Mutual Ventures

📢Prioritising Public Services: Six Priorities for Reform 📢 High quality public services, connected to their users, is what makes strong and resilient communities. But our public services are under pressure. Rising demand, a focus on crisis rather than prevention, undervalued public servants, and a pessimistic outlook for the future have all contributed to a challenging landscape. But reform is needed, and, with a General Election approaching, it is time to prioritise public services. 💡 Over the coming months, we will be focusing on six priority areas: 1️⃣ Trusting ‘place leaders’ is the best way to improve local services 2️⃣ More effective local partnerships can reduce inequalities in children’s health 3️⃣ Regional collaboration can improve outcomes for children and families 4️⃣ Values-based application of AI can transform users' experience of public services 5️⃣ Cooperative principles can shape new service models that are more connected to communities 6️⃣ A ‘reset’ in the relationship between central and local government can improve policy implementation These priorities are underpinned by three cross-cutting themes: putting relationships at the centre of services, shifting resources from crisis to prevention, and managing costs effectively. Each month, we will delve into one area, offering insights and real-life examples through interactive webinars, thought-provoking articles, and engaging podcasts. We are thrilled to be joined by some of the best public service leaders and experts in these discussions. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you. Share your thoughts and ideas on prioritising public services by visiting our website https://lnkd.in/eYygY85V. #PublicServices #PublicSector #LocalGov #LocalAuthority #Consultancy

Creating the conditions for inclusive growth - what can we expect in the Budget In our latest blog, Mark Bandalli and Sally Dickens consider some of the levers available to the new government to ensure economic growth is inclusive and prosperity is shared within local communities. https://buff.ly/40ljDIM #InclusiveGrowth #PlaceLeadership

💭 We talk a lot about Radical Place Leadership at MV. But what does it really mean?   In this short video explainer, Andrew Laird breaks down the concept of what is, at its core, a tale of silos and bubbles.   The way services are funded from central government and the New Public Management approach to public service delivery continue to encourage siloed working. There’s better thinking out there, but are these examples of silo-busting supported by the system or in spite of the system? We all know the answer… These “bubbles” of excellence often rely on a maverick who is prepared to push back against the system or time-limited funding. The bubble could burst at any time!   Watch our video to learn more about our collaborative, person-centred approach and how we can help you unlock a shared view, where anything is possible…   #PlaceLeadership #Innovation #LocalGov #PublicServices #RadicalPlaceLeadership #Leadership

🎧 NEW EPISODE 🎧 Violence Reduction with Martin P Griffiths CBE, Trauma Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust, Clinical Director of Violence Reduction at NHS London and Chair of the Board of Trustees at SHiFT. This episode is different from previous episodes. It is about gun and knife violence, its impact, and why we all need to pay attention. As well as having to operate (often repeatedly) on young people involved in gun and knife violence, Martin spends a lot of his time and effort reaching out to communities where children may be at risk. He is an advocate of showing young people ‘green lights’ and a positive alternative rather than just ‘red lights’. Andrew Laird and Martin also delve into what real collaboration in public services means and how there is often a need to “unlearn” and to undertake “cultural healing” to get out of a siloed mentality. One of our favourite parts of the conversation is where Martin talks about the importance of having conversations and the power of an additional voice… a simple but often neglected practice. NB – parts of this conversation are quite hard hitting, especially for those who may be affected by the themes being discussed. Listen to the full conversation, here: https://buff.ly/3NDDOdb #RadicalReformers #NHS #ViolenceReduction #collaboration #conversation

What can the whole public sector learn from the insights of the recent Darzi review? In his latest blog, John Copps notes that the health of the nation doesn't just rely on what the NHS does - it requires a wider view of our lives at home and work, and the public services that support them. Read on for John's thoughts on why a siloed approach won't work anymore - and what a whole government approach could look like: https://buff.ly/4f6b7l0 #RadicalPlaceLeadership #Innovation #IntegratedCare

