LLG Governance Conference 2023

A warm welcome from Sheffield and the LLG Governance Conference 2023.  

President, Rachel Mckoy, opened this morning to highlight that despite what might be seen as constant negativity, we really have the opportunity now; because we have a voice, because we are working with stakeholders on important issues in the sector, to influence and bring about change. Rachel also reminded us that it’s been 10 years since the concept of the 21^st Century Lawyer and that we need to be “bold, brave and brilliant”- so keep channelling!  

Moving onto section 114 lessons, Paul McDermott partner at Trowers and Hamlins reminded us that its not just about outcomes, but process and doing it properly, whilst we heard about what it feels like to be in an intervention from Daniel Fenwick.  

Theresa Grant made some interesting observations that pace and productivity have always been lacking in those authorities not performing well. With cultures being hugely important - denial or an attitude that everything has been done but failure is still happening is not helpful, the basics are missing. But intervention can be used to make the organisation better. If you approach it in denial, you will waste time and not get the best for the authority so you must collaborate.  

Later on this morning, the conference will receive the results of research undertaken by Grant Thornton into governance failings within the local government sector before hearing from a panel with SOLACE, CIPFA and LLG.  We also have a bespoke session on issuing section 5 notices, non-statutory inquiries. generative AI opportunities and the LGA’s Framework for improvement and assurance in local government.  

Session 6 later this afternoon will see the formal launch of the LGIU’s report on the Future of the Monitoring Officer, made possible by Browne Jacobson and LLG. This is a hugely important piece of work which having seen the final version, absolutely delivers in a ‘first of its kind’ project, bringing together all the elements and calling for change. We are hugely excited about this work acting as the leverage required for meaningful, effective change to the role and for the sector.  

Alongside the main room plenary sessions there are a number of breakout sessions throughout the day including a closed space ‘Code of Guidance for Statutory Governance Officers’ with Bevan Brittan. Indeed, the whole conference programme ebbs and flows and weaves itself together to bring forward all the major elements of governance; - governance failings and governance opportunities. That, and the ability as always to come together with the family of local government lawyers and build networks, forge friendships, and feel supported.  

Helen McGrath  

Executive Director of Policy & Governance 

LLG