The Most Influential Voices in Local Government 2011

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Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page The agenda Children’sHead services 50ResearchWelcome section

Local government leaders at the top

This year the recognising the ‘drivers of Mr Pickles’ position in the Judging LGC 50 list of change’ in eight core areas – next LGC 50 list will be a test most influential those who have led in themes of his success. If his localism This year we changed the LGC 50 people in local such as behaviour change ambitions are realised, we judging process. We asked government and collaborative working would expect his top slot to readers for their nominations – provides the starkest (from p20). At a time of such go to a local leader and even and we received more than 200. illustration yet of the change, it seemed fitting to more entries to come from Our expert judging panel were changing times. The 2011 list celebrate those who have local government – except, also invited to add their emphasises that, in this new been instrumental in shaping perhaps, Greg Clark, with his nominations. era of localism, local the landscape. remit to keep the other They first debated who had government’s leaders are been the drivers of change in the firmly in the driving seat. From alternative service past year in each of eight core Compared with the areas, before moving to the top previous LGC 50 list, there are delivery models to sector-led 50 for the year ahead. fewer ministers and shadow improvement, local government’s For each entry, judges ministers, fewer thinktanks ‘‘ considered strength of and external experts, and own are showing true leadership leadership; scope, breadth and fewer regulators. Instead, depth of influence; and power. leadership is coming from Our panel members were within local government – ‘Ones to watch’ and departments in check. selected for their in-depth eight of the top 10 are council ‘Organisations with influence’ Lists of this type are always knowledge and each is influential leaders or chiefs. Localism is offer further food for thought subjective; no doubt there in their own right. putting increasing emphasis (p18-19). We hope the will be plenty of comment on In fact, several judges appear on the sector to find and inclusion of new faces, and the inclusions, omissions and in the LGC 50 themselves – but share its own solutions. From the local government chiefs rankings. I look forward to each was excused from alternative service delivery and directors who grace the hearing your feedback. discussion about their own models to sector-led headlines less frequently, will Many thanks to our judges, inclusion and position, and the improvement, local prove useful and inspiring. who spent hours working on editor ranked them. government’s own are Our judges considered the list, and to BT, which is showing true leadership. strength of leadership; scope, kindly supporting the LGC 50 Judges The LGC 50 highlights breadth and depth of as part of our year-long Jessica Crowe, executive those leading the way in the influence; and power. Despite leadership partnership. director, Centre for Public year ahead. (See the LGC 50 the localism agenda, these I hope you find the LGC 50 Scrutiny pull-out poster in the centre criteria put Eric Pickles at the useful, and look forward to Irene Lucas, former director- of this supplement.) top of the list – mainly your comments about the general, DCLG This year, we have also because of upcoming events year ahead. Ben Page, chief executive, produced extra lists such as the resource review. Emma Maier, editor, LGC Ipsos Mori Joe Simpson, principal strategic 14.04.11 www.LGCplus.com Subscription enquiries adviser, LGA Editorial and advertising CDS Global Towerhouse, Lathkill Street, Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7EJ Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, LE16 9EF Max Wide, director of strategic Advertising 020 7728 3800 Advertising fax 020 7728 3866 UK enquiry line 0844 848 8858 Order line 0844 848 8859 Email [email protected] Overseas enquiry line 01858 438 847 Order line 01858 438 804 development, BT Government EDITORIAL Fax 01858 461 739 Emma Maier, editor, LGC Writing Mark Smulian, Sub-editing Sarah Speight, Art Judy Skidmore Email [email protected] Director of new business Marie Rogers 020 7728 3778 Web www.subscription.co.uk/lgc/lgdi

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Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page TheResearch agendaIntroducing Children’sHead the trailblazersservices section 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sections focus on a key topic, providing news, comment, analysis and best practice Email the news desk on [email protected]

As faces old and new in the sector prepare for the daunting challenges ahead, Mark Smulian assesses what’s in store for the people at the top of their game, and at the forefront of change Leaders navigate new terrain

The most obvious difference Greenhalgh and Jules Pipe. And if it does not endure, with the unwelcome 203 nominations in the LGC 50 for 2011 from While Mr Pickles tops the Few had who will decide which consequences of front- its predecessors is the change list – his influence is expected that councils will merge, and what loaded spending cuts. Few Inside of government, and the indisputable – eight of the top would having fewer but had expected that the axe consequent rise of localism ten are in local government. the axe would geographically larger would fall so hard in the next and fall in local authority A glance at the list and the ‘‘ councils do to localism? two years in a way that 4-17 The LGC 50: local government’s fall so hard in spending power. skills and achievements of That seemingly inherent prevents long-term planning most influential in the year ahead Gone, courtesy of the the people on it emphasises the next two localism paradox is evident in for efficiency savings, forcing electorate, are John Healey the complexity of the new the LGC 50. Along with local councils to cut quickly rather 18 Ones to watch and Hazel Blears, ministers at world order and the need for years in a way government entrants, many than optimally. and near the top of the last strong leadership. The that forces newcomers to the list arrived This is mirrored list by 19 Organisations with influence survey in 2008. Gone too, plethora of nominees with the new government: numerous financial minds – almost, is the Audit involved in shared services, councils to advisers in Whitehall like Paul some already high profile, The drivers of change – those Commission, whose leaders chief executives, cut quickly Kirby, David Halpern and others influencing quietly. who have led in core themes over had previously been management teams, Sheridan Westlake. The battle over spending the past year: automatic inclusions. outsourcings and joint Whether the agenda will will soon gain new leaders, Instead, the top of the list is arrangements with the really free councils to the with the retirements due of 20 Behaviour change and Big Society dominated by people from National Health Service has extent either they want or the two influential fighters for the within local government – produced a pattern of links government expects remains sector, Local Government 21 Collaboration and partnership reflecting the localism agenda that would resemble a cat’s to be seen, but after decades Association chair Dame 29 and strong leaders making cradle were it mapped. of centralisation the power of Margaret Eaton (Con) and its Council leaders, 22 Economic development and place their mark. There are One issue for the coming general competence and Liberal Democrat vice-chair chiefs and shaping innovative chief executives few years will surely be increased financial freedoms Richard Kemp, who are both including Graham Burgess whether the present patterns will see them expected to due to step down. directors 23 Financial leadership and Andrea Hill; and new of districts, unitaries and take these opportunities and Their successors now have 3 local politicians coming to counties in England can make something of them. to navigate a terrain that is Ministers 24 Innovation the fore beyond their own survive when everyone is But first, the coming year quite different from the areas, such as Stephen sharing everything. will see councils grappling previous decade. 25 Political leadership 7 12 26 Thought leadership Civil servants Women Supporting talent at the heart of local government and advisers 27 Transformation 28 Roll of honour: those on the LGC 50 I am delighted to we are supporting are an significant change and other and replicate the things that Top 10 Local in 2011 and previous years see more local important way of providing formal development involving finding are really working. government recognition of this quality. Such new ways of working, both As part of the programme, a Government Leaders on leaders than ever acknowledgement is much needed internally and in front-line series of special focus articles will the LGC50 before occupying in the face of recent comments services. They will need to explore some of the key leadership Derek Myers PLUS don’t the top slots in the LGC 50 list of from parts of central government influence and lead external challenges. And while the LGC 50 Graham Burgess 38 miss your Men most influential people in the and the media. stakeholders, business partners, celebrates the top leaders of today, Andrea Hill poster version sector – eight of the top 10 are Strong, effective leadership other local agencies and citizens. the Future Leaders Network, Andrew Smith of the 50: council chief executives and across the local government The LGC 50 includes local launched this week, will highlight LGC leaders. This is testament to the functions will, of course, be all the government people who are the up and coming leaders of Stephen Greenhalgh centre-spread considerable achievements that more important in the coming leading in each of these areas and tomorrow in the coming year. Jules Pipe pull-out often don’t make the headlines. year as the savings challenge is more. In doing so, it provides a I look forward to supporting Steve Reed BT’s experience suggests that brought into sharp relief. useful starting point from which local government leadership with David Parsons there is a wealth of creative and Transforming public services is to share best practice. For the rest LGC throughout the year. Rob Whiteman inspirational leadership at local not going to be an easy task. of the year, the Leadership Chris Ainslie, vice-president, 13 Gavin Jones and level. The LGC 50 and the year- Leaders in local government will Programme will continue to BT local, regional and devolved Politicians long Leadership Programme that be presiding over a period of enable people to learn from each government Roderick Bluh

