“Magic Notes” promises to save social workers a day a week. But who’s checking the spellbook ? 🧙‍♂️✨ AI in local government needs more than hype — it needs scrutiny. 🧵 Our take on the case for (and against) a Devolved AI Service: inlogov.com/2025/05/27/do-…

So excited to announce our new BSc programme on Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy starting in September. Helping to create the next generation of policy professionals integrating technical AI skills with comprehensive public policy expertise. birmingham.ac.uk/study/undergra…

Community centres are navigating fragile funding, rising demand - and a system that doesn’t always see their worth. Our report shines a light on their impact now - and what’s possible ahead. newlocal.org.uk/publications/w…

Such an important community asset, and a key part of citizen engagement (which we'll be coming back to soon...)

Chris Game reflects on the local elections, the arrival of DOGE teams in English councils, and voting systems inlogov.com/2025/06/10/win…

As the latest round of reorganisation gets under way, Jason Lowther INLOGOV looks at what international research has to say about whether larger councils actually lead to savings and service improvement. themj.co.uk/reorganisation… via The MJ

The amazing Wales Centre for Public Policy is seeking to recruit an 18 month fellowship who will lead a project supporting What Works Centres (WWCs) to develop and capture their impact on policy and practice. ukri.org/wp-content/upl…

We're set up at #LGAConf25 - please pop over to stand A24 to say hello! This year we're focussing on citizen engagement, updated 21st Century Councillor and Public Servant research, and the last chance to levy-fund our Senior Leader apprenticeship.

Excited again to be part of this powerful networking event for local government. Thrilled to see such a forward-looking and thoughtful agenda, well done LGcomms pulling this together!

Citizen engagement is sometimes treated as something at the margins of decision-making, but a new INLOGOV report launched today at #LGAConf25 argues for a more integrated approach, says Jason Lowther. themj.co.uk/citizen-engage… via The MJ

Looking forward to day 3 of #LGAConf25 - pop along to stand A24 to chat about our latest research, last chance entry to the levy-funded Senior Leader programme, and our policy proposals on citizen engagement. And pick up a 21C councillor coaster!

Solace launches Standards Commission on public ethics, local government and professional conduct ••• solace.org.uk/news_and_press… via @Solace

There's only a few days left to register! Our free virtual session on 10 July gives new councillors practical advice on how councils are governed, how to make decisions, and how to spot potential risks. Don't miss out! orlo.uk/Kq5KX

What a weekend 🦇 Was great to see all the Black Sabbath and heavy metal fans out and about in Birmingham this weekend ! 🤘 The #SummerofSabbath continues with murals and exhibitions for everyone to explore and keeping rocking on 🎸

🚨 Just 3 Days to Go! 🚨 The #SolaceLeadershipForum 2025 is nearly here – and there's still time to book your place! 📅 Wednesday 9th July | 🕦 11:30 – 13:00 💻 Online via Microsoft Teams 🎤 Hear from: ✨ Ama Agbeze (Ama Agbeze) – Former England Netball Captain ✨ Kath

The Party's Over What happens when political parties fail and die? New research from the Netherlands reveals some key issues. inlogov.com/2025/07/03/uns…

On-the-job learning upended by AI and hybrid work ••• ft.com/content/071089… via @ft

"I am fed up. It was interesting, fascinating, and frustrating". Julien van Ostaaijen & Sander Jennissen explore why Dutch political parties lose their local representatives in this INLOGOV blog based on the full Local Government Studies article. inlogov.com/2025/07/03/uns…

"What a performance: anticipating the impact of new provider league tables in the NHS" New blog by Professor Russell Mannion College of Social Sciences following the new 10-Year Health Plan for England birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/what…

Excellent piece by Ross Millar Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) on the new NHS 10-year Plan. Asks challenging questions including how the plan will realise the ‘cross-societal energy on prevention? birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/vert…