Local government wrap up 2025 - phil emms

23 December 2025

Devolution and Local Government: Leadership, Change and What’s Next in 2026

As we approach another festive period, it feels remarkable that the release of the English Devolution White Paper was only a year ago. The shift in structure and governance it triggered across local government was unprecedented, ushering in what many regard as one of the most unsettling periods in a generation.

Barely a day passes without the implications of the White Paper and the subsequent English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill hitting the headlines. While uncertainty around the Bill and the fair funding settlement will continue for years, one thing is crystal clear: the local government sector has once again demonstrated extraordinary resilience, holding firm to its core purpose of delivering for communities, residents, and local businesses.

The Impact of Devolution So Far

Much of the real impact of devolution and reorganisation is still ahead of us.

The emergence of new strategic authorities in 2026, along with the potential early steps towards forming new unitary authorities, signals a structural shift still in motion. This ongoing change continues to test leaders, but it also highlights the remarkable sense of community embedded within the sector. Despite uncertainty, local authorities have remained focused, grounded, and committed to navigating this period with purpose and integrity.

Purposeful Collaboration Across the Sector

One of the defining characteristics of the past year has been a surge in collaboration.

Across organisations, peer groups and networks, locally, regionally, and nationally we’ve seen people come together to make sense of what lies ahead. They are drawing on collective experience, supporting one another, and reinforcing the strength of the sector’s shared mission.
Senior leadership roles in local government are not easy, yet every day in our work we meet individuals who are deeply committed and passionate about making a difference. While the sector may continue on a winding path of constant change and uncertainty, the core characteristics that define local government leaders, resilience, dedication and community spirit, remain steadfast.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Challenges and Opportunities

New Strategic Authorities and Structural Change
In many ways, 2026 may mirror 2025. New strategic authorities will take shape, funding settlements will evolve, and further reorganisation will unfold. Political change, social care reforms, and increased regulation and oversight will all bring challenge, but also opportunity.

Social Care Reform and Regulatory Shift
Social care reforms are set to fundamentally reshape children’s services, with many hoping this will finally enable the prevention-led practice model long sought across the sector. Meanwhile, new regulatory oversight offers leaders a chance to rethink governance and foster a more constructive dialogue between those delivering and those regulating services.

Opportunities for Transformation
Despite the pressures, these changes present opportunities to enhance service delivery, strengthen devolved powers at a regional and local level, and create more sustainable, impactful outcomes for communities. Strategic authorities in particular represent a powerful force for good, enabling localities to thrive under strengthened devolved frameworks.

Leadership in Transition: Developing the Next Generation

GatenbySanderson has been working within and across the sector for 22 years.

For 15 of those years, I’ve personally witnessed what I can only describe as the fascinatingly fun rollercoaster that is local government. This year alone, we’ve supported over 190 appointments. Most importantly, we’ve continued to see candidates taking their first step into senior leadership. If the sector is to thrive, grow and be equipped for the future, we must give people the opportunity to learn, stretch and lead.

As I often say: “everyone has to be a first-time something for the first time.” Whether it’s a first-time Chief Executive, Director or Assistant Director, failing to create these opportunities not only limits individuals, it limits the sector’s ability to respond to the challenges facing our communities.

2025 Thought Leadership Highlights:

These insights reflect a sector in motion, constantly learning, adapting and preparing for what comes next.

A Sector Defined by Resilience and Purpose

Despite ongoing uncertainty, local government has once again shown its ability to stay focused, connected and resilient. As we head into 2026, the landscape may shift again, but the sector’s unwavering commitment to communities will not.

Change is inevitable, but so too is the strength, collaboration and leadership that define local government at its best.

To discuss new opportunities or hiring needs please contact Frazer Thouard: frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com

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