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Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page The agendaThe most Children’sHead influential services section Each week LGC’s AgendaResearch sections focus on a keyvoices topic, providing news, incomment, the analysis and sector best practice 50Email the news desk on [email protected] g raham burgess, chief 4executive, blackburn with darwen bc Leading local Blackburn with Darwen BC is LGC’s Council of the year for 2011 and its chief has developed exceptional responses to government in the many challenges the area faces. LGC Awards judges drew particular attention to its strong partnerships, innovative joint working with health services and the year ahead practical approach to problem solving. Mr Burgess has been at the helm of the formation of a Care Trust Plus with the local primary care trust, where he is joint chief executive. This conjoins the eri c pickles, secretary of Pu a l kirby, head of policy derek myers, chief commissioning budgets for primary care 1 state, dclg 2development, downing st 3executive, kensington & and children’s and adults’ health –worth chelsea rbc some £300m – and, taken with the Love him or loathe him – and if you’re The new policy chief at 10 Downing council’s budget, means around £800m one of local government’s higher earners Street is, by rich irony, the architect of One of the sector’s father figures, Derek of public money is being invested. chances are it’s the latter – the secretary the old comprehensive performance Myers has huge experience in a range of Although there are a number of of state for communities and local assessment system from his time at the roles, and runs one of the country’s best combined councils and PCTs, this was government is impossible to ignore. Audit Commission – both of which have authorities. As chair of the management the first to have the ‘plus’ status, because He has made more impact quicker been scrapped by the government he board of the Society of Local Authority of its focus on reducing health than any previous holder of his role, and now serves. He was also part of Tony Chief Executives and Senior Managers inequalities in addition to care work. he will continue to shape the local Blair’s performance regime in central he provides leadership from the front for Blackburn with Darwen is the 17th government landscape in the coming government. the whole sector, and is valued for his most deprived borough in the country, year. The former leader of the City of A competent pair of hands, once erudition and insight. and the council has given priority to Bradford MDC is a potent mixture. described as “outstandingly bright, He is well regarded for having “a wise anti-poverty measures, economic An avowed localist who sees fit to tell quick and clever” and with a local old head”, and for his ability to keep his regeneration and community cohesion. councils to exhibit Christmas government background, he is going to head while all others are losing theirs. Mr Burgess has also been the architect of decorations and the Queen’s portrait, a be encouraging the centre to look harder Mr Myers is part of the team that is strong collaborative working with Tory who denounces some of his own at delivery over the next few years. merging major services with public, private and voluntary sectors, party’s councils as “municipal socialists”, He will also be overseeing policy but neighbouring Westminster City Council leading a local public service board with and a secretary of state who boasts of with no quarter allowed for lax or lame and Hammersmith & Fulham LBC (see a track record for innovation. getting Whitehall off local government’s local authorities or for any ‘sacred cows’. entry 19) and will additionally become Strong leadership, back while embroiling himself in Mr Kirby was formerly a consultant chief executive of the latter when Geoff achievement and disputes about individual chief with KPMG, and was seconded to Alltimes retires in October. innovation, despite executives’ pay and dustbins collections. Conservative central office before the He stirred controversy last year when adversity, put Mr He also has a populist touch, regularly election where he became close to the he called, in his Solace role, for the Burgess among local getting himself into the press playing the shadow Treasury team. private sector to be subject to levels of government’s most role of people’s champion against This closeness to the government’s accountability and fiduciary control in influential. “extravagant” councils. most enthusiastic cutters may create line with the public sector to restore But on the other side of the balance nervousness among councils as to what trust in civil society. sheet he has scrapped many of the old could flow from his newly powerful In one of the rare occasions top-down controls, flinging aside the position, as indeed could his where he failed to convince his Audit Commission, the government co-authorship of the Payment for Success peers of his case, he set out the regional offices, the comprehensive area report, which advocated the aggressive direction of his thinking with a assessment system and local area implementation of payment by results vigorous defence of the welfare agreements, among much else. across the public sector. state and the role of public The question is whether he really will He has also spent time at the Cabinet managers, arguing that let the sector and local politicians police Office and the BBC and has held senior comparisons of moral and ethical themselves once the Localism Bill roles at Lincolnshire and standards in commercial passes, or will he still be tempted to Nottinghamshire CCs. organisations and public institutions issue edicts and criticism. Either way, Whether his local government was “simply wrong”. with the passage of the bill, the resource background disposes him well towards It was perhaps his call for a tax review and his undoubted power, Mr the sector is a matter for conjecture. It system in which all records are seen Pickles will be the most influential may just mean he knows where the as public property that alarmed his person in the year ahead. bodies are buried. colleagues the most.

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Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page T he agendaThe most Children’sHead influential services section Each week LGC’s AgendaResearch sections focus on a keyvoices topic, providing news, incomment, the analysis and sector best practice 50Email the news desk on [email protected] Mr Parsons is emerging as a player among Conservative politicians, and ‘‘is certainly unafraid of a scrap andrew smith, chief stephen greenhalgh, ju les pipe cbe, mayor, 6executive, hampshire cc 7leader, hammersmith & 8hackney lbc fulham lbc Andrew Smith was Hampshire CC’s Now in his third term as Hackney LBC’s director of property, business and Stephen Greenhalgh was Hammersmith elected mayor, Mr Pipe (Lab), a former regulatory services for 11 years, and it is & Fulham LBC’s first Conservative leader chemist and journalist, also became this expertise that he has drawn on to for 20 years when he won in 2006. He leader of London Councils after last lead the Local Government Association’s then announced an intention to carry year’s elections. workstream on procurement, capital out the unlikely feat of cutting council In a borough that was once a byword and shared assets. tax every year, even as the storm clouds for the ‘loony left’, and beset with Some £50bn a year gets spent in these of cuts appeared on the horizon. corruption scandals, Mr Pipe has areas and he has worked to develop Cllr Greenhalgh hoped in the long gradually introduced a strong procurement models to allow it to be term to emulate neighbouring performance culture. His priority has managed better, releasing money for Wandsworth LBC’s low levels. been to bring efficiency to Hackney’s spending elsewhere. The tax has since come down, and administration, which he has done while A lndrea Hil , chief Mr Smith has argued that the barriers Hammersmith & Fulham has become freezing council tax for five years and steve reed, leader, lambeth david parsons cbe, 5executive, suffolk cc to efficiency and effective procurement one of the few authorities to see rising seeing resident satisfaction rates 9lbc 10leader, leicestershire cc are often not technical, but include resident satisfaction as its increase from 60% to 72% since 2006 – Suffolk CC’s chief is driving one of local council sovereignty over working administration was streamlined. double the London average. Steve Reed is one of Labour’s rising The Conservative leader of government’s most radical experiments practices, local capacity constraints, It won LGC’s Council of the Year award At London Councils Mr Pipe has to figures in local government, bucking Leicestershire CC has been a source of on the Big Society concept with its vision supply chain management behaviour in 2010 when it was praised by the work on a cross-party basis carrying trends to take control in 2006 and then leadership at the Local Government of becoming a ‘commissioning council’. and an inability to deploy collaborative judges for “doing something very special Conservatives and Liberal Democrats holding it last year. Association at a time when the sector Suffolk has resolved to “withdraw as arrangements. in challenging times” by finding ways to with him. He has described the common He has been the architect of the has been under attack, not least from much as possible from its role as a Mr Smith’s influential work will help deliver more for less. interests of all of the London boroughs ‘co-operative council’, sometimes ministers in his own party. service provider”. councils overcome these constraints. Since then Cllr Greenhalgh has been as being “power and money”, and has known as the ‘John Lewis council’ – a Mr Parsons has chaired the LGA Opponents have tried to label this as He is currently examining how to central to the creation of shared services used his role on London Councils to concept that has become one of the left’s improvement board and championed merely conventional outsourcing, but at make new methods of financing work, with Kensington & Chelsea RBC and argue both for more powers for councils, alternatives to the Big Society. the Total Place approach to the heart of Ms Hill’s vision is a council such as prudential borrowing, tax Westminster City Council, which will see and to lobby for the capital’s financial Cllr Reed’s challenge will be how far consolidating local public sector that signs service delivery contracts with increment financing and accelerated his council share Kensington & Chelsea’s settlement. he can take this as he deals with the budgets to drive efficiencies, by mutuals led by its current staff and with development zones. former chief executive, Derek Myers. His leadership has marked him out on impact of spending cuts on a borough eliminating wasteful duplication voluntary sectors bodies. He has also worked with the Office of Cllr Greenhalgh is an influential figure the national stage, providing strong with areas of deprivation. between services, and also to explore Only a few of Suffolk CC’s services are Government Commerce and the in Conservative policy circles, is said to opposition to government – a role that The development of the ‘co-operative possibilities for joint working across expected to go to the private sector. Treasury on government national be a personal friend of many cabinet will no doubt continue. council’ was itself unusual as it involved services that were previously hampered Such an upheaval has inevitably efficiency reviews. members, and gains from his status as This activity may not have endeared setting up a Citizen’s Commission to by different accountability streams. created enemies, and Ms Hill has shown Mr Smith’s expertise makes him the running a flagship council in an area him to Eric Pickles, communities and take local and national evidence and Leicestershire’s work as a pilot on fortitude and spirit in taking them on go-to person for advice that will be where his party has not traditionally local government secretary, but Mr Pipe arrive at recommendations. community budgets, which takes on the and putting across her case, not least in much needed in the year ahead. been in power. is unlikely to mind that too much. This idea seeks to give residents more original idea, is now judged crucial to the face of a hostile media campaign involvement in,and control over services the approach’s success. that focused on her pay and even the by putting council resources in their Cllr Parsons was involved in drawing price of her clothes. hands. The Commission’s report, up a joint submission on the concept of Ms Hill is one of local government’s published in January, has been followed community budgets to ministers from characters. She is an outspoken figure by Lambeth putting forward 16 ‘early both councils and Whitehall who attracts a lot of attention – both adopter’ ideas to put the idea of this kind departments ahead of last autumn’s favourable and not. of co-operation into practice. spending review. This was controversial last year, but Early projects include a community- Politically, Mr Parsons is emerging as a now, interestingly, other councils are led model to recommission youth player among the next generation of beginning to consider the idea and run services, possible transfer of adventure Conservative local politicians now with it – albeit without Ms Hill’s high- playgrounds to social enterprise trusts, coming to the fore, and is certainly profile panache. and developing a 500-strong network of unafraid of a political scrap. As the year progresses, and Suffolk’s ‘green’ community champions to make He could become a force in the LGA, plans are realised, all eyes will be on Ms environmental improvements. where his board has driven work on Hill as the sector seeks to learn from her Progress will influence the approach helping councils to help themselves valuable experience. that others take in the year ahead. before anyone else does this for them.

