The UK’s local government landscape is undergoing a major transformation with the creation of new Combined Authorities and Unitary Authorities. These changes promise greater regional collaboration and improved service delivery, but they also present significant challenges for leaders tasked with building new organisations from scratch.
Last week, GatenbySanderson hosted an insightful webinar exploring what we can learn from those who have already navigated this journey. The discussion provided practical advice for anyone involved in organisational change, strategic workforce planning, or system reform.
Exclusive Research: What Works and What Doesn’t
The session was led by Frazer Thouard, Practice Lead of the Local Government team at GatenbySanderson.
Frazer shared findings from recent research with Chief Executives of established authorities and highlighted the complexity of these transitions:
“Creating a new authority isn’t just about merging structures, it’s about building a shared identity and culture from day one. That’s where success or failure often begins.” – Frazer Thouard
His research revealed:
- What worked well during the formation of new authorities
- What they would do differently if starting again
- Advice for others embarking on similar transformations
Frazer added:
“One of the biggest lessons is the importance of clarity, clarity of purpose, clarity of roles, and clarity of communication. Without that, uncertainty can quickly derail progress.”
Voices from Experience
Frazer was joined by two seasoned professionals:
- Ruth Adams, former Deputy Chief Executive at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Amanda Mays, an HR & OD expert with over 30 years’ experience, who has supported several Combined Authorities and is currently consulting on major devolution programmes.
Together, they shared a lived perspective on shaping and growing a ‘new’ organisation from defining culture and values to establishing core people functions under pressure.
Key Takeaways
The creation of new authorities isn’t just about structure, it’s about culture, identity, and resilience.
Some of the most important lessons include:
- Start with culture and values: They set the tone for everything else
- Prioritise people and governance equally: Both are critical for success
- Learn from those who’ve been there before: Avoid common pitfalls and accelerate progress
As Frazer summed up:
“These are once-in-a-generation changes. Getting them right means thinking beyond the immediate operational challenges and focusing on the long-term vision.”
Watch the Full Session
If you’re involved in local government, organisational design, or workforce planning, this is a must-watch. Gain insights that will help you navigate complexity and lead change with confidence.
Download our latest reports to deepen your understanding:
The CFO Personality Report
Discover the behavioural traits that define high-performing CFOs and explore the dynamics that shape the CEO-CFO relationship.
Devolution by Default
Gain insight into the evolving landscape of local government reorganisation and what it means for leadership, governance, and community impact.
