Everything in its right place - establishing strong organisations and practices for successful devolution

CCN Strategic Partner, Local Partnership and Localis’ will host this webinar for CCN members to discuss its most recent report: Everything in its right place - establishing strong organisations and practices for successful devolution  

England’s evolving devolution framework is reshaping the role of mayoral combined authorities, now referred to as Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs). With additional powers, more flexible governance arrangements, and the phased introduction of integrated funding settlements, MSAs are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in local and regional governance.

As these authorities take on greater responsibilities, attention is turning to the capabilities, processes, and organisational cultures needed to support effective decision-making. Key areas include accountability, risk management, scrutiny, strategic planning, and the ability to assess outcomes objectively.

Many strategic authorities are still developing their institutional capacity, with varying levels of experience, established practice, and local context. This webinar will explore how lessons from existing authorities can inform the development of newer or evolving MSAs, and how central and local government can support effective governance during this period of transition.

The session will consider the importance of institutional maturity, organisational culture, and place-based approaches to devolution. It will also examine how differences in local history, civic identity, geography, and governance structures can shape the effectiveness of strategic authorities.

Participants will gain insights into the practical challenges and opportunities associated with building strong, accountable, and adaptable strategic governance arrangements across England. The discussion will draw on themes explored in Localis’ report, Everything In Its Right Place, sponsored by Local Partnerships, which examines the conditions needed to support effective strategic governance and institutional development within England’s evolving devolution landscape.

Guiding questions

• How should we work within the current agenda for devolution to embed a new breed of capable and dynamic institutions at the local and regional level that are to last through multiple electoral cycles?
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• What is needed organisationally and structurally at local and regional level:
  
  • to create the greatest public value
  • to demonstrate accountability and strong governance
  • and to ensure the ability to deliver value for money in placemaking and service delivery?
• How can we accelerate the maturation of emerging strategic authorities and ensure that they align with the national ecosystem for driving economic growth?