INLOGOV alumni e-magazine
Director’s Welcome
Jason Lowther, Director of Inlogov
Welcome to the Autumn 2025 edition of the Inlogov Alumni e-magazine.
A special “thank you” to those who participated in our alumni survey in the last edition. This will really help us to tailor the alumni programme to your interests. If you haven’t done so yet, please complete the survey.
This year has been one of both reflection and renewal for local government. As the sector continues to navigate financial pressures, technological transformation, and shifting public expectations, Inlogov remains committed to supporting councils through research, teaching, and policy engagement. Our presence at the LGA Annual Conference in Liverpool underscored this commitment, showcasing our latest thinking on democratic renewal, digital innovation, and the evolving roles of councillors and public servants.
In this edition, you’ll find highlights from our wider Department’s three research clusters—Publics and Power, Sustainability and Governance, and Local Government—each offering fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From participatory governance and smart city development to the emotional dimensions of service delivery, our work continues to shape national conversations and inform local practice.
We were saddened earlier this year to hear that the government has decided to prevent councils and other employers spending their apprenticeship levy on level 7 programmes such as the Senior Leader Public Management and Leadership. We started our final levy-funded cohort in October, but will continue offering a non levy version next year. We will be exploring future options with learners, employers and stakeholders in coming months.
Thank you for being part of the Inlogov community. Whether you’re working in local government, academia, or beyond, we hope this issue inspires new ideas and connections.
Inlogov at the Local Government Association conference
We enjoyed participating once again in the LGA’s annual conference, this year in Liverpool. The conference, themed Empowering People, Empowering Places, arrives at a critical juncture for local government. As councils grapple with rising inequalities, financial pressures, and rapid technological change, the conference offers a timely platform to explore how local authorities can lead the way in public service reform, sustainable growth, and community empowerment. The event aligns closely with the work of our Local Government research cluster, particularly its focus on the evolving roles of councillors and public servants, the emotional and social dimensions of service delivery, and the political dynamics of central-local relations.
Inlogov’s stand included information on our updated 21st Century Public Servant framework, our 21st Century Councillor coaching materials, the department’s new Artificial Intelligence programmes, and our latest policy thinking. It was a great opportunity to meet up with key stakeholders and share our latest research and educational offerings.
Inlogov Leads the Way on Local Democratic Renewal
We are proud to announce the publication of our latest policy paper, Rewiring Local Government for Citizen Engagement: Democratic Challenge and Opportunity. At a time of significant structural reform and declining public trust, this timely paper offers a bold and evidence-based roadmap for revitalising local democracy through meaningful citizen participation, led by local councils.
Drawing on international research, UK case studies, and decades of democratic innovation, the paper outlines how councils can embed participatory practices into everyday local governance. It identifies three key pillars for success: convening inclusive democratic spaces, building community capacity, and co-producing services with citizens. The paper also highlights the vital role of councillors as facilitators of community engagement and calls for a cultural shift within local government to support this transformation.
This work reflects Inlogov’s deep and ongoing engagement with the local government sector. Developed in collaboration with practitioners and informed by real-world challenges, the paper is already sparking conversations among policymakers, council leaders, and community organisations.
It builds on our September 2024 paper, Equipping Local Government to Deliver, which emphasises the critical role of local councils in achieving the UK government's five key missions. That paper concludes that a well-resourced, accountable, and engaged local government is essential for national progress and long-term democratic resilience. Our earlier paper argued for empowering local authorities through deeper devolution, increased funding, and enhanced autonomy. The report identifies three core areas needing reform: financial arrangements (e.g., multi-year funding and fairer local taxation), audit and performance management (e.g., strengthening external audits and making oversight bodies independent), and community power and participation (e.g., supporting councillors as community leaders and promoting community-driven economic models. Our new paper expands on the latter issue.
Public and Power Research Cluster
The ‘Publics and Power’ research cluster in the Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP) is at the forefront of exploring how diverse publics interact with power holders in political and public service contexts. With a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability, the cluster investigates how different governance models shape citizen-state relationships. Their work seeks to redress power imbalances and promote participatory approaches that empower communities and foster inclusive decision-making across various regime types.
