As the internal champion of all things local government, government, and public sector. This week is my perfect week barring the multiple train cancellations to get to London. One of the bedrocks of LCRIG’s work is to support our local authority, public sector, and government partners. Part of this work involves supporting our LCRIG local authority regional groups to share ideas, practice, and insights. The important thing about these groups is that we do all we can to make sure that councils have the space to share knowledge, ideas, and the work they are doing.
This week, the LCRIG North West Group met to discuss some regional collaborative working and results from their NHT/CQC survey and the LCRIG South East group had one of their regular meetings to discuss activities that councils in this group are working on and emerging ways of working. The important thing about these groups is that they are true peer to peer knowledge transfer groups. There are robust questions and discussions, but also an eternal curiosity and query into ways of working. The importance of these council only meetings is that the focus is very much on improving ways of doing things for communities and residents. At some of these meetings, supply chains are also invited to present to keep the groups ahead of new innovations or services. These meetings might not seem particularly extraordinary; however, I can honestly say that in all my years of being interested in public service improvement the attitude at these meetings is nothing short of inspiring.
Continuing the theme of my perfect week, I met with DfT colleagues across teams to discuss dissemination activity and research that I’ve been engaged in, that is seeking to use data to support new activities in 2023. I will be finishing the week supporting the STREETWISE group of Welsh Government, Transport Scotland, TfL, National Highways, Republic of Ireland, Department for Infrastructure NI and DfT via the Transport Technology Forum and, as with councils, the sharing of knowledge is focused, strategic and with an eye on decarbonisation, emerging and critical new technologies and national strategies.
Although this week is the type of week I adore, it certainly highlights to me the importance and commitment that all our members strive to achieve to deliver the best services they can to residents, communities, and nations.