Mark Swift discusses how participatory governance and democratic innovation can help rebuild trust in public life. This article draws on a policy working paper exploring how democratic innovation can strengthen trust, participation and governance in the UK. The full paper examines these ideas in greater depth and outlines practical pathways for “dialling up democracy” in the … Continue reading “Dialling Up Democracy: Renewing Trust Through Civic Innovation”
Why Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy
Dr Ed Atkins explores the experiences of MG Rover workers after the closure of the Longbridge plant and draws parallels to green skills policies today. This blog is based on a recent report by Dr Atkins – Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy: Lessons From the Closure of MG Rover, 2000-2005 Net zero has … Continue reading “Why Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy”
Policy News – March 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. Reports and publications – Parliament Title Details Published Flying blind: … Continue reading “Policy News – March 2026”
Placecast Episode 12: Long Games and Local Places: How Rural Policy Really Changes with Michael Woods
In the latest episode of Placecast, Professor Michael Woods, Director of the Cymru Wledig LPIP (Rural Wales), offers a rich and thoughtful journey through Welsh devolution, rural policy, and the power of deeply embedded place-based research. It’s a conversation that blends decades of academic insight with a grounded understanding of how communities, policymakers, and researchers … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 12: Long Games and Local Places: How Rural Policy Really Changes with Michael Woods”
MHCLG Appraisal Guide Update 2026
Recently, HM Treasury released the updated version of the Green Book following the 2025 Green Book review. Alongside the release of the Green Book, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has also released the MHCLG Appraisal Guidance. Whilst the majority of those with experience in the public sector are well-versed in the Green … Continue reading “MHCLG Appraisal Guide Update 2026”
Understanding Our Users: Launching the LPIP Hub’s New Personas
Across the UK, people working in local policy, delivery, research, and community leadership are all grappling with increasingly complex challenges, from capacity constraints and rising service demand to fragmented data, regulatory pressures, and the need to respond quickly to local needs. Yet despite these shared pressures, each group experiences the policy ecosystem differently. To support … Continue reading “Understanding Our Users: Launching the LPIP Hub’s New Personas”
The Green Book 2026 Update
This month, HM Treasury released an updated version of the Green Book following the 2025 Green Book review. The 2025 Green Book review consulted a wide range of organisations and individuals, including combined authorities, local authorities, central government departments and arms-length bodies, devolved governments, think tanks, consultancies and academics, including researchers from within the LPIP … Continue reading “The Green Book 2026 Update”
Policy Innovate – 5 March 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of Policy Innovate. Policy Innovate aims to gather and disseminate the work of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) programme and wider relevant research to provide evidence on building confidence, capacity, and capability in an effective service-driven approach to place-based policy-making and public service delivery. The LPIP Hub seeks to address … Continue reading “Policy Innovate – 5 March 2026”
Three Lessons for Place-Based Green Industrial Policy
Dr Ed Atkins explores three examples of the place-based implications of net zero as a process of industrial change. This blog is based on a recent report by Dr Atkins – Developing place-based green industrial policy in the UK. The UK government’s legal obligation to reach net zero by 2050 demands significant, long-term action. Reducing … Continue reading “Three Lessons for Place-Based Green Industrial Policy”
Meet Helen O’Gara, Public Health Professional, Local Charity Leader and LPIP Hub Place Fellow
I am a public health practitioner in a local authority, a charity leader in a small town and, at heart, a community development creative practitioner. I have been a youth worker both in local authority and the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector. I have been an artist, recruited for a purpose to bring to … Continue reading “Meet Helen O’Gara, Public Health Professional, Local Charity Leader and LPIP Hub Place Fellow”