‘The Heart of the Matter’ research with Localis launching next week

As we approach a quarter century of supporting clients and improving lives, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey that has brought us here. Our commitment to supporting public services across the UK has driven us to positively impact over 30,000 lives in the last year alone. In the process, we have unlocked millions of pounds in good savings and growth, and, while we take pride in these accomplishments, we remain humble and grounded in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. 

This year, we are looking forward to the future as we expand our portfolio of place-based working and help our clients apply IMPOWER’s techniques and tools to their place-based challenges.   

Over the last few months, we have been working with thinktank Localis to delve deep into the challenges of place-based working and identify both proven and emerging solutions that can be applied across different contexts. This has been shaped through research and dialogue with council chief executives, senior leaders, and directors of place, economy, and transformation across the country. 

We are excited to sponsor this original piece of research, “Heart of the Matter: Getting to Grips with Whole Place Transformation”, which will be launched next week at an online discussion with IMPOWER’s Chief Executive Sean Hanson and esteemed panellists Cllr Abi Brown, Chair, LGA Improvement and Innovation Board; Professor Colin Copus, Localis Fellow; Kate Martin, Executive Director, City Futures, Sheffield City Council, with the session led by Localis Chief Executive, Jonathan Werran. 

The panel will share their thoughts and insights on the vital need for whole-place transformation. 

The findings from the research reinforce the learning from our own 25 years of experience. Addressing complex problems and entrenched disadvantages demands collaboration, understanding and a willingness to learn from one another. The report makes six high-level recommendations to local leaders: 

1. 1. Plan to Transform
   2. Invest to Prevent
   3. Prime for Good Growth
   4. Work in Partnership
   5. Deliver Through Innovation
   6. Empower People

The report will be formally launched on Thursday 12 September at an online event and we are eagerly anticipating the discussions that will follow. This event is not just a launch but a continuation of the dialogue we have been fostering—a dialogue that seeks to bring about real change in the way we think about and approach Whole Place Transformation. 

If you would like to know more about our work in Place Transformation, Economic Growth, Housing, Homelessness and Transport, please contact Erin Walsh, Director of Place – [email protected], and John Houghton, Senior Manager of Place – [email protected].