In the latest episode of #RadicalReformers, Andrew Laird talks to Helen Bailey, Chief Executive of Sutton Council. Helen brings the rare experience of senior roles in both central government and local government and her perspective on the ‘bridge’ between central policy and local delivery is invaluable.

It’s an extremely timely discussion with the renewed interest in the concept of ‘Total Place’, as Helen was in the Treasury when Total Place was first explored. She encourages local leaders to see themselves as conveners of place, not just statutory service providers and urges us all to challenge current solutions and the material difference they’re making.

Helen also reminds us that mistakes are inevitable in public service delivery and that leaders must remain curious and brave enough to try and learn from new things.
We love Helen’s optimism and hope you’re as inspired as we are to “Look for the gaps, look for the cracks, look for the opportunities. Ask questions about the solutions that you’re presented with that don’t seem to work”.

From Whitehall to Local Authority with Helen