Latest news & events

Innovation and Best Practice blog - Focusing innovation and best practice on people and place

Deputy Chief Executive Kylie Russell reflects on how collaboration, innovation and practical support provided by ADEPT are helping local authorities tackle some of their biggest challenges. From nationally recognised programmes to practical guidance and leadership development, she explores how ADEPT is working alongside members and partners to turn innovation into action; strengthening place-based leadership across the country.

If there is one thing that defines ADEPT, it is the belief that innovation should always have a purpose.

Innovation is not about adopting the newest technology for its own sake or producing guidance that sits on a shelf gathering dust. It is about giving local authorities the confidence, evidence and practical tools they need to solve real challenges and better support the places they serve. Time and resources within local authorities are increasingly stretched, so what we offer as solutions or guidance needs to be rigorously researched and evidenced.

140 years of supporting people and place

Supporting place-based leaders is central to our work, but it feels more important than ever considering the heavier and more diverse workload facing individuals and teams within these roles.

Place directors are leading services through numerous significant changes which are escalating and evolving rapidly. Climate adaptation, decarbonisation, digital transformation, workforce pressures, local government reorganisation and financial constraints all demand new ways of thinking. 

At the same time, there is an expectation that local government will continue to deliver excellent services while planning confidently for the future. No organisation can deliver on these needs and expectations alone.

One of ADEPT's greatest strengths, developed over our 140 year history, is bringing together the experience of our members with the expertise of our corporate partners alongside central government departments, academia and other professional organisations. 

Collaboration has always been one of our core values because we know the best solutions are created together, not in isolation. This collaborative approach is reflected throughout our innovation and best practice work.

Decarbonisation and climate resilience 

The Carbon Leadership Programme, developed in partnership with Proving Services and funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) gives local highway authorities (LHAs) the practical knowledge and confidence to understand, measure and reduce carbon emissions across their operations. 

More importantly, it demonstrates that reducing carbon and improving efficiency often go hand in hand, helping authorities make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and the public purse. The response from local authorities has shown just how valuable this practical, evidence-based support can be.

LHAs completing the Carbon Leadership Programme are invited to sign the Live Labs 2 Decarbonisation of Highways Pledge, a key part of the year 4 structure of the programme. Designed to embed commitment and spread the knowledge base gathered by the seven projects within the programme, the pledge is supported by monthly triage sessions; empowering LHAs to use learning and solutions from the programme as their new business as usual.

Climate resilience is another area where collaboration has produced practical results. Working alongside the Environment Agency, ADEPT developed the Rapid Adaptation Pathway Assessment, or RAPA, toolkit to help authorities better understand climate risks and identify appropriate adaptation pathways for their infrastructure and services. It complements our recently published guide, the Local Highways Climate Adaptation Guide, designed to help LHAs begin to adapt to the demands that climate change places on highways infrastructure. Recognising that resilience is no longer something we can plan for tomorrow, it is something we must address immediately.

But innovation is not limited to infrastructure.

Leadership, recruitment and digital learning

The future of local government depends just as much on attracting, developing and supporting talented people. Through initiatives such as our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme, the ‘A Place for All’ case studies and the Gen Z recruitment focussed ‘Find Your Path’ campaign, developed alongside partners including APSE(the Association for Public Service Excellence), Midlands Highways Alliance, Colas and DfT, we are helping the sector reach audiences who may have never considered a career in place services. 

It is important to reach new pools of talent to show them that local government roles offer rewarding careers that shape communities and provide real impact.

These programmes sit alongside our established leadership development strand as well as our digital skills offering. All designed and facilitated to support professionals in place-based roles throughout their careers.

From the Leadership Pathway Programme for early career professionals and Leadership Development Programme for aspiring place directors, to PACE, our thought leadership programme delivered in partnership with Amey, we know that innovation depends on people as much as projects.

The ADEPT Digital Academy is a bespoke learning programme, fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, designed to accelerate digital and data skill development across local authorities. 

Developed in partnership with Colas and delivered by Multiverse, a leading provider of applied AI, digital and data skills. The intention is that by taking part, teams working under place directors will be equipped with the capabilities to lead change, use data more effectively and deliver better outcomes. The programme combines hands-on, role-relevant training with expert coaching and community learning.

Partners and members

Many of these initiatives have been made possible because of the strength of our partnerships.

Our corporate partners bring expertise and insights which complement the experience of our members and leadership team. Working together allows us to develop practical guidance, pilot new approaches and deliver programmes that have a genuine impact across the sector. It is a relationship built on shared ambition and mutual benefit, with everyone focused on improving outcomes for local communities.

For our members, this means access to far more than publications and events. It means joining a professional community that shares knowledge openly, develops practical solutions together and influences national policy from a position of collective strength. 

Whether through conferences, webinars, working groups, research, leadership programmes or innovation projects, membership provides opportunities to learn from peers and shape the future of place leadership.

As we look ahead to delivering our Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2029, innovation will remain one of the values that defines everything we do. Not innovation for its own sake, but innovation that helps our members respond to changing circumstances, deliver better services and create more resilient places for people. 

That commitment is reflected in our ambition to continue providing insights, expertise and practical solutions, expanding the range of resources available to members. There has never been greater demand for trusted guidance, shared learning and practical support; which is exactly what ADEPT exists to provide.

Further information 

Author

Kylie Russell is ADEPT Deputy Chief Executive

Gallery - click to view a larger version

Media enquiries: please contact Coast Communications 01579 352600 | VAT number: 337 0556 05 | Website by Cosmic