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50 John Barradell is one of a growing band of chiefs using technology to ‘‘drive the redesign of services rob whiteman S ir Bob kerslake, joannal kil ian, 11 managing, 14 permanent 16 chief executive, director, lGID secretary, dclg essex cc and brentwood bc As managing director of Local A figure as far apart from the Government Improvement ‘Sir Humphrey’ stereotype as Joanna Killian is the only and Development, Mr Whitehall gets, Sir Bob person to be chief of both a Whiteman has provided Kerslake arrived in county and a borough – and leadership for the movement September 2010 as on Eric Pickles’ doorstep. towards sector-led regulation permanent secretary to the She has also found the and improvement, replacing Department for time to play a growing role the oversight of the doomed Communities and Local sheridan nationally, speaking at events john barradell, ni ck walkley, Audit Commission. Government, having spent a 15 westlake, special and leading a productivity 17 chief executive, 18 chief executive, If he succeeds this could be large part of his career within adviser to the workstream for Local brighton & Hove city barnet lbc a game-changer for local local authorities. secretary of state Government Improvement council government as it proves its As permanent secretary, and Development. Barnet LBC hit the headlines ability to look after itself gel r g c ark, Mr Kerslake is expected to be Fifteenth on this list might It’s little wonder that Essex John Barradell is one of a in 2009 with its ‘easyCouncil’ without any ‘big brother’ 12 minister for a moderating influence on seem a strange place to find – one of the largest councils – growing band of chiefs who approach. This name, likened looking over its shoulder. But decentralisation the excesses of ministers in a an obscure Conservative has seen many innovations are using technology to drive to a certain budget airline, to do that it will have to hurry. He will also be able to backbencher from Guildford on her watch, from setting up the redesign of services. was not Barnet’s choice but it convince ministers that it is It would perhaps be rude to empathise with former BC, but while his name might a bank to support local small For example, he held a ‘city stuck, as the council sought a capable of self-improvement other ministers to describe colleagues who are grappling sound like the latest pop businesses, to rescuing camp’ at which citizens could model with which it would where necessary, which is Greg Clark as the brains of with the implications of cuts sensation, Sheridan Westlake village post offices design smartphone provide basic services. where LGID will be tested. the Department for on public spending. is in fact a special adviser to Meanwhile, she dealt with applications to measure local Under this approach, Mr Whiteman has also Communities and Local He will be able to draw Eric Pickles. an attack from Mr Pickles and congestion or air quality, or residents would be free to pushed local authorities to be Government. from his experience as chief Mr Westlake is widely others over her salary with show how to access services. buy more as they chose, and at the vanguard of localism But as author of Total executive of Sheffield City credited – or not, depending poise and dignity. Ms Killian This, and his leading-edge do more for themselves just and decentralisation. Politics, he is rated as its g avin jones and Council for a decade, where one one’s view – with many of has a high profile that is likely commissioning council as tourists book direct rather His influence, insight and ‘thinker’ – the one with the 13 roderick bluh, he built a high profile on the his master’s extravagant and to get higher. model, put him at 17. than rely on a travel agent. innovations have been drawn real vision for localism. swindon bc national stage and much seemingly never-ending Mr Walkley wishes to from his previous experience Unusually, his brief runs respect among peers. press attacks on councils, and engage the public and use as chief executive of Barking beyond his own department A few years ago, Swindon was In 2008 Sir Bob left to run has helped to fashion his their feedback to design & Dagenham LBC, when it to drive decentralisation an underperforming council. the Homes and Communities image as a scourge of local services. From that he aims to faced tensions following a across Whitehall, making this Now, under chief executive Agency when that was set up government ‘waste’. derive priorities for spike in votes for the BNP. He MP for Tunbridge Wells as Gavin Jones (above, left) and out of the ashes of the Head of the civil service, Sir commissioning – something succeeded in driving reforms influential a figure as he leader Roderick Bluh (Con), it Housing Corporation, and Gus O’Donell, reportedly he argues councils are good that helped take the heat out chooses to be in the battle to is leading on two innovations, led the rapid work it did to set wrote to David Cameron with at talking about but in most of the situation. get those departments on in family policy and in up programmes to support concerns about the “role or cases have yet to do, partly board that have historically technology. the housebuilding industry conduct” of special advisers. because they lack experience. been reluctant to let go of Their work on complex and home buyers during the Nevertheless, Mr Westlake He is noted for wanting to their powers or money. families has given its social depths of the recession. wields considerable influence bridge the gap between the Mr Clark’s past in the Social services team a new for good or ill at the heart of best of private sector Democratic Party long approach, by looking at each the Pickles project to make customer focus and that behind him, he is now close family in the round and the sector leaner. He is normally found in local to the top ranks of the Tories, selecting different thought to be the origin of government, even as councils having served as chief of staff professions as appropriate to some of the more lurid let go of some things they to leaders William Hague, work with them. attacks he has made. have traditionally done. Iain Duncan-Smith and Swindon’s Digital City His influence, though, But 2011 is the year when Michael Howard. project aims to install free derives from his place at Mr the theory is put into Mr Clark’s rational broadband internet access Pickles’ side; were he to cease practice, and that puts influence will be vital to across the borough, which to be his master’s voice, it Barnet’s chief in the limelight creating more constructive has been done in the might be back to Guildford again. Sink or swim, the central-local relations. Highworth area. and back to relative obscurity. sector will be watching.

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50 Despite being a finance director, Paul Woods is credited with a ‘cheerful ‘‘glass half-full’ view of the world p aul woods, b gen pa e, chief 23 director of 25 executive, finance and ipsos mori resources, newcastle city council Despite moving on to all matters commercial, and as Any council treasurer who likely to be in Singapore as can beat his opposite number Sussex and Italy as Islington – at Proctor & Gamble to a Mr Page continues to professional prize must know command respect both his stuff, and Mr Woods was across Whitehall and across t ony travers, hu gh grover, named finance director of the s teve freer, local government for his work ba rry quirk, 21 director, 22 policy director, year in the Nigel Wright North 24 chief executive, at research firm Ipsos Mori. 26 chief executive, greater london london councils East Accountancy Awards. cipfa He impresses not just with lewisham lbc group, lSe He has worked at the quality of statistics the A well-connected and Newcastle for 30 years, Chief of the Chartered company produces to track Lewisham LBC’s veteran chief Geoff AlLTimes, Tony Travers is the director of experienced former civil working his way up from Institute of Public Finance & public attitudes to local has survived 17 years in the 19 Colin Barrow, LSE London, part of the servant, Mr Grover has trainee accountant to his Accountancy, Steve Freer has government, but also with his turbulent world of top Merrick Cockell, London School of brought a clear-thinking and present post, which he took been influencing major powerful analysis of them. London borough jobs, and as Stephen Economics, but that title does informed perspective to in 2003. change in the way local Though the death knell has the publication of his book Greenhalgh, Mike little justice to his role as the London Councils’ finance Mr Woods’ advice is highly authority finance chiefs work. sounded for Ipsos Mori’s approaches, he has decided More, Derek Myers leading commentator on team, where he is director of valued by public bodies The profile of CIPFA has People, Perceptions and Place to go part time ahead of his local government in and far fair funding. across the north-east and climbed, and its members survey, published in August retirement in three years. These six are listed beyond London. He has helped to beyond. He has been closely have been thrust to the fore 2009, Ben Page’s influence However, it is unlikely that collectively for their work in He is the ‘go-to guy’ for consolidate and advance involved with the Local in these uncertain times. remains as strong as ever as Mr Quirk will be inactive. He merging services in the television cameras and London Councils’ reputation Government Association’s Mr Freer’s quiet influence he continues to sit on was the government’s adjacent Hammersmith & newspapers when they seek for strong financial analysis work on capitalisation and will be felt during the advisory panels for numerous national efficiency Fulham LBC, Kensington & tamara out comment on anything to and policy development, and has been a key source of resource review and related departments across champion, and undertook a Chelsea RBC and 20 finkelstein, do with the sector – is the first port of call for information in unravelling Westminster activities. Whitehall. review that reported in 2008 Westminster City Council. director of public something which, unlike many looking to understand technical issues relating to on community ownership The arrangement follows services, HM Treasury many academics, he is able to some of the darker intricacies the financial settlement and, and management of public in the footsteps of a number do in layman’s terms. of local government finance. in particular, capitalisation. assets – which could form a of districts – but it is a first in Ms Finkelstein is the newly Mr Travers also contributes It is this rare appreciation Despite being a finance plank of the government’s Big terms of scale and projected appointed HM Treasury to numerous publications, of the technical details, and director he is credited with a Society vision. savings. As such, it will test director of public services, a including his weekly column his ability to make them “cheerful glass half-full view Mr Quirk is also a past Mr Pickles’ theories on post that means she will in LGC, and is often accessible, that have secured of the world”, even in current president of the Society of shared services, and all under rapidly become very appointed to write reports for Mr Grover a place on the conditions. Local Authority Chief the media’s gaze. This project influential indeed in local councils and thinktanks on national stage. As the With debate about Executives and Senior will see the three councils government. new ideas for the sector, and resource review gathers pace, retention of business rates Managers and has served on combining their children and She follows former how these might develop. his influence will grow. underway, Paul Woods’ innumerable advisory bodies adult social care services and Islington LBC chief executive Best known for giving He has also been involved influence will be significant. including crime reduction share information technology Helen Bailey into the post but trenchant opinions, his own in work to encourage the and child protection. and human resources. will cover the Ministry of politics, like those of all good completion of the Census, He has a PhD in social and Mr Myers will also become Justice and the Home Office pundits, remain a mystery. under-reporting of which political geography, and is a chief executive of the first two as part of her remit, in His informed and well- from the 2001 version left the fellow in social policy and when Mr Alltimes retires in addition to local government, reasoned arguments have capital’s councils out of politics at Goldsmiths. Last October, saving £200,000 over education and health. been valued by successive pocket for a decade. year, he sat on a panel to the next three years. Described as “extremely decision-makers. At a time when money is work out how the Underpinning this shared intellectual with great powers As the government’s short, Hugh Grover’s branch Department for Education’s arrangement is a ‘sovereignty of analysis”, but also as resource review progresses, of financial expertise will be budget can be better spent, guarantee’, ensuring each “approachable, likeable and Mr Travers’ expertise will crucial to ensuring that following the abandonment council retains its councillors pragmatic”, Ms Finkelstein undoubtedly grant him London gets all it can and of the Building Schools for and decision-making powers. has long worked in Whitehall. considerable influence. uses it well. the Future programme.

