Articles

Most councils and community organisations know how important it is to communicate with the public. But very few apply the same care and structure to how they communicate internally.

The result?

[Read more…] about Poor Internal Communication Is a Risk — Not Just a Nuisance

A good Chair doesn’t just open and close a meeting — they set the tone for everything that happens in between. In local councils, the Chair’s role is often misunderstood or underplayed. But time and again, we’ve seen that a well-chaired meeting runs smoother, gets more done, and earns more respect — even when discussions are tough.

[Read more…] about Chairing with Purpose: Why the Person Holding the Gavel Matters

We often hear councillors say, “I’m just passionate.” And that’s usually true. Passion is what drives people to run for office, give up evenings, and fight for their communities. But in our consultancy experience, passion without discipline often tips into disruption and the line between the two is thinner than people realise.

[Read more…] about Strong Views, Bad Behaviour

As discussions around devolution continue across Norfolk and Suffolk, local councils find themselves facing a familiar tension: how to plan for uncertainty. While the headlines focus on regional deals and high-level negotiations, it’s parish and town councils that may feel the most immediate shifts, even if those changes come subtly and slowly.

We believe this moment is less about predicting the future and more about preparing organisations to respond confidently when change does come.

[Read more…] about Devolution and Local Councils: Preparing for Change

Governance isn’t just for large institutions or formal boards. In fact, the smaller the organisation, the more visible the impact of good (or poor) governance becomes. Whether you’re running a local charity, a parish council, or a small business, getting governance right isn’t about red tape, it’s about clarity, trust, and function.

[Read more…] about Getting Governance Right in Small Organisations