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We are celebrating ADEPT's 140th anniversary year by showcasing the voices of past and present ADEPT Presidents, reflecting on the evolution of place leadership and exploring the challenges, innovations and aspirations shaping the future of the sector.

In his essay, Rupert Clubb, Past President of ADEPT (2016-17) and Director of Communities, Economy & Transport at East Sussex County Council explores what is meant by true local empowerment and reflects on restructuring, capacity and the role of ADEPT.

Local empowerment is a concept that resonates deeply within communities and organisations alike. It is about giving power back to the people, ensuring that decisions are made closer to those they affect. In this article, I reflect on what true local empowerment looks like, the challenges faced and the role of ADEPT in influencing government reform agendas.

I first became involved in ADEPT in 2008-09, around the time it was changing its name from CSS to ADEPT. This change reflected the broadening and changing roles of place directors. For me, this led to becoming more involved in ADEPT, initially chairing the environment board and ultimately leading to becoming ADEPT President in 2016-17.

The importance of place

Place means different things to different people, but at its core, it’s about the things that enable people to put their best foot forward’. This includes the broadband that powers their alarm clocks, the waste disposal when they put the bins out, the bus they catch to work, the library book they return, the footpath they walk on, or the roads they cycle or drive on - and, crucially, how safe they are. It is about the quality and access of the countryside around them, and the access to skills and jobs. It is all the things that support residents, visitors and businesses in their day-to-day lives.

It is inescapable. So much so that some of our services are there both at the happiest and the saddest times in people’s lives. Looking back over my career it is difficult to single out one thing to be proud of because there are so many and this highlights the broad range of our role. 

How can you draw comparison between the opening of say, a library, to the construction of a new waste facility, or the support to bereaved families through our registration service and implementation of bus priority measures? The single theme throughout our diverse portfolio is the people that make it happen, the staff of our authorities that go beyond every day. I am proud of what they have achieved against an incredibly difficult backdrop.

Challenges and evolution

Meanwhile my biggest challenge - in fact, our biggest challenge - has been, and continues to be, making the best of the money available. It is a complicated financial outlook that makes managing expectations a significant challenge. Fortunately, ADEPT has evolved to reflect these growing challenges. The inclusion of corporate members has been an important development, because public authorities cannot deliver for our residents and businesses without the private sector. They are an important voice as part of the ADEPT message.

The relationship with our corporate partners illustrates the broader point about the importance of relationships to successful place outcomes. Building strong relationships with partners, both public and private, is essential for shaping place.

Devolution and local empowerment

Local empowerment is about more than just shifting power; it is about making meaningful changes that benefit communities. By focusing on true local empowerment, engaging with communities, and ensuring that devolution delivers real benefits, we can create a better future for all. ADEPT’s role in influencing government reforms is vital in this process, ensuring that the place agenda remains a priority.

True local empowerment is about working with communities, building relationships with them, to understand and help shape their place. It means that local leaders are empowered to make decisions that work well for their areas, rather than having decisions imposed from a central authority. More local decision making means, in theory, solutions can be tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of their communities. This leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes, as the decisions are made by those who have a deep understanding of the local context.

Devolution provides an opportunity for local leaders to decide what works best for their areas. To ensure it delivers real benefits, it is crucial to focus on the needs of the residents and not just shift bureaucracy around. This involves engaging with the community, understanding their needs and making informed decisions that improve their quality of life.

Even though empowering local leaders is positive, it will be essential to strike a balance between local decision-making and central oversight to ensure that communities receive the best possible outcomes. When local leaders have the autonomy to make decisions, they can respond more quickly, effectively and innovatively to local issues and opportunities.

ADEPT’s role and the future

ADEPT’s influence has brought about significant changes to local authority funding and has influenced policy. This has had a significant impact on how we deliver services and support our communities. People in our communities will always have strong views about services that support their daily lives. The nature of the service may evolve, but I have no doubt people and politicians will remain animated about place.

To shape place effectively, ADEPT members should keep focused on developing strong relationships with the partners needed to shape place. This changes over time and needs investment to pay the future dividend. Future ADEPT members will also need to embrace potential tools that can help achieve more for less and be open to technological changes. I would urge people to get involved in the regional and subject matter boards, which have a real impact on national policy development.

For ADEPT, the role is as important as ever. ADEPT needs to ensure that the place agenda is not diluted by other pressures, notably in adult and children’s social care. These are issues that need to be resolved by government but not at the expense of the very services that keep communities thriving and proud of the place they call home. Good place thinking supports communities economically, socially and environmentally, but it needs to be funded appropriately. It is crucial for ADEPT to continue playing a significant role in shaping future government reforms.

In conclusion, true local empowerment involves giving power back to the people, building the capacity of local leaders and communities and ensuring that decisions are made closer to those they affect. By focusing on the needs and priorities of local communities, engaging with residents and ensuring transparency and accountability, we can ensure that devolution delivers real benefits. ADEPT’s role in advocating for local empowerment and ensuring place remains a priority in this process, helping to create a better future for all.

Further information

• Read the full collection of essays
• Find out more about our 140th anniversary
• Watch our 140th anniversary celebration film and animated timeline

Author

Rupert Clubb is a Past President of ADEPT (2016-17) and Director of Communities, Economy & Transport at East Sussex County Council.