Recent publications from the cluster have made significant contributions to the fields of public administration, civic engagement, and social justice. Notably, Sonia Bussu and Dannica Fleuß’s work on citizens’ assemblies offers a nuanced framework that blends top-down and bottom-up approaches to participation. Meanwhile, research by Marina Pera and Sonia on Barcelona’s Citizen Assets Programme highlights how trust and collaboration between civic actors and officials can unlock innovative governance solutions. Other studies have explored the use of digital platforms and creative methods to engage young people in mental health policy, and examined how accounting technologies in tax administration can perpetuate or challenge socio-economic inequalities.
The cluster’s influence extends beyond publications, with members actively shaping academic and public discourse through conferences and workshops. Sonia Bussu’s keynote on AI and participation, and her seminar on more-than-human democracy, reflect a forward-thinking approach to democratic resilience. Koen Bartels has contributed to debates on street-level bureaucracy and relational governance, co-organising workshops and presenting research on inequality and community-driven change. Their collaborative efforts with institutions across Europe underscore the cluster’s commitment to fostering international dialogue and innovation in governance.
A highlight of the year was the launch of Reclaiming Participatory Governance, edited by Sonia Bussu and Adrian Bua. This best-selling volume brings together case studies from across Europe and the US, offering critical insights into how participatory governance can reshape relationships between citizens and institutions. The book’s success, including its presentation at Barcelona’s Festival of Democracy, reflects the growing relevance of the cluster’s work in addressing contemporary governance challenges. Through its research, publications, and public engagement, the ‘Publics and Power’ cluster continues to champion relational, inclusive, and transformative approaches to public administration.
The Sustainability and Governance research cluster
DPAP’s Sustainability and Governance research cluster is dedicated to exploring how governance systems shape responses to climate change, resource depletion, and social injustice. With a strong interdisciplinary focus, the cluster investigates how digital innovation, regulatory strategies, and political processes influence sustainable development. Their work aims to inform more ethical, inclusive, and effective governance practices that support long-term environmental and social wellbeing.
Recent publications from the cluster have delved into the socio-technical dimensions of smart city development and sustainable agriculture. Timea Nochta and Kwadwo Oti-Sarpong’s research on digital twins for cities highlights how technological advancements often reflect the interests of privileged actors, calling for more inclusive design processes. Timea’s work also introduces frameworks for responsible digital innovation, emphasising the need for ethical leadership and cross-sector collaboration. Meanwhile, May Chu’s studies on sustainable agriculture and food choices in Asia reveal how decentralised regulations and culturally tailored strategies can bridge the gap between environmental intentions and real-world behaviours.
The cluster’s influence extends to key academic and policy forums. Timea Nochta and Louise Reardon have examined the evolution of climate governance in Birmingham and the political dynamics surrounding net zero targets in England. Timea’s keynote at ETH Zurich and her leadership in international panels underscore the importance of ethical considerations in digital governance. These contributions reflect the cluster’s commitment to shaping policy discourse and advancing practical solutions for sustainability challenges.
Two major publications further showcase the cluster’s impact. Digital Twins for Smart Cities, co-authored by Timea Nochta, offers a comprehensive guide for urban planners and technology providers, while the Handbook of Transportation and Public Policy, co-edited by Louise Reardon, explores the political dimensions of transport governance. Together, these works highlight the cluster’s role in bridging theory and practice, and in promoting governance approaches that are both innovative and socially responsible.
The Local Government research cluster
This research cluster explores the evolving landscape of local governance, focusing on public management, political structures such as metro-mayors, and the complex relationships between local and central government. The cluster’s work sheds light on the changing roles of councillors and public servants, the emotional and social dimensions of service delivery, and the political dynamics that shape local decision-making. Through a combination of empirical research and theoretical insight, the cluster contributes to a deeper understanding of how local governance can adapt to contemporary challenges.
Recent publications have revisited and updated foundational research on the 21st Century Public Servant and Councillor, reflecting on how roles, skills, and values have shifted in response to events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of hybrid working. Other studies have examined the impact of user accountability in contracted services, revealing how fee structures influence service quality and management styles. Alice Moore’s award-winning research on competition in contract management highlights how market conditions shape managerial behaviour, with implications for public service delivery.
