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@andrewlaird

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21.03.2025
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Latest posts by @andrewlaird

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Knitting places together again I f we want to get serious about transformative place-based public services, we need to treat England's chronic case of ‘pilotitis'. Our policy system has developed...

Really cool to have written this article for the TheMJ with Simon Kaye and Prof Donna Hall.

We argue that proper place-leadership and place-working is ready for the mainstream.

No more pilots - just the way we do things!

www.themj.co.uk/knitting

02.08.2025 07:00 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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The Work We Need with Hilary Cottam Radical Reformers podcast · Episode

Fascinating conversation here between @andrewlaird.bsky.social and Hilary Cottam.

"We discuss the critical role central government, Mayoral Combined Authorities and councils have in "tilting the playing field" to create the conditions for good work."

open.spotify.com/episode/7yAI...

26.07.2025 15:55 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0
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"𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧". @andrewlaird.bsky.social welcomes renowned public service innovator and author, Hilary Cottam to #RadicalReformers: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical...

31.07.2025 08:19 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

Thanks Pete!

24.07.2025 16:39 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
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In the latest episode of #RadicalReformers, @andrewlaird.bsky.social welcomes renowned public service innovator and author, Hilary Cottam. They discuss the importance of place and the role of local institutions in creating #TheWorkWeNeed. Listen here: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical...

24.07.2025 08:31 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
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When Power Forgets the People In this article, Prof. Donna Hall and Andrew Laird recognise the challenge now faced by public service leaders and set out a positive set of “shifts” to re-establish trust and partnership with citizen...

In their latest article, @profdonnahall.bsky.social and @andrewlaird.bsky.social recognise the challenge now faced by public service leaders and set out a positive set of “shifts” to re-establish trust and partnership with citizens and communities: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/when-po...

30.05.2025 07:52 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0
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Radical Reformers ep.97: The opportunity children deserve with Sophie Clarke, We Are Juno and Scott Darraugh, Social adVentures In this week’s episode Radical Reformers, I welcome back a duo we’ve had on the podcast before - Scott Darraugh from Social adVentures and Sophie Clarke from We Are Juno.It’s a rich conversation that ...

🎧 In the latest episode of #RadicalReformers, @andrewlaird.bsky.social is joined by Scott Darraugh and Sophie Clarke to discuss challenges in children's care and encouraging young people to fulfil their potential: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical...

05.06.2025 08:49 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Beyond the Spending Review: Rebuilding financial sustainability and trust
Beyond the Spending Review: Rebuilding financial sustainability and trust YouTube video by Mutual Ventures

📺Watch on demand📺 @andrewlaird.bsky.social was joined by @profdonnahall.bsky.social, Nicole Wood,
Essex Council and Owen Mapley, CIPFA to reflect on the recent #SpendingReview. They discuss #RadicalPlaceLeadership, council finances, #LGR, and much more: youtu.be/Pm_TxdZrbq8

24.06.2025 09:41 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

This #RadicalReformers episode with Sophie Clarke and Scott Darraugh was a lot of fun! There is something about having three people in a conversation. Children's residential care is a very important subject matter - but they make it very easy to engage with..

30.05.2025 06:41 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Have you really thought about what roles will be right for your personality and skills? Or have you just gone for what seems like the next logical career stepping stone?

Kath O’Dwyer knows what sort of leader she is!

Lessons for us all here.

@mutualventures.bsky.social #RadicalReformers

23.05.2025 06:18 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

To recognise #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek the @mutualventures.bsky.social team produced a report looking at the pressures facing frontline staff & public service leaders. Thanks to Arti Sharma (nurtureuk) and Simon Beeton (Navigo) for contributing!

We hope this helps spark honest conversations.

19.05.2025 15:32 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

I could have chatted to Kath O’Dwyer all day. Such a warm person but laser-focused on delivering a sustainable council & improved outcomes for people.

You’ll enjoy this as part of your own leadership development journey.

#RadicalReformers @mutualventures.bsky.social @sthelenscouncil.bsky.social

15.05.2025 11:52 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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Radical Reformers ep.96: Leading a turnaround with Kath O'Dwyer, former Chief Executive of St Helens Council and Chair of SOLACE In this new episode of Radical Reformers, I chat with Kath O'Dwyer, former Chief Executive of St Helens Council and Chair of SOLACE.  During her tenure at St Helens, Kath led the council through signi...

🎧 In this new episode of #RadicalReformers, @andrewlaird.bsky.social welcomes, former Chief Executive of @sthelenscouncil.bsky.social and Chair of SOLACE. They discuss council turnarounds, #leadership and the importance of collaboration: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical... #LocalGov

15.05.2025 08:44 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 2
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View on demand: Producing your local Get Britain Working Plan Catch up on our webinar Producing your local Get Britain Working Plan, held on 8th May 2025 at 1.30-2.30 PM.Every area - led by Combined Authorities (where they exist) or groups of local authorities (...

If you missed yesterday's webinar on producing your #GetBritainWorking plan, you can catch up on demand. MV's John Copps was joined by expert guests to discuss their emerging local plans: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/registe...

09.05.2025 09:47 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

This is great work from the @mutualventures.bsky.social team. I would say that wouldn’t I!