10 LGC50 April 2011 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com April 2011 LGC50 11 Campaign

50 The Big Society is commonly thought to be Steve Hilton’s idea, and ‘‘he has worked to give substance to it david behan, s tteve hil on, 31 director- 33 director of general, department strategy, downing st of health It is hard to assess the exact David Behan, director- extent of Steve Hilton’s power. general of social care, local But as the prime minister’s government and care director of strategy it is partnerships at the certainly substantial. Department of Health, has He is one of a small circle moved from local of people around David mar tin reeves, max wide, government into Whitehall. g ary porter, Cameron who helped him david halpern, 27 chief executive, 28 director of This puts him at the heart 32 leader (con), develop ways in which the 34 senior fellow, coventry city council strategic development, of debates about how social south holland dc Conservatives could shed the institute for bt government care can be afforded and memory of the Major government Martin Reeves is another of irenes luca he len bailey, delivered in the face of rising The Conservative leader of government and reinvent a the new wave of technology Max Wide is best known 29 30 chief executive, demand and falling resources South Holland DC and chair party more in tune with the A policy heavyweight at the fans in the upper reaches of for his pivotal involvement local partnerships – making him a valuable of the Local Government country they aspired to rule. centre of government, Dr local government. in two of the country’s Whether as director general voice of local government. Association environment and The Big Society is David Halpern is a senior He is noted for his fresh most high-profile council at the Department for Local Partnerships is the His influence grows with the housing board also wears a commonly thought to have fellow of the Institute for thinking and for the transformation programmes: Communities and Local commercial advisory body joint-working agenda. third hat – as chair of the been Mr Hilton’s idea, and he Government, where he was economic regeneration so-called easyBarnet Government, chief executive owned jointly by the Local Having started his career in District Councils Network. has worked to give substance previously deputy director. agenda that he is taking and Suffolk’s divestment at South Tyneside, or board Government Association and social work, Mr Behan rose to In this latter role, Gary to it after its rather uncertain He is now on secondment forward in Coventry. strategy. member for the likes of Sport HM Treasury. In straitened become director of social Porter is playing a powerful road-testing among the to 10 Downing Street and the Coventry’s symbol is a This work will be England, Ms Lucas has economic times, the services at Greenwich LBC role in shaping the local public last year. Cabinet Office to head the phoenix, and that could sum increasingly influential in the proved to be influential in before taking over as chief government landscape. He is government’s behavioural up his approach that a city coming year as other each of her recent roles. Ms Bailey inspector for the former credited with match-making Mr Hilton is insight team, and support that once grew wealthy on authorities plan their Announcing her departure is uniquely Commission for Social Care councils wanting to share a the man with work on the Big Society and heavy engineering should transformation journey. from DCLG last November, Inspection in 2003. chief and senior wellbeing agendas. now seek out opportunities Media coverage of Barnet’s Ms Lucas vowed to continue qualified as Mr Behan has also been a management team, with the big ideas at This team was set up last to revive its economy based plans focused almost to be involved with the sector ‘‘ key member of Sir Michael likes of Hammersmith & ‘‘ year to look at ways to solve well as much the centre of on new technologies. exclusively on charging she loves – and we can expect Bichard’s group that fleshed Fulham and Kensington & policy challenges using Mr Reeves has also citizens for premium this much-respected figure to respected out the Total Place concept, Chelsea following suit. government theories of behavioural introduced innovations in services. But at the heart of its continue to be influential in and has been involved in As the year progresses, Cllr economics, which considers engaging with the public, Future Shape Programme her latest incarnation. organisation’s contribution changes to the way in which Porter’s influence will He’s the man with big ideas the factors that influence including CovJam, a three- was creating a new Ms Lucas is particularly will be vital. Ms Bailey services to reduce drug and continue to be felt as more at the very centre of individuals’ choices. day forum organised in relationship with citizens in well known for her innovative will lead its evolution alcohol abuse are delivered. arrangements are brokered government – and even if he He has been there before, collaboration with IBM and which they play a more active streak and for bringing out to explore new funding and announced. This will has little time for local serving as chief analyst in the held in the summer of 2010. role – just as holidaymakers the best in people – traits that vehicles for councils and the build on his work over the government, his ideas about Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit During the event, some 900 book flights direct rather than will be more important than future of public-private past year to put district issues policy and the Big Society in from 2001-07, when Tony Coventry citizens, local using an agent. This work ever in the coming year. partnerships. centre-stage in local particular will be important. Blair was in charge. businesses and public bodies started in 2008. Ms Bailey joined this year government as the tradition Dr Halpern has led many were invited to participate in Mr Wide, who spent 20 from the Treasury, where she of each of them being self- policy reviews and set up the the online conversation to years at London Boroughs was director of public contained weakens in the former Social Exclusion Task discuss the future of the city, and has worked with 60 services, and where she face of financial pressures. Force, drafting its action plan. looking at its urban authorities to delivery change helped instigate the Total Cllr Porter has travelled He has written a number of landscape, skills for the programmes, is currently on Place concept, and before widely telling other councils influential papers, on topics economy, quality of life and secondment with Suffolk. that she was chief of Islington about how shared services such as behaviour change how the community can have There, he is developing new LBC – the country’s most can be made to work, and his and personal responsibility. greater control. ways of delivering services rapidly improved council. own council has set up Before entering Mr Reeves is also a keen through social enterprises, This makes Ms Bailey Compass Point Business government, he taught social advocate of using social employee mutuals and uniquely qualified as well as Services, a back-office and political sciences at the media to reach residents. community groups. much respected. operations provider. University of Cambridge.

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50 Sir Simon’s role is to make sure the mayor’s strategies in planning and ‘‘development get delivered k im ryley, chief joy ce redfearn, 39 executive, 41 chief executive, shropshire cc wigan mbc

Chief of the new unitary As one of the small number Shropshire Council, was the of people who are chief same chief who pulled Hull executives of both a council City Council out of its and a primary care trust, troubles in the mid-2000s. Wigan’s Joyce Redfearn Kim Ryley is delivering a embodies the closer working radical change programme at between these sectors as ju lia A ndrew Kerr Shropshire, where he plans to Pi h l Coppard local government gets ready B oris Johnson 35 goldsworthy, 38 and Jane Scott, cut management overheads 40 obe, Chief to take back responsibility for 42 and Sir Simon special adviser to wiltshire cc by 20% to save money, while executive, Barnsley public health. Milton chief secretary, Hm projecting the front line. He is MBC On the basis of this treasury dominic daniel Wiltshire is a new unitary also looking at ideas of using experience, Ms Redfearn has London’s elected mayor, 36 campbell, 37 ratchford, whose creation led to the mutuals and the voluntary The long-standing Barnsley addressed the massed ranks ‘blond bombshell’ Boris To go from being an MP to founder, futuregov strategic director, abolition of four districts sector to a greater extent in MBC chief executive received of Whitehall’s permanent Johnson, is not known – being special adviser to the sutton lbc amid inevitable controversy. service delivery. an OBE in 2009 for services to secretaries on collaborative whatever his other merits – chief secretary to the Treasury Mr Campbell entered local Its chief executive Mr Kerr, As a new unitary, the local government. leadership. She is also closely for doing detail, which is is an unusual career route in government through the Daniel Ratchford is Sutton and Conservative leader Jane council has signed up to While many of his peers involved in the regional where Sir Simon Milton politics, but Julia Graduate Development LBC’s strategic director of Scott, have sought to steer demanding efficiency savings have remained silent, Phil efficiency and improvement comes in. Goldsworthy, who lost her Programme, in which select environment and leisure, and the new council so it quite apart from the impact Coppard is prepared to stand partnerships, chairing the A former leader of Falmouth and Camborne groups of graduates are as a leading light on manages to exploit its new of spending cuts. up for the sector and Chief Executives Task Group, Westminster City Council seat last year by just 66 groomed as future leaders. behaviour change activities. size, to drive efficiencies and Mr Ryley’s advice is widely publically challenge some of which provides advice to the and briefly chair of the Local votes, has instead gained Charged with a desire to He has led Sutton’s work – implement ways of working valued. He has mentored the the erroneous criticism often LGA and Local Government Government Association, Mr a place close to the levers change local government for including its £5m initiative in that reach lower levels than troubled Doncaster MBC and peddled about local Improvement and Milton’s role in this double of power. the better – and quickly – he partnership with Transport the old councils did. he is the current president of government throughout the Development on sector act is to act as a wise head for Ms Goldsworthy was the left the sector to set up for London that helps There are now 18 area the Society of Local Authority national media. This year he improvement and efficiency. an effervescent mayor, for Liberal Democrat shadow Futuregov in 2008. He is rated residents make better choices boards, which include Chief Executives and Senior presented a powerful whom he is the perfect foil. secretary at the Department for stirring rebellion among about travel, encouraging councillors, community area Managers. challenge to ministers, Between them they are for Communities and Local local government officers and walking, cycling and the use managers, other relevant His Solace role provides a suggesting that well-run planning the shape of Government in the last councillors to challenge of public transport. officers, and a cabinet platform for him to share his councils would not be London post-Olympic parliament, and she is preconceptions of Mr Ratchford was a member. They also draw in thinking. He has already affected by the budget cuts. Games, and grappling with therefore credited with a engagement, communities director of Capital Ambition – the local NHS, fire and shown himself to be a The sector’s ability to the regeneration of a city significant understanding of and technology. an improvement strategy led emergency services, police, thought leader, using communicate will be critical often mistakenly thought to local government and its Mr Campbell has led by London local government. town and parish councils, occasions such as the annual for its reputation and be uniformly wealthy. particular challenges. numerous projects and his He has also worked at and other groups to find Solace dinner, when he made credibility among ministers Sir Simon’s role is to make Now, working with chief influence is set to continue Islington LBC since 2002 and solutions for local issues, and an early, informed analysis of and residents over the sure the mayor’s strategies in secretary Danny Alexander to and increase, with his has been on a secondment to have a formal status within the government’s public coming year – senior planning and development shape policy in the Treasury seemingly endless flow of the NHS. the council. service reform agenda. local government will get delivered, though affords considerable ideas. His latest is ‘Simpl’, a A combination of a need to show similar whether they can do this long influence at the heart of “social innovation political leader described as leadership. term will depend on next central government. marketplace” connecting “very clear thinking and In his role as year’s elections. In opposition, Ms councils with innovative focused” and a chief secretary of Special As 2012 approaches, Mr Goldsworthy was a strong improvement ideas. executive steering the Interest Group of Johnson and Sir Simon will decentralist; it is thought that With admirers from across delivery of this, will be Municipal Authorities, continue to be a force for the Treasury is yet to stifle the sector and in the US, Mr watched closely across local the outspoken Mr change in the capital. this commitment, not least Campbell carries significant government to see if a Coppard has also kept The mayor’s role in because she comes from clout. His impressive Twitter geographically big council the needs and concerns creating and sustaining Cornwall where feelings following is unrivalled and he can make a reality of localism of some of the UK’s most workable relations with the against being ruled from would top any social media while it also seeks to gain its deprived council areas on London boroughs is also outside run strongly. influence list. promised efficiency savings. the agenda. noteworthy.

