how an age-old term could conceal a new solution.

  

• Why homes should be digitally fit for purpose

  Evan Wienburg argues that all new houses being built - including social housing ­- must have a future-proof broadband connection built in.

  

• Taking the conflict out of partnerships

  Andrew Savege calls on councils to rethink what partnership means to get the best from PPP.

  

• Hopes emerge as talks resume following Glasgow strike

  Mark Whitehead explores what led thousands of council staff to strike in Glasgow this week.