⏰ONE WEEK TO GO⏰ Achieving Inclusive Local Growth – The role of District and Borough Councils. This free webinar will be chaired by Mutual Ventures Chief Executive Andrew Laird and will feature expert input from: ➜ Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director Planning, Regeneration and Communities, West Lindsey District Council ➜ Gill Callingham, former Director of Growth, North East Derbyshire District Council ➜ Mark Bandalli, Managing Consultant, Mutual Ventures Our panel will explore: - The role of District and Borough Councils in achieving local growth - Spheres of influence: direct control, partnering, influencing and showcasing - How to ensure that growth is both inclusive and sustainable - The importance of collaboration and partnerships - The role of elected members - Aligning priorities at a local and combined authority level Register here: https://buff.ly/3Nxnvi6 #InclusiveGrowth #LocalAuthorities

📺 Watch now 📺 If you didn't get to join live, you can watch our latest webinar on demand. This week, Andrew Laird was joined by Ed Hammond, Deputy Chief Executive of the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny and Laura Hughes, Partner at Browne Jacobson and head of the public law team. They examined the current regional devolution structures and legislative framework, the current system's risks and challenges, and what needs to change to adapt to a “messier” form of mission-based government. They also considered what can be done right now without waiting for further action from central government. Watch now: https://buff.ly/3NsnX1f #RadicalPlaceLeadership #Governance #LocalAuthorities

⏰ ONE WEEK TO GO⏰ Register now for the first of our Regional Fostering Recruitment Learning Events - From Competition to Collaboration: Lessons for regional working from the fostering programme, Thursday 24th October at 12-1pm. This free webinar will focus on outlining the ambitions, sharing learning from the DfE’s Recruitment and Retention Programme, and reflecting on the benefits and challenges of regional working. Mutual Ventures’ Senior Consultant Hannah Sampson will be joined by: ➡️ Chris Senior, Head of Foster Care Policy and Delivery Unit, Department for Education ➡️ Alexander Chalkley-Weir, Project Manager, Foster for East Midlands ➡️ Rebecca Blunn, Team Manager, Foster with West London ➡️ Alexandra Kinsella, Programme Manager, Foster4 Since August 2023, Mutual Ventures has been supporting ten groups of local authorities to set up new Fostering Recruitment Support Hubs as part of the DfE’s Fostering Recruitment and Retention Programme. Fostering Recruitment Support Hubs are centrally-run recruitment services, working across groups of local authorities. They provide a single point of contact for people interested in fostering across a region, supporting them throughout the recruitment journey from initial enquiry to application. The aim of hubs is to increase the number of foster carers recruited and provide more loving homes for vulnerable children. Register here: https://buff.ly/3Y9YI8T #Fostering #FosteringRecruitment

📅 Register now for our webinar: Achieving inclusive local growth – the role of District and Borough Councils. While the role of Mayoral Combined Authorities continues to attract the most attention, both District and Borough councils are crucially important to ensuring that local growth is inclusive, sustainable and designed to address place-based challenges that have often existed for generations. This free webinar will be chaired by Mutual Ventures Chief Executive Andrew Laird and will feature expert input from: ➜ Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director Planning, Regeneration and Communities, West Lindsey District Council ➜ Gill Callingham, former Director of Growth, North East Derbyshire District Council ➜ Mark Bandalli, Managing Consultant, Mutual Ventures Our expert panel will explore: - The role of District and Borough councils in achieving local growth - Spheres of influence: direct control, partnering, influencing and showcasing - How to ensure that growth is both inclusive and sustainable - The importance of collaboration and partnerships - The role of elected members - Aligning priorities at a local and combined authority level Register here: https://buff.ly/3A2aSIP #InclusiveGrowth #LocalAuthorities

We're delighted to welcome Milo Abraham to the Mutual Ventures team! He started his career working in FMCG operational improvement programs and procurement before pivoting into public services. He has in-depth experience in supporting and leading SEND transformation programs, supporting Local Authorities and the DFE to implement changes that improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. We’re excited to see the impact his knowledge and experience can bring to our clients and colleagues. Read more about Milo's career to date on our website: https://buff.ly/3BDq5jX Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn and welcome him in the comments below!