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50 Nicola Yates is leading work that seeks to shift a ‘can’t do’ culture ‘‘among parts of Hull to a ‘can do’ one donnal hal , john o’brien, dave smith, 43 chief executive, 47 chief executive, 49 chief executive, chorley BC london councils sunderland city council Donna Hall is widely As chief executive of London respected by her peers for Councils since 2007 John Sunderland must, like many really making a difference at O’Brien works in a cross- cities that once relied on Chorley BC and at nearby, party environment in which heavy industry, remake its but not adjacent, Wyre BC, politicians, who might local economy to exploit which she additionally took otherwise be in conflict, try to other skills. on in October 2010. develop common positions As the city council’s chief She joined Chorley at a low ror be t gordon, on the capital’s needs. ni cola yates, since January 2009, Dave Lord John point in 2006 when she had 44 leader (Con), His continued efforts to 48 chief executive, Smith has driven a 50 shipley, leader to cut 20% of jobs rapidly and hertfordshire cc guide the London boroughs hull city council programme to help local (lib dem), newcastle cope with low staff morale. in their relations with the citizens become city council But within a few years it Cllr Rob Gordon has two Mayor since the election Nicola Yates joined Hull City technologically literate. gained ‘beacon’ status and roles in addition to being c aroline flint, continue to impress. Council as acting chief in This vision saw Sunderland John Shipley, a city councillor quickly climbed the ‘Best Hertfordshire’s leader, both of 45 shadow He has a long history in the 2008, having previously take first place in the Britain for 34 years, was given a life Council to Work For’ list. which could position him for secretary of state, sector to stand him in good headed North Shropshire DC. Works Challenge, sponsored peerage in May 2010. Ms Hall has a very personal higher things. dclg stead in the tricky job of She took the top job at Hull in by Microsoft, bringing it Although not well-known style of leadership, using a He is chair of the County balancing up his different November 2009. £10m worth of IT training nationally, he is expected to blog to tell people what she’s Councils Network (CCN) and Shadowing Eric Pickles ought politicians as the cuts bite. She has driven forward vouchers for local people help drive central-local been doing, holding regular also of the Conservative to be a job that provides This history includes a work to make Hull the world’s through the Sunderland government collaboration, ‘listening days’ and using Councillors Association plenty of scope for an stint at the Local Government first ‘restorative city’. Microsoft Learning and and argue the local authority e-newsletters to celebrate (CCA), and is thought of by ambitious opposition Association, supporting an The city has high levels of Employment Project (Smile). case without being staff achievements. politician, especially having independent review of its unemployment, crime and Judges singled the council confrontational. And she is possibly the Cllr Gordon’s had experience of having internal workings. He was poverty, so the council and its out for its concept of the Lord Shipley will find only chief executive to have role in the served in his department. mary orton, seconded there from the partners decided a different family being the route to himself in a position to bat been embroiled in a dispute Caroline Flint was housing 46 secretary, alace Department for approach from traditional getting citizens back to work. for both localism and his city. about whether she was in the CCA gives and planning minister in Communities and Local methods was needed to anarchist rock band ‘‘ 2008 under Labour. Her job When trouble strikes among Government, where he was improve the lives of children him real Chumbawamba. now will be to find a way of chief executives, it is Mary director of local government and young people. influence taking on Mr Pickles without Orton, secretary of the performance and practice. Restorative work uses a appearing to be opposed to Association of Local Mr O’Brien was also shared way of working, the Local Government localism, which her party Authority Chief Executives – involved in drawing up the which provides the ‘glue’ Association as a future leader subscribes to, though not in the chiefs’ trade union – they 2006 Local Government White that binds together agencies of his party. the same manner. turn to for help. Paper. Prior to 2003 he was a in a common approach. Although he keeps a Ms Flint has been a loud This year, the hue and cry director at the former Hull’s objectives are that relatively low profile, Cllr voice against the front- against chief executives’ pay, Improvement and children can expect to be Gordon’s role in the CCA, loading of spending cuts on led by Eric Pickles, has made Development Agency for safe, healthy, happy, make working with a Conservative councils and against the Ms Orton’s job tougher, as her Local Government. a positive contribution to secretary of state, gives him impact of cuts on public members’ remuneration society and gain economic real influence in government, services, but it is still early becomes matter of public wellbeing. and a platform from which to days for her to be setting out concern, even of scorn. Working more widely put local government’s case what Labour’s vision for local Her phone will keep on under the One Hull banner, to ministers. government will be, come the ringing in the coming year as the council and its partners As CCN chair he has next general election. she continues to stand above seek to empower citizens to sought to bring counties It may be four years before the parapet and take on take part in making decisions together to share services and an election gives her the bigotry and ridicule from that affect them. learn from each other, as they chance to resume office, but parts of the government that Ms Yates is leading work grapple with spending cuts local government will want to ought to know better. that seeks to shift a ‘can’t do’ and increased demands for see the shape of what Labour Her day job is as chief culture among parts of the care services and waste. plans well before that. executive of Waverley BC. community to a ‘can do’ one.

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Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page T hResearche agendaOnes to watch Children’sHead services Organisations with influencesection 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sections focus on a key topic, providing news, comment, analysis and best practice Email the news desk on [email protected]

The judges were keen to highlight the ‘ones to watch’ – those they tip to be on the LGC50 list Local government boasts countless organisations; the days when all they needed to offer was next year. An encouraging show of council directors, plus a few more established names, this an annual dinner and an official tie are long gone. The most effective ones make waves by the list reveals those whose existing local influence is likely to blossom in the coming months power of their ideas and their clout both within the sector and by representing it outside

Jonnr Ai ge the parish and town council tier. With 8,500 member councils AGM A director of the consultancy firm Impower, Mr Ainger is best who employ more than 25,000 staff and spend some £400m, The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities was once a local co-ordinating body with little known as a social care consultant in both children’s and adult this layer may become more important if it grabs the profile, but is now the basis of the first city region outside London. services, trying to develop the next generation of thinking on opportunities presented by localism. Its 10 members have used it to pull together the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The first service design, particularly focused on practical body of its kind, it will have wide powers over transport, regeneration and economic development, and implementation of behaviour change. Sean Nolan perhaps demonstrates a way for other conurbations. He received a strong showing of nominations from his As president of the Association of colleagues in local government. Local Authority Treasurers’ Societies, C entre for Cities Mr Nolan has made a point of getting This respected thinktank’s focus on helping Britain’s cities to improve their economic performance has Paul Blantern his treasurer colleagues to face up to made a significant impact since it was launched in 2005. Northamptonshire CC’s new chief came from the realities of the current financial In the coming year, under the stewardship of new chief Alexandra Jones, the Centre for Cities’ work the private sector having been managing climate following the spending will be ever more important. Expect vocal involvement on the debate around business rates and tax director of Severn Trent Water’s commercial arm review. His expertise with public increment financing. and involved in establishing Network Rail. finances is also starting to make its Paul Blantern is rated as a highly creative mark among senior civil servants. Cn o servative Home thinker leading the agenda on the Big Society and behavioural He is also deputy chief executive and director of corporate Agree with it or not, this is the website where the most committed members of the coalition’s larger change, and has also steered the county’s shared back-office resources at East Sussex CC. party gather to debate and argue, and it gives a vital insight into what the Conservatives are thinking, or service with Cambridgeshire CC, one of the largest of its kind. might think in future. A ndy O’Brien The website gets to the front line of Conservative local government and shows what concerns C athy Francis Although East Staffordshire BC is a district, it has councillors and where the party’s heart is, whatever the government might be saying. The change from regional development agencies a social service of its own. Mr O’Brien, who to local enterprise partnerships is a major one became chief executive in 2009, played a key role I nstitute for Government and promises a stronger role for councils in in introducing a support scheme for first-time A cross between a high-level training body and a thinktank, The Institute for Government works across economic development. mothers during pregnancy and for the first two parties to develop the skills of senior public servants, politicians and political advisors and conducts As the Department for Communities and years of the child’s life, to combat high infant mortality rates. research on public administration. Local Government’s deputy director responsible for this, Ms A charity, backed by funding from Lord Sainsbury, it seeks to provide evidence-based advice that Francis has been problem-solving on the ground, meeting R ichard Puleston draws on best practice from around the world. local authorities to resolve problems face-to-face. Deputy chief executive of Essex CC is a creative thinker and rising star near the top of one of the country’s most interesting L ocal Government Information Unit Mn a jeet Gill councils. Mr Puleston proved popular with readers making The change of government could have meant difficulties for the unit, given its left-wing origins, but The chief executive of West Lindsey DC is known nominations for this year’s list. those are now long behind it and it has carved out a position as a respected, even-handed thinktank for her thinking big on behaviour change, Big and source of policy analysis that crosses political divides with ease. Society, and entrepreneurial councils. T om Riordan Led by chief executive Andy Sawford, the LGiU has just launched a local health network to sit Energetic and highly motivated, Ms Gill is Settling in as chief executive of Leeds City alongside its well-regarded offshoots in children’s services and public services partnerships. driving forward a new genre of council inspired Council, Tom Riordan is promising great things. by social enterprise and business. She is poised to make her Mr Riordan, who joined Leeds from Yorkshire N ew local government network mark on the agenda and become a key player. Forward, is expected to play an The NLGN was set up as Labour arrived in office to drive new ideas about decentralisation of power, important place-shaping role and to public service reform, enhancing local governance and empowering communities. D aniel Goodwin raise the profile of the city. This comes from a stream of well-received publications, and its Innovation Network brings together The new chief executive of St Albans City & DC works He will draw from wide-ranging experience, councils at the leading-edge of change. The NLGN’s long-term support for elected mayors has, though, closely with staff, councillors and his community to such as leading a team of experts for the borne less fruit. secure cultural development and explore chancellor in 2008 to look at how the region sustainable development. should respond to job losses. ‘ We Love Local Government’ He argues that the current financial challenge is This blog takes a sideways look at life in local government, providing a much-needed burst of humour presenting local government with a big T om Stannard for hard-pressed officers in the current climate, by reflecting on the many foibles of local authorities – opportunity to develop a framework that is fit for Director of policy and both good and bad. the future and the workforce to deliver it. communications at Blackburn More seriously, it has a networking role, connecting chiefs and directors across areas of interest and with Darwen BC, Mr Stannard expertise to share knowledge and best practice. Ju stin GrigGS gives a national voice to the issues As head of policy and development at the National of place-shaping and deprivation Y oung Foundation Association of Local Councils, Justin Griggs works in a council hit heavily by cuts in grant; for The thinktank that raised ‘Big Society’-type issues decades before the term was thought of, the Young tirelessly to encourage all in local government innovation in the use of social media; and Foundation can trace its work back to the sociologist Michael Young, one of the architects of post-war to appreciate the sleeping giant that is is fathers’ champion in his area. social reforms. It works mainly on innovation and entrepreneurship to meet social needs.

