Future Local Lab
Local Government Explained
Local Elections England: 2026Strategic partners
We are proud to work with partners who share our determination to address the challenges faced by local government today and in the future.
Our partners are leaders in their own sectors with a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving local government environment. This network of expertise enhances our research capacity and the way that we can respond to the priorities of LGIU members and the wider sector.
About our strategic partners
Our partners are an extension of the LGIU team, involved in numerous projects, including tailored research, sector events and engagement. They work closely with us and our network of members to directly support the sector in overcoming challenges and grasping opportunities.
Browne Jacobson is a top 50 UK and Ireland law firm working to make a difference across business and society. The firm champions fairness, makes the complex simple and brings clients together to find creative solutions that improve outcomes for the people, communities, and businesses it serves.
In the public sector, the firm’s deep knowledge and insight into both public and private organisations give it a unique understanding of the challenges faced by the sector. With strong relationships across government and expertise in areas including organisational transformation, sustainability, digital innovation, and regeneration, Browne Jacobson is at the heart of public sector modernisation, tackling society’s biggest issues.
CCLA is a leading specialist fund manager for local authorities and charities. They are the Cllr Awards founding partner. When they began sponsoring the Awards, they had 22 local authority client accounts. Today, they have over 700, and this number is growing every month.
CCLA are owned by their clients – their mission is to serve the whole sector, regardless of size.
Local Partnerships is an in-house public sector delivery partner jointly owned by the LGA, HM Treasury and Welsh Government. They work solely for central government departments, the Welsh Government, councils and combined authorities.
Local Partnerships delivers value and efficacy for the public purse. As a key interface between local and central government, they provide expert advice and practical resources alongside project and programme delivery support, enabling public services to thrive.
Norse Group delivers the essential services and spaces that help communities thrive. They partner with local authorities through successful joint ventures that combine scale and expertise with local insight and a shared commitment to public service. As the UK’s largest Local Authority Trading Company, wholly owned by Norfolk County Council, they are rooted in public values and driven by the belief that there’s always a better way to deliver for communities.
Recent partnership work
Service delivery in uncertain times
In partnership with Norse Group, we sought to understand the extent to which local government reorganisation is impacting service delivery arrangements at the local level. Read the report.
Navigating risk in local government
With Browne Jacobson we explored the changing role of risk managers in local government and recommendations for a healthy and dynamic approach to risk across the sector. Read the report.
Looking to 2050: The future of local government in England
Supported by Local Partnerships, this research examined how combined authorities and their constituent councils work together to deliver public services and how that model could be enhanced in the future. Read the report.
Work with us
LGIU is a trusted voice in the sector. This is because of our network, our reach and our understanding of local government. But it is also thanks to our track record of using cutting-edge research to stand up for the sector and to drive positive change.
If you would like to discuss working with LGIU please contact our Head of Research, Jon Gleek, at jon.gleek@lgiu.org.