In all seriousness, there is no bigger challenge for areas going through LGR than how to structure children’s services. This report holds a lot hard won learning.

14.05.2025 17:44 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

“The bonds of community, of family, of the millions of inventive, resourceful, determined, bold but humble, knowledgeable, grassroots community organisations are those we should build up”.

11.05.2025 06:52 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

2/2 Many public service leaders know the current system is not meeting the needs of the people they serve. They see it and are ready to challenge it. If you are one of those people then we would love to hear from you!

10.05.2025 06:30 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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When Power Forgets the People In this article, Prof. Donna Hall and Andrew Laird recognise the challenge now faced by public service leaders and set out a positive set of “shifts” to re-establish trust and partnership with citizen...

1/2 When Power Forgets the People... local/mayoral election results showed faith in public leaders & services has eroded. The social contract has worn thin. Inspired by others, @profdonnahall.bsky.social & I suggest a series of “shifts” to re-establish trust. www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/when-po...

10.05.2025 06:30 👍 6 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 2
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Radical Reformers ep.95: All in for Greater Manchester with Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority In this latest episode of Radical Reformers, I'm joined by Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Mancheste...

🎧All in for Greater Manchester!🎧 In the latest episode of Radical Reformers, @andrewlaird.bsky.social is joined by Caroline Simpson, CEO @greatermcr.bsky.social - an inspiring listen: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical...
#RadicalReformers #Devolution #LocalGov

08.05.2025 09:29 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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Get Britain Working outcomes dashboard Explore work and health data across regions in England with MV's interactive tool.The government has published a series of outcome metrics to monitor its plan to Get Britain Working. MV has created an...

The government published a series of outcome metrics to monitor its plan to #GetBritainWorking. We've created an interactive dashboard, presenting these metrics by local area, to support local Get Britain Working Plans. Click here to read more & gain access: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/gbw-out...

30.04.2025 11:44 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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📢 Join us to discuss the implications of Local Government Reorganisation #LGR and how it presents a significant opportunity to reshape and improve the delivery of Children's Services, 12th May, 10-11AM. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #ChildrensServices #LocalGov #Devolution

23.04.2025 12:16 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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📢Free webinar: Nic Witton-Dowd, Asst. Director, Education, Work & Skills, Greater Manchester Combined Authority & Judy Gibbs MIEP, Head of Skills & Employability, Worcestershire County Council, will join MV's John Copps to discuss #GetBritainWorking plans: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #LocalGov

25.04.2025 08:16 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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Radical Reformers ep.94: Creating Community Agency with Graeme Duncan, Chief Executive of Right to Succeed In this new episode of Radical Reformers, I chat to Graeme Duncan, Chief Executive of Right to Succeed, a charity that supports communities in areas of high deprivation to work collectively and give c...

In this week’s #RadicalReformers, @andrewlaird.bsky.social speaks to Graeme Duncan, Chief Exec of @right2succeed.bsky.social, about the transformative power of building community agency: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical... #LocalGovernance #PlaceBased #CollectiveImpact

17.04.2025 07:52 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 1
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💡"Not top down, not bottom up - but everybody together" @andrewlaird.bsky.social chats to Graeme Duncan, Chief Exec of @right2succeed.bsky.social in the latest #RadicalReformers: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical...
#Community #LocalGovernance #PlaceBased #CollectiveImpact #Podcast

24.04.2025 06:39 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

Take #RadicalReformers with you on an Easter stroll!

Graeme Duncan @Right2Suceed.bsky.social is a great convening leader. He doesn't pretend to have all the answers because he knows communities know best.

Having the confidence to empower others is potentially the most important leadership trait.

17.04.2025 16:10 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

Great to see Andy Burnham talking the language of #RadicalPlaceLeadership at the @instituteforgov.bsky.social @profdonnahall.bsky.social

‘breaking down silos, joining the dots around people and places’

www.mutualventures.co.uk/radical-plac...

12.04.2025 07:10 👍 5 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0

I really enjoyed recording this episode of #RadicalReformers with Graham Farrant of BCP council.

It’s a bit different to previous episodes as Graham is particularly renowned for bringing business acumen to his various public sector roles.

Also lots to learn on LGR.

12.04.2025 07:06 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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🎧 Graham Farrant, Chief Exec of BCP Council, shares his entrepreneurial approach to risk management, commercial activity, & budget management - & touches on Local Gov Reorganisation in the latest #RadicalReformers with @andrewlaird.bsky.social: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical... #LocalGov

10.04.2025 05:56 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 1
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Radical Place Leadership: The Public Money that Falls Between the Silos This long-read article by Andrew Laird and Prof. Donna Hall sets out a new way of considering public money across a “place” and provides indicative examples of the cashable savings that could be made ...

In this long read, @andrewlaird.bsky.social & @profdonnahall.bsky.social set out a new way of considering public money across a “place” & provide examples of the cashable savings that could be made from a new #RadicalPlaceLeadership approach: www.mutualventures.co.uk/post/radical... #LocalGov

08.04.2025 15:20 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

The way public service organise themselves around individual service silos rather than people, families & communities means 80% of our resources go on multiple assessments & referrals rather than supporting people. This is where the money 💰 goes & why we need #RadicalPlaceLeadership across the UK.

05.04.2025 08:26 👍 8 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 1