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Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page TheResearch agendaDrivers of change:Children’sHead behaviour services Drivers of change: collaborationsection 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sectionschange focus on a key topic, providingand news, comment,the analysis Big and best practiceSociety and partnership Email the news desk on [email protected]

The top 50 lists those who will influence the shape of local government in the year to come – Collaboration has been key over the past year, from Total Place and Community Budgets, to but in this period of significant change, judges also wanted to recognise those who shaped the shared arrangements with health, community policing partnerships, and shared services and landscape in the past year. Behaviour change, and now Big Society, have been major themes staff. Those highlighted here have made a significant contribution to this developing agenda

Adjusting the boundary between citizen and state Leading the way in joint working

3 Greg Clark 8 Andrew Kerr & Jane Scott 1 Joyce Redfearn 6 Jo Farrar She is chief executive at The behavioural The new unitary Wiltshire Wigan MBC’s Ms Farrar is Teignbridge DC and also took change that CC’s chief executive Andrew Joyce Redfearn chief executive over at Torridge DC last year. Greg Clark Kerr, and leader Jane Scott is one of the few of Bridgend Both councils are involved seeks is within OBE, are doing the double act chiefs heading CBC, which is in multiple shared services government of running a large council up a council recognised for with their neighbours, itself. As the minister for that delivers demanding and a primary care trust. impressive partnership perhaps pointing a way decentralisation he has a efficiency savings, while also In these roles she can draw working through its local forward for efficiencies after brief that, unusually, extends delivering services at a more the two sectors closer service board. the collapse of Devon’s across the whole of Whitehall. local level than did the together to work on health Inter-agency work on with proposed unitary county He will drive localism county’s four former districts. inequalities, as local children and families, mental re-organisation. through even such This is being done through government gets ready to health and substance misuse 1 Francis Maude traditionally reluctant 6 Steve Reed 18 area boards, which enjoy take back responsibility for 4 Helen Bailey are particularly highlighted. 9 Geoff Alltimes, Colin Barrow, Mr Maude is minister for the departments as the Lambeth LBC’s Labour leader formal powers within the public health. She has An architect of the Total Place Merrick Cockell, Stephen Cabinet Office, which has Department for Health and is one of his party’s rising council to find and addressed Whitehall’s concept while she was 7 Joanna Killian Greenhalgh, Mike More, Derek changed from being a the Home Office to convince stars but is best-known for implement solutions to issues permanent secretaries on director of public spending at Joanna Killian Myers collection of Whitehall them that this time the developing the concept of the in each area. collaborative leadership. HM Treasury, Ms Bailey saw a embodies The leaders and chief oddments into the body on government is serious about co-operative council, which way to find greater collaboration, executives of the three west efficiency in public services. Whitehall giving up some of Lambeth is now putting into 9 Michael 2 Gary Porter efficiencies while devolving being the only London boroughs of A government ‘thinker’, he its traditional powers. effect. This was honed by a Coughlin Leader of South power to the local level. person who is Hammersmith & Fulham leads on public sector Citizen’s Commission with As chief Holland DC and The idea behind Total Place chief executive of both a LBC, Kensington & Chelsea efficiency and reform, where 4 Colin Barrow the object of giving residents executive of chair of the was to draw together all county and district: Essex CC RBC and Westminster City he has lost little time in The leader of more involvement and Reading BC, Mr Local public spending in each area and Brentwood BC. Council are combining their seeking out waste. A Treasury Westminster control over services by Coughlin has Government under a partnership of public Whether this arrangement children and adult social care minister under the previous City Council putting council resources in been a strong advocate for Association’s Environment bodies working to agreed will be emulated elsewhere services, as well as Conservative government, he has been at the their hands. behaviour change activity, and Housing Board is an objectives. Although the remains unclear but it has information technology and should know where waste can centre of many Lambeth is pushing ahead including Reading’s Pulling enthusiast for shared services underpinning of been ground-breaking in human resources. They be found in Whitehall. innovations in local on a number of ‘early Together model, intended as and has travelled widely comprehensive area showing the possibilities of believe this will save £35m a government, drawing a adopter’ initiatives. a framework to develop and around the country telling assessments has gone, the sharing across tiers without year as management costs are 2 Steve Hilton talented team around him. support self-reliant and other councils about how actual concept remains. the need for a wholesale cut in half. One of the Whether it is family 7 Gillian capable citizens and they can be made to work. re-organisation of local Ministers will be watching, prime minister’s recovery, shared services, Beaseley communities. His own council has set up 5 David Behan government. given their status as close self-sufficiency or even Peterborough Compass Point Business The director- Conservative flagships. confidantes dealing with snow, City Council’s 10 Daniel Ratchford Services, a back-office general of social 8 Nicola Bulbeck from the Westminster under Colin chief executive Daniel Ratchford is Sutton operation provider owned care, local Ms Bulbeck is the first person 10 Roger Stone ‘Notting Hill Set’, Steve Hilton Barrow’s leadership is at the has led its LBC’s strategic director of jointly with East Lindsey DC. government to be a ‘long-distance’ chief Rotherham MBC’s Labour now works with him as forefront of innovation. Citizen Power partnership environment and leisure, and and care executive, of two councils leader has led the regional director of strategy in 10 with the RSA thinktank, a leading light on behaviour 3 John O’Brien partnerships at the that are some 50 miles apart. partnership of Yorkshire and Downing Street. 5 Matthew Taylor which explores how the change activities. When the Department of Health, David The Humber’s councils with Mr Hilton was one of the Chief executive of the RSA renewal of civic activism and He has led Sutton’s work – election saw Behan is at the heart of political change, making it a originators of Big Society, thinktank, Matthew Taylor community action might including a £5m initiative London debates about how social care strong cross-party body. which was developed as the has been involved in many improve networks between with Transport for London Councils turn can be afforded and delivered Roger Stone commands Tories sought to redefine initiatives dealing with citizen people, build local that helps residents make red, onlookers in the face of rising demand the respect of leaders across themselves as the party that engagement. He was chief participation and cultivate better choices about travel, predicted tough times ahead and falling resources. the region and uses it to believed there was such a political adviser to prime public service innovation. and encourages for relations in the capital. He was a key figure in innovate and lead on thing as ‘society’. minister Blair and is known It works on sustainable walking, cycling But Mr O’Brien has led the working up the Total Place improvement. He is acting as Mr Hilton has attempted to as an original thinker who is citizenship, tackling drug and and the organisation to negotiate the concept and he has been a go-between for squabbling give the idea substance after at the centre of debates alcohol use, educational increased use of tough terrain and forge closely involved in reforms to political groups at his an uncertain reception at last concerning the re-invention opportunity, the arts and the public constructive relations with drug and alcohol abuse troubled neighbour, year’s general election. of public services. health of civic life. transport. the mayor and government. services. Doncaster MBC.

20 LGC50 April 2011 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com April 2011 LGC50 21 Campaign

Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page TheResearch agendaDrivers of change:Children’sHead economic services Drivers of change: financialsection leadership 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sectionsdevelopment focus on a key topic, providing news, comment, and analysis and place best practice shaping Email the news desk on [email protected]

As the country tentatively emerges from recession, local government has risen to the Finance is always important but rarely more so than it is now, as the good times stop rolling in additional challenge of an upheaval in economic development as it leads, in partnership local government and the sector faces spending cuts that are not just deep but front-loaded. with the business community, the new local enterprise partnerships Here are some people looking for ways to make fewer resources go further

Leaders of local enterprise and economic recovery Securing value for money on diminishing budgets

Grant Shapps growth fund as he shapes the replaced poverty. The council and its Danny Alexander which role he is expected to partnerships work and at Treasury. She is The minister for housing and environment for local England’s partners are working under Seven years ago exert a moderating influence potential new funding a former Liberal local government is the economic development. regional the One Hull banner to the chief on the excesses of ministers vehicles. Democrat MP originator of the New Homes development attract investment and secretary to the in a hurry, and will also be This follows on from a and was her Bonus. Under this, councils Sir Simon Milton agencies as the endeavour to improve skills Treasury was a able to empathise with three-year stint for the former party’s shadow will receive a bonus payment The deputy main means to among local people. press officer for former colleagues grappling Islington LBC chief executive, communities from the government mayor of regenerate local economies. Ms Yates is leading work the Cairngorms National with the implications of cuts at the heart of government as and local government equivalent to six years’ London Cathy Francis is known for that seeks to shift a ‘can’t do’ Park. After his predecessor on public spending. HM Treasury director of secretary in the last council tax for each new responsible for getting out and about across culture among parts of the David Laws’ entanglement in Whether Sir Bob’s influence public services, in which role parliament. home for which they give planning, the the country to meet local community to a ‘can do’ one. an expenses controversy, the can ease their plight is she was one of the architects The sector will be hoping planning permission, with a former Westminster City authorities to resolve Liberal Democrat MP for another matter. of the Total Place concept. her support for localism similar arrangement for Council is the details man for problems face-to-face. Neil McInroy Inverness East found himself survives into her new role, commercial developments. his boss Boris Johnson. The Centre for suddenly elevated to his Stephen Jones helping Mr Alexander decide How this scheme will sit Sir Simon is guiding the Local Economic present post a few weeks after Mr Jones is director of finance which parts of the public with Mr Shapps’ other capital’s economic Strategies the general election. at the Local Government sector get what remains of enthusiasm – for handing development, in particular (CLES) is a He has been a robust Association, and key government budgets. powers over planning to the legacy of the 2012 thinktank, led defender of the cuts influencer with government neighbourhoods at a local Olympic Games. He is also by Mr McInroy, that is rated programme but insists the and local authorities. Paul Woods level – remains to be seen. the mayor’s chief of staff. for bringing leadership to the pain is being spread fairly. Newcastle City localism agenda, and for Council’s Martin Reeves doing more to advance the Eric Pickles director of Coventry City Council’s chief place-shaping agenda than The secretary of resources is executive knows the city’s are some councils. state at the someone symbol is a phoenix. CLES seeks ways to combat Department for whose advice is highly valued Mr Reeves uses social social and economic Communities Tony Travers by public bodies across the media and crowd-sourcing Jan Ormondroyd inequality and lack of and Local As one of the leading north-east and more widely. techniques, among others, to Bristol’s place-shaping opportunity, by informing Government has landed academics and He has been closely pull the local activities and economic policy and developing himself in hot water with the commentators in local involved with the LGA’s work economy from development focus, under its practice. sector. Accusations flew that government, Mr Travers does on capitalisation and has the ashes. He is chief executive Jan he failed to fight its corner not claim to have accounting been a key source of working to Ormondroyd, caught the Andrew Smith & vigorously enough in last skills, but his value to the information in unravelling move the city panel’s attention. Baroness year’s spending review, sector lies in the power of his The Local Government technical financial issues over Vince Cable on from its Most recent is its Hanham leading to the front-loading analysis of what greater Group’s finance director has the financial settlement. There are former reliance partnership working with The DCLG of cuts in 2011-13 when other financial freedoms might underpinned the association’s disputes over on heavy engineering to a Cardiff and Swindon with the minister and spending areas escaped this mean for those at the sharp lobbying efforts following one Steve Freer whether the revival that uses its skill base aim of creating a silicon valley Hampshire imposition. end, and how those powers of the toughest financial Under Mr abolition of the but is founded on new down the M4 corridor. County Council Councils will at least not might be used. settlements ever handed to Freer’s regional technologies. chief are have to answer for the He is the author of the sector. He played key leadership, the development agencies will Nicola Yates renowned for resulting pain to the financial numerous reports on how roles in campaigning for a Chartered really save money, but Cathy Francis Ms Yates joined their work on watchdog the Audit councils could deliver better raise in the capitalisation cap Institute of business secretary Mr Cable The Department for Hull City capital Commission, as he has value with wider freedoms. placed on councils and also Public Finance & has been the architect of their Communities and Local Council in 2008 spending and cross-sector abolished it. in helping councils secure top Accountancy has used its successors, the local Government’s deputy as deputy chief estate management – and the Helen Bailey creditor status to claw back national platform to voice enterprise partnerships. director is responsible for executive way this could shape places Sir Bob Kerslake Ms Bailey is money from failed Icelandic finance directors’ concerns He is leading the attempt supporting ministers on the having previously headed the and save cash. Sheffield City heading up banks. that councils are setting to balance local community birth of local enterprise former North Shropshire DC. Baroness Hanham Council’s Local unrealistic savings targets interest with those of the partnerships. These are the Chief executive since late continues to drive place- former chief Partnerships, Julia Goldsworthy and could face severe business world in these patchwork of bodies run 2009, she now runs a city that shaping, chairing a executive is on a temporary Ms Goldsworthy is special financial difficulties as a bodies, and oversaw the jointly by councils and the suffers high levels of ministerial group looking at now permanent basis, looking at better ways adviser to Danny Alexander, result. Council leaders would creation of the regional business sector that have unemployment, crime and community budgets. secretary at the DCLG, in to make public/private chief secretary to the do well to heed the warning.

