This brand new course offers Monitoring Officers and their teams a timely and in-depth opportunity to explore the implications of devolution and local government reorganisation. As the landscape of local government continues to evolve, this course will provide delegates with understanding into the legal, structural, and governance challenges that arise from these changes. Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of their roles in navigating new arrangements, managing risk, and ensuring effective governance in restructured or devolved environments.
The course will cover:
LGR and Devo - the differences and the interaction between them
Different perspectives on LGR – disaggregation or aggregation
The process of change – decision-making/consultation etc within your council
What are the key issues and challenges for you and your teams?
The changing roles/relationships, particularly member/officer relations
Rules around the shadow period – what can you do, what can’t you do and what requires consent
Risks and danger zones including
Conflicts (for both officers and members)
Where does the power lie?
Are you in the room where it’s happening?
Future-proofing decisions
Sabotage
Is your authority ready for LGR?
Basic housekeeping and information (contracts register, land terrier, schedule of litigation)
Plotting key areas of difference in strategy/policy/culture
New constitutions – critical issues and a route map
Terms of reference of decision-making bodies
Delegations including financial thresholds
Codes and protocols
Day one readiness!
A view from a practitioner who has successfully navigated these changes – practical top tips
Conclusions/actions/useful resources
Bethan Evans Governance Training and Consultancy
GOV TC
Beth is a recognised expert in local authority governance and decision-making, having worked in this field for over 40 years. She was an in-house lawyer for nearly 20 years, at four different councils in England (including Bristol City Council, Avon County Council and South Gloucestershire Council). She moved from a practitioner specialising in education, housing, commercial and social care law into management posts, culminating in roles as a County Solicitor and a Director of Corporate Services in a unitary authority.
Beth led the Welsh Local Government Agency responsible for improvement and development in the 22 unitary councils in Wales (and the regional employer) for three years from 1998.
In 2001 Beth moved to a role as a partner with Bevan Brittan LLP, a leading national law firm, where she led the local government team for 17 years, for 4 years of which she was Senior Partner of the firm. The firm has, for many years, been ranked Band One legal advisors for local authorities.
Legal 500 rankings 2017 – UK Local Government Law
Bethan Evans is the “undisputed leader in the field”
In 2016, Beth left her legal role and set up her business as an independent governance trainer and advisor. She is an experienced and highly regarded practitioner in this field. She specialises in member and officer development for local authorities. She has a wealth of practical experience which enables her to bring these insights to her training.
In this capacity, Beth has provided sessions for over 120 councils over the last few years, including county councils, unitaries, London boroughs, combined authorities, districts, and parishes.
Beth works extensively with LLG on their programme of governance related sessions and on training for Monitoring Officers.
Other roles
In addition to her professional business, Beth has held trustee/non-executive roles including:
Chair of the charity Ablaze which seeks to address inequality of opportunity and achievement in young people by bringing businesses and schools together in reading, maths, and mentoring programmes
Non-executive Director of Bristol Energy Limited for 2 years
Related training
09:30 - 13:00
Online
