How did September pass by so quickly?!
It’s been a busy month of conversations and events and meetings. But I’ve had a single thread connecting my thoughts throughout all of them: we achieve more when we come together.
Whether we’re responding to LGR (or a lack of it), exploring what we can do with AI and data, or figuring out better ways to support our communities, progress starts with people. People connecting and sharing what they know. People learning from each other.
That’s the spirit of Socitm.
During September, I’ve been reminded again and again of what it looks like.
Connecting different perspectives
One of my first stops last month was to St George’s House for the launch of the National Civic Alchemy Network (CAN)
It’s an exciting initiative, bringing public sector, academic and civic partners together to explore new ways of tackling some of the most complex challenges facing our people and places.
We talked about everything from community-led transformation and digital capability to collaborative leadership and turning insight into action.
But it was the mix of voices in the room that captured my attention: different organisations, backgrounds and experiences, all united by a determination to make a positive difference.
That is often where the best ideas begin. Not inside one organisation working alone, but around a table where different viewpoints, expertise and lived experiences can meet.
It’s also where Socitm is at its best: creating connections. Helping leaders learn from one another and sharing practical experiences across the sector.
There’s more to come from CAN, and I’m looking forward to sharing that journey with you.
Read the statement from Nadira and Yogita on the current LGR review: the work already undertaken still matters
Supporting members through change
That need to connect feels especially important as you’re navigating LGR.
I know many of you are managing uncertainty while keeping services moving and supporting your teams.
A couple of weeks ago, Socitm created a drop-in space for members to talk openly about the challenges they’re facing and share what they’re learning.
The conversation was honest and practical: how do we manage change, keep delivering services, support colleagues and still plan confidently for the future?
The response was genuinely encouraging. Members wanted more time to talk, so we’re continuing the conversation with further sessions across October, November and December. [1]
For me, this captures some of Socitm’s greatest strengths. It’s a trusted place to speak candidly, to learn from others and draw on their experiences.
The challenges are significant, but this community means that none of us has to face anything on our own.
Strengthening our partner community
Connection was also at the heart of September’s launch of Socitm’s new partnership packages.
I could only join Partner Day virtually, but I was delighted to record a message and support the launch.
It was wonderful to hear such a positive response, and to see again how much our private sector colleagues contribute to the Socitm community.
The best partnerships are not simply transactional. We all grow through mutual learning and a shared purpose with a genuine commitment to better outcomes for our public services.
As our challenges become more complex, those relationships (between members, partners and wider stakeholders) matter more than ever.
Learning together
I was disappointed not to be able to join everyone at the ADSO Conference in Coventry, but it was great to hear such positive feedback afterwards.
One message came through clearly: we’re all wrestling with many of the same questions about how to:
- Navigate significant change.
- Make better use of data and AI.
- Build the capability we need for the future.
I was particularly encouraged to hear how openly delegates shared their experiences. That willingness to talk honestly about what is and isn’t working is where some of our most important peer learning happens.
The conversation about AI also seems to be changing. It’s not simply whether our organisations should use it, but it’s about how we do it responsibly, ethically and effectively. That closely mirrors Socitm’s work on data governance and AI adoption, and the practical leadership they both need to turn opportunity into public value.
Looking ahead
After such a full September, I’m already looking forward to what comes next. And I hope you’ll be part of it.
- First up is Socitm’s national conference, The Ecosystem of Place, in Manchester on Thursday 15 October.
We’ll be exploring leading across place, digital transformation, AI innovation, inclusive service design, and more. Lots of the same themes that have shaped my conversations this month. I’ll be leading a workshop with you about your approach to prevention. If you’re joining us, please come and say hello.
For me, events like this have never been only about the presentations. The best bit and most real value is in exchanging ideas and building relationships. Making connections that continue long after we leave the room. - We’ve also started shaping next year’s President’s Conference. It’s early days, but the ideas are already energising.
I want us to create even more opportunities for you join in and learn something practical, and make those lasting connections.
Why community matters
Looking back over the month, one thing feels very clear: Socitm’s real strength is not any single event or report. It’s our community.
It’s people generously sharing their time and knowledge. Supporting one another. Asking the difficult questions and working together to find answers.
Public services are under real pressure. Yet everywhere I look, I see extraordinary expertise, creativity and commitment across our sector.
This September has reminded me just how powerful that community can be.
When we connect our knowledge and energy, we’re stronger, we’re better able to make a difference together.
I would love to hear what’s helping you navigate change in your own organisation, so please share your experience when we next connect.
[1] You’re very welcome to come along to talk (or simply listen to the conversation) about what’s going on (or not) with LGR where you are.
- Tuesday 13 October | 12:15 to 13:15
- Monday 23 November | 12:30 to 13:30
- Tuesday 15 December | 12:00 to 13:00
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