22 LGC50 April 2011 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com April 2011 LGC50 23 Campaign

Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page TheResearch agendaDrivers of change:Children’sHead innovation services Drivers of change: politicalsection leadership 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sections focus on a key topic, providing news, comment, analysis and best practice Email the news desk on [email protected]

Innovators are often considered dangerous outsiders at the start, not merely thinking the The big political change of the past year was the replacement of the Labour government by unthinkable but actually doing it. But as yesterday’s startling inventions become today’s the UK’s first peacetime coalition, of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. This meant new household objects, so in local government what was once orthodox will look obsolete ministers, new policies and, at least in name, a commitment to localism

Pioneers today for the solutions of tomorrow Pushing the political agenda forward

1 Gavin Jones & services, having come from Development Programme 9 Dave Smith 1 Eric Pickles Local Government enough LGA. His CCA post gives him Roderick Bluh the IT industry. before founding the As chief Proof that Association gained his headaches real influence in central This chief He has held a ‘city camp’ at Futuregov Network. executive of influence and political experience from without the government. executive and which members of the pubic Futuregov provides a place Sunderland affection need decades in the rough and benefit of a leader team could develop smartphone for people in the public sector City Council, not go hand-in- tumble of Liverpool politics. shadowy force 9 Sir Merrick Cockell from Swindon applications from council and social innovators to talk, Mr Smith has hand, the Mr Kemp is an articulate behind him, The leader of Kensington & BC have turned data, and is overseeing his share, learn and help change driven a programme to help secretary of state for cross-party voice for local think again. Chelsea RBC was leader of round a authority’s move to become a the world. make citizens technologically communities and local government, with a firm Mr Westlake might only be London Councils until May struggling commissioning council. literate, which saw it take first government is someone who grasp of the broad political backbench councillor in 2010, while it spent four years council and place in Microsoft’s Britain the sector cannot ignore. process. He’s unafraid to Guildford BC but, as the under no overall control, and innovated in 4 Martin Reeves Works Challenge. Mr Pickles has driven stand up for the sector, even secretary of state’s special led the Conservative the diverse fields of family Coventry City Council’s chief Judges noted its concept of through localism and swept against his own party. adviser, he devised and Councillors Association for policy and technology. executive is another the family being the route to away a raft of regulatory and implemented his council- four years until this year. They have led pioneering technology fan in the upper getting people back to work. regional bodies giving local 4 Jules Pipe bashing media strategy. The Sir Merrick runs a Tory work on looking at complex reaches of local government. government a new political Hackney LBC’s squeals of tabloid outrage flagship council about to families in the round, and are Mr Reeves is looking at 10 Colin Barrow framework to work in Labour-elected about ‘waste’ start here. undergo a radical sharing of bringing free broadband to how a city that once grew Mr Barrow has been at the whether it likes it or not. mayor now also services with its neighbours the whole town. wealthy on heavy engineering centre of many innovations in leads the cross- 7 David Parsons and is listened to in the upper should now seek out local government, drawing a 2 Dame party London The leader of reaches of his party. 2 Irene Lucas opportunities to revive its talented team around him, Margaret Eaton Councils where he must take Leicestershire As South Tyneside chief until economy based on new Whether it is family As chair of the his flock with him to make CC has been a 10 Caroline Flint 2009, Ms Lucas’ use of technologies. 7 Donna Hall recovery, shared services, Local the case for widening the source of strong The former Japanese Kaizen philosophy Donna Hall is widely self-sufficiency or even Government capital’s unique devolution leadership at housing and and focus on productivity 5 Max Wide respected by her peers for dealing with snow, Association and for giving its councils an the Local Government planning secured her position as one of Mr Wide is best really making a difference at Westminster under his Dame Eaton has had to steer adequate financial base. Association at a time when minister now local government’s top known for his Chorley BC and at nearby leadership had shown itself at a difficult course, being a Mr Pipe is interested in the the sector has been under has the task of innovators. involvement in Wyre BC, which she also took the forefront of innovation. Conservative engaged in idea of a codification of the attack, not least from within harrying Eric Pickles as At DCLG she continued to two of the on in October 2010. stand-up fights on behalf of central-local relationship, his own party. Labour’s shadow secretary of support innovative practice country’s most She joined Chorley at a low 11 Paul Martin the sector with a Conservative giving a legal basis to Mr Parsons is emerging as state for communities and in the sector and the high-profile council point in 2006 when she had As chief of Sutton LBC, Mr secretary of state. determine which powers a player among the next local government. development of Total Place, transformation programmes to cut 20% of jobs. But within Martin led one of the She has won praise for should rest at which level. generation of Conservative Ms Flint has so far been a consolidating that reputation. in Barnet and Suffolk. a few years the council gained country’s most active and being unafraid to do just that local politicians now coming voice against the effects of At Suffolk he is developing ‘beacon’ status and quickly ambitious behaviour change and for getting many 5 Stephen Greenhalgh to the fore, and is certainly spending cuts but will be 3 John Barradell new ways of delivering climbed the ‘Best Council to projects. Innovation also prominent Tories to join her. Hammersmith & Fulham unafraid of a political scrap. developing Labour’s vision of Brighton & Hove City services through social Work For’ list. shone through in his work LBC’s Conservative leader is what it would offer the sector Council’s chief executive enterprises, employee leading a successful police 3 Richard Kemp influential in his party as the 8 Rob Gordon were it to return to power. wants to use new technology mutuals and community 8 Phil Coppard OBE partnership. The outgoing leader of the admiral of one of its flagship Cllr Gordon has two roles in to drive the redesign of groups. This will become In the 1990s, Phil Coppard No doubt he takes this Liberal Democrats in the councils, which he steered to addition to being John Shipley OBE more influential as was one of the first to innovative approach to his LGC’s Council of the Year Hertfordshire’s leader, both of Veteran Newcastle city authorities begin to explore appreciate the opportunity of new role as chief at award last year. which are important political councillor John Shipley was some of the thinking that digital technologies to create Wandsworth LBC. He has shown it is possible jobs and could position him given a Liberal Democrat life underpins the Suffolk model. efficient customer-focused to cut council tax several for higher things. peerage this year and will be a services. That innovation 12 Jeremy Gould years running while providing He is chair of the County voice for local government in 6 Dominic continues today – and was Mr Gould is widely credited services that score Councils Network and also of the House of Lords. Campbell recently praised with starting GovCamp in the consistently high in resident the Conservative Councillors A thoughtful figure, Lord Mr Campbell by the UK, a movement that is now satisfaction surveys. Association, Shipley is respected across entered local government’s in its fourth year and which is and is thought parties and will seek ways to government digital tzar, designed for innovators 6 Sheridan Westlake of as a future secure wider powers for local through the Martha across the sector to share For those who thought Eric leader of his government from Whitehall, National Graduate Lane Fox. ideas and motivation. Pickles could cause councils party in the to free up the major cities.