The cluster also addresses the emotional realities of public service. Hannah Absalom’s work on home visits uncovers the often-overlooked emotional toll on tenants, urging social landlords to consider the psychological impact of their practices. Meanwhile, Vivien Lowndes and Catherine Durose apply a gendered lens to street-level bureaucracy, offering new perspectives on how discretion is shaped by institutional and individual gender dynamics. Other contributions explore the politics-administration divide in Canada, the governance of allotments under austerity, and blame avoidance strategies in Indonesia’s welfare programmes.
In addition to academic articles, the cluster has produced influential books. Elke Loeffler’s updated edition of Public Management and Governance remains a key resource for students and practitioners alike, while Jon Bloomfield’s co-authored book on the Populist Right provides a timely analysis of political shifts across Europe and the US. These publications underscore the cluster’s commitment to addressing both the practical and political dimensions of local governance, offering insights that are both academically rigorous and socially relevant.
Exploring Continuity and Change in Japanese Local Government
By Professor Shunsuke Kimura, Meiji University (Tokyo), Visiting Researcher at the University of Birmingham, February–March 2025
During his recent research visit to DPAP, Professor Shunsuke Kimura of Meiji University explored the historical evolution and future sustainability of Japan’s local government system. His work offers a fresh perspective on the enduring structures and transformative reforms that have shaped Japanese local governance from the Meiji era to the present day.
In his latest chapter, Professor Kimura challenges the conventional dichotomy that casts Japan’s pre-war local government as authoritarian and its post-war system as wholly democratic. Instead, he identifies a complex interplay of continuity and transformation. Key enduring features include Japan’s two-tier system of prefectures and municipalities, the broad scope of local responsibilities, and a strong commitment to subsidiarity. At the same time, post-war reforms introduced democratic innovations such as direct elections and fiscal equalisation mechanisms, which have strengthened local autonomy.
Professor Kimura’s comparative interest in the UK’s local governance—particularly its policy creativity and expressive capacity—resonates with our research clusters on Local Government, and Sustainability and Governance. His analysis underscores the importance of balancing stability with responsiveness, especially in the face of emerging challenges such as demographic decline and resource constraints. As Japan looks to the future, Kimura argues that a clearer division of responsibilities across government tiers will be essential to sustaining effective and citizen-responsive local governance.
SOLACE Local Government Stories podcast
Our partners SOLACE, the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, has produced a new podcast. Listen to Episode 2 of the Local Government Stories podcast featuring Kath O’Dwyer, Chief Executive of St Helens. Her career spans over 40 years in public service, ranging from children’s services to senior leadership roles. She shares valuable insights on resilience, the challenges women face in leadership, career advice, and the importance of having broad experience in local government. Listen to the podcast now
Annual Public Sector Workforce Summit 2025
Inlogov’s Director, Jason Lowther, presented a keynote talk alongside Mo Bains, chief executive of APSE and leading non-executive director at MHCLG, at the Annual Public Sector Workforce Summit organised by West Midlands Employers Organisation.
The presentation highlighted the enduring challenges and evolving priorities within UK local government. Drawing on over seven decades of reform, the presentation traced the sector’s journey through structural overhauls, ideological shifts, and fiscal constraints. Austerity remains a central concern, with local authorities still operating with budgets significantly reduced since 2010, disproportionately affecting the most deprived areas and preventative services. Despite a relatively favourable recent budget, the legacy of funding cuts continues to shape service delivery and strategic planning.
A key theme was the emergence of mission-led government, inspired by Mariana Mazzucato’s work, which encourages long-term, innovation-driven approaches to public policy. This model has been adopted by several UK councils, such as Camden and Greater Manchester, to tackle complex societal challenges like climate change and economic inequality. The summit also explored the implications of the English Devolution White Paper, which proposes expanded powers for mayors, new governance forums, and a restructured local government landscape. However, evidence suggests that amalgamations may undermine democratic engagement and community identity, raising questions about the trade-offs between efficiency and localism.
Finally, the presentation underscored the importance of citizen engagement and workforce development in shaping the future of local governance. Recommendations included empowering councillors as community change agents, promoting relational policymaking, and supporting public-commons partnerships. The data on public sector employment trends revealed a long-term decline in local government staffing, contrasting with growth in central government roles. Jason concluded by reaffirming Inlogov’s commitment to supporting local authorities through research, teaching, and policy engagement, advocating for bold, informed choices in an era of constant transformation.