Ask the Expert: Structural Changes Orders – How to Prepare and What to Expect Tue, 21 Apr

Structural Changes Orders (SCOs) are the legal instruments that bring local government reorganisation into effect but in practice, they shape far more than structure. They set the timetable, define transitional governance, and determine how decisions can be made during the shadow period and up to vesting day.

This Ask the Expert session partnered with Browne Jacobson will provide a practical overview of how councils can prepare for an SCO, where there is scope to influence transitional arrangements, and how SCO planning fits within wider implementation and risk management programmes.

Designed for officers and elected members, this will also be an open and safe space to raise questions about governance, section 24 directions, capacity pressures and the realities of managing transition.

Key areas

• What an SCO covers and how it works alongside wider transition tools
• Where councils can shape preparatory functions and governance
• Practical steps to prepare before an Order is laid
• Aligning SCO preparation with wider implementation planning
• Managing risk, decision constraints and service continuity

Speakers

Laura Hughes is a Partner at Browne Jacobson and Partner of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2025. She heads up the public law team, as well as being the head of the insurance and public risk department, and the executive lead for Wales. Laura is an experienced public law expert who advises her clients on their most important and high profile matters. She acts across the public sector advising clients in government, local government, education, health, audit, sports and natural resources. Laura was named in the Lawyer’s Hot 100 for 2025, and was named Law Firm Lead of the Year at a National/Regional Firm at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards 2025.

Laura has over 20 years experience advising public sector clients on the full range of public law matters including devolution, local government reorganisation, consultation, statutory interpretation, statutory and guidance drafting, judicial review, health, education and regulatory matters. Laura’s clients include Welsh Government, Defra, Natural Resources Wales, Sports England, Qualification Wales, UK Sport and the Cabinet Office.

Dr Jonathan Carr-West has been Chief Executive of LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) since February 2013 where he leads on all aspects of the think tank’s policy, membership and influencing work.

Jonathan is a leading national expert on local government transformation, local democracy and public services. Some of his particular interests are in participative democracy, the evolving nature of public services and devolution. With an extensive media profile and sector credibility, he has published on topics as diverse as localism and public service transformation, cognitive and behavioural science, and the politics of cultural memory.

Partners

Browne Jacobson is a law firm committed to making a difference across business and society.

With social and environmental impact at the forefront of the business agenda, Browne Jacobson has always operated at the intersection of business and society—an expertise that sets the firm apart. Championing fairness, simplifying complexity, and fostering connections between clients to develop creative solutions, the firm strives to improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and businesses alike.

Recognizing that the legal profession must reflect the society it serves, Browne Jacobson is dedicated to advancing social mobility, diversity, and inclusion within both the firm and the wider profession. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on well-being and individuality, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to thrive.