24 LGC50 April 2011 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com April 2011 LGC50 25 Campaign

Campaign Exclusive Exclusive Num-page TheResearch agendaDrivers of change:Children’sHead thought services Drivers of change: transformationsection 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sectionsleadership focus on a key topic, providing news, comment, analysis and best practice Email the news desk on [email protected]

People in local government have little time to reflect on what they do, or on whether they Transformation is hard to define. Some will claim its name for quite minor changes, but done could do it differently. That is where the sector’s key thought leaders come in: they might not well it involves the remaking of an organisation so that it knows what it must do, and why, and always be right, but their role is to provoke and challenge so that it is configured to deliver the changes that follow

Thinking differently to achieve the unachievable Masters of re-organisation, engineers of renewal

1 Matthew Though the death knell has government Policy Exchange 7 Bobby Duffy 1 Andrea Hill thinktank, he develops the social services with its Taylor sounded for Ipsos Mori’s has come to the fore. Bobby Duffy Suffolk CC’s Institute’s work in supporting neighbours (see entry 19). Chief executive ‘place survey’, Mr Page’s Mr Boles founded it in heads the social chief executive the skills of senior public Beyond that, he is chair of of the RSA, the influence remains as strong 2002, and since last May has research is driving one of servants, politicians and the management board of the thinktank now as ever as he continues to sit been the Conservative MP for institute at local political advisors, and in Society of Local Authority uses the suffix on advisory panels for Grantham and Sleaford. A key Ipsos Mori, the government’s conducting and funding Chief Executives and Senior ‘21st Century Enlightenment’ numerous departments member of the ‘Notting Hill largest independent provider radical experiments on the research on public Managers, where he is well taken from the title of a across Whitehall. Set’ of Tory modernisers, he is of research to local Big Society with its vision of administration. regarded for his ability to lecture by Matthew Taylor. close to the prime minister government, and has been becoming a ‘commissioning keep his head through local He was formerly chief 3 Geoff Mulgan and the arguments for the Big instrumental in pushing for council’. This will deliver 4 Janet government’s changes while political adviser to prime After six years Society and localism. high-quality, evidence-based most services through Callender others lose theirs. minister Tony Blair and leading the research for nearly 15 years. contracts with mutuals led by The chief continues to raise the profile Young 5 Richard Layard Mr Duffy’s team is now its current staff and with executive of 6 Rob Whiteman 8 Kim Ryley of the RSA with his personal, Foundation, Lord Layard continues, working closely with voluntary sectors bodies. Trafford MBC, Since taking up The chief executive who sometimes controversial, Geoff Mulgan despite a nominal retirement, government on initiatives like Ms Hill’s outspoken and formerly of post as pulled Hull City Council out view of the world. will join the National to play a pivotal role in the the Big Society. support for this idea has nearby Tameside MBC, Janet managing of its troubles in the mid- The RSA has been highly Endowment for Science, development of the wellbeing attracted plenty of critics but Callender has led on the director of 2000s is now delivering a relevant on the ground under Technology and the Arts, as agenda as emeritus professor few can deny the idea’s Association of Greater Local radical change programme as his leadership through chief executive, in June. of economics at the London originality as local Manchester Authorities’ Government Improvement chief executive of the new initiatives such as citizen This move is seen as a real School of Economics. government cuts its cloth to (AGMA) improvement and and Development, Mr unitary Shropshire Council. power in Peterborough. coup for the organisation, He has been closely fit its shrunken finances. efficiency review. Whiteman has provided There, Mr Ryley plans to which already possesses involved in the work led by Jill She has worked tirelessly to leadership for the movement cut management overheads serious clout in the Matheson, the national 2 Graham root out inefficiencies as towards sector-led regulation by 20%, to save money while innovation agenda across statistician at the UK Burgess AGMA’s members prepare to and improvement, replacing protecting the front line. both central government and Statistics Authority, to Blackburn with become the first city region the oversight of the doomed He has also mentored the public services. develop a general measure of Darwen BC is combined authority. Ms Audit Commission. troubled Doncaster MBC, Mr Mulgan is already wellbeing. LGC’s Council Callender has also engaged If he succeeds this could be and is the current president notably well connected as a They launched the of the Year for with leaders, councillors, a game changer for local of the Society of Local former director to the wellbeing programme 2011 – particularly for its scrutiny panels, and other government as it proves its Authority Chief Executives Government Strategy Unit alongside prime minister 8 Barry Quirk CBE innovative joint working with chief executives, and officers ability to look after itself and Senior Managers. under Tony Blair’s David Cameron. Lewisham LBC’s veteran chief health services. locally and nationally to without any ‘big brother’ premiership. He also founded executive is a sought-after It has formed a Care Trust spread good practice. looking over its shoulder. 9 John Seddon the thinktank Demos. 6 Oliver Letwin member of advisory bodies. Plus, with Mr Burgess as joint A visiting professor at two Oliver Letwin Mr Quirk, who has worked in chief executive, bringing 5 Derek Myers 7 Nick Walkley universities, John Seddon is a 2 Ben Page 4 Nick Boles may have been local government for more together the commissioning As chief executive of Barnet LBC’s robust advocate – indeed a Despite moving on to all Just as thinktanks aligned to one of the losers than 30 years, has also been budgets for primary care and Kensington & Chelsea RBC, chief executive self-promoter – for ‘systems matters commercial, and as Labour flourished in the past, of the coalition, the government’s national children’s and adults’ health Mr Myers is one of the driving is the force thinking’, seeking to likely to be in Singapore as so with the change of but now that he ‘efficiency champion’. with the council’s budget to forces behind its sharing of behind the reconfigure management Sussex and Italy as Islington, is embedded in the Cabinet He led the review that focus all these resources on ‘easyCouncil’ thinking across local Mr Page continues to Office the government’s reported in 2008 on the tackling health inequalities approach of a council that authorities. command respect both policy chief is positioned potential for community and deprivation. provides basic services and Mr Seddon’s Vanguard across Whitehall and across firmly at the centre of power. ownership and management then invites residents to Method sees problems as local government for his work Described in the media as of public assets – one of the 3 Michael Bichard choose those they would pay systematic, organisations as at research firm Ipsos Mori. a Conservative party “big building blocks of what Lord Bichard is both a former for in addition. systems of moving parts. He impresses not just with brain” and one of the great became known as localism. local authority chief executive The approach has been If you tinker with one the quality of statistics the “modernising intellectuals of His other advisory roles and senior civil servant, and controversial and is not yet element it will have company produces to track the party”, the West Dorset have included crime now is director of the Institute complete, but presents a consequences with the rest of public attitudes to local MP and chairman of the Tory reduction, service efficiency, for Government. radical and challenging the organisation, which is government, but also with his party’s Policy Review has led health improvement and A cross between a high- response to spending cuts why he argues conventional powerful analysis of them. thinking in many key areas. child protection. level training body and a that may find followers. approaches always fail.

26 LGC50 April 2011 LGCplus.com LGCplus.com April 2011 LGC50 27 Campaign

Campaign Exclusive

Exclusive Research Roll of honour 50Each week LGC’s Agenda sections focus on a key topic, providing news, comment, analysis and best practice Email the news desk on [email protected]

Those on this year’s LGC 50 follow in the fine footsteps of the top influencers from previous years. Here, the class of 2011 are recognised alongside their peers from the LGC 50 lists of 2008 and 2007

LGC 50 2011 2008 2007

1 Eric Pickles 1 John Healey 1 John Healey 2 Paul Kirby 2 Boris Johnson 2 Sir Simon Milton 3 Derek Myers 3 Sir Robert Kerslake 3 Hazel Blears 4 Graham Burgess 4 Hazel Blears 4 Barry Quirk 5 Andrea Hill 5 Irene Lucas 5 Ken Livingstone 6 Andrew Smith 6 Sir Richard Leese 6 Steve Bundred 7 Stephen Greenhalgh 7 Merrick Cockell 7 Ed Balls 8 Jules Pipe 8 Rob Whiteman 8 Sir Robert Kerslake 9 Steve Reed 9 Margaret Eaton 9 Tony Travers 10 David Parsons 10 Sir Simon Milton 10 Sir Howard Bernstein 11 Rob Whiteman 11 Beverley Hughes 11 Ben Page 12 Greg Clark 12 Steve Bundred 12 Chris Leslie 13 Gavin Jones & Roderick Bluh 13 Eric Pickles 13 Dan Corry 14 Sir Bob Kerslake 14 Sir Jeremy Beecham 14 Eric Pickles 15 Sheridan Westlake 15 Lord Hanningfield 15 Andy Burnham 16 Joanna Killian 16 Peter Rogers 16 Paul Coen 17 John Barradell 17 Moira Gibb 17 David Bell 18 Nick Walkley 18 Christine Gilbert 18 Sir Jeremy Beecham 19 Geoff Alltimes, Colin Barrow, Merrick Cockell, 19 Carolyn Downs 19 Sir Michael Lyons Stephen Greenhalgh, Mike More, Derek Myers 20 Tony Travers 20 Peter Housden 20 Tamara Finkelstein 21 Ed Balls 21 Stefan Cross 21 Tony Travers 22 David Behan 22 Christine Gilbert 22 Hugh Grover 23 Paul Coen 23 Dame Denise Platt 23 Paul Woods 24 Geoff Mulgan 24 Lord Hanningfield 24 Steve Freer 25 Rob Vincent 25 Merrick Cockell 25 Ben Page 26 Stephen Greenhalgh 26 Sir Steve Bullock 26 Barry Quirk 27 Joyce Redfearn 27 Rod Aldridge 27 Martin Reeves 28 Janet Callender 28 Sir Richard Leese 28 Max Wide 29 Ben Page 29 Yvette Cooper 29 Irene Lucas 30 Sir Howard Bernstein 30 Lucy de Groot 30 Helen Bailey 31 Steve Houghton 31 Nick Raynsford 31 David Behan 32 David Parsons 32 David Curry 32 Gary Porter 33 Dame Denise Platt 33 Michael O’Higgins 33 Steve Hilton 34 Sharon Taylor 34 David Behan 34 David Halpern 35 John Shipley 35 Heather Wakefield 35 Julia Goldsworthy 36 Nick Boles 36 Michael Frater 36 Dominic Campbell 37 Chris Wormald 37 Joe Montgomery 37 Daniel Ratchford 38 Jamie Carswell 38 David Walker 38 Andrew Kerr and Jane Scott 39 Heather Wakefield 39 Robert Hill 39 Kim Ryley 40 Chris Leslie 40 John O’Brien 40 Phil Coppard 41 Sir Steve Bullock 41 Dame Jane Roberts 41 Joyce Redfearn 42 Richard Kemp 42 Stella Manzie 42 Boris Johnson and Sir Simon Milton 43 Michael O’Higgins 43 Ray Shostak 43 Donna Hall 44 Derek Myers 44 Darra Singh 44 Rob Gordon 45 Jules Pipe 45 Richard McCarthy 45 Caroline Flint 46 Jason Stacey 46 Chris Wormald 46 Mary Orton 47 Michael Gove 47 Geoff Mulgan 47 John O’Brien 48 Clyde Loakes 48 Richard Kemp 48 Nicola Yates 49 Kate Barker 49 Kate Barker 49 Dave Smith 50 Kim Ryley 50 Stephen Taylor 50 John Shipley

28 LGC50 April 2011 LGCplus.com Coming soon Future Leaders Network in partnership with BT LGC will be championing up-and-coming local government people in the pages of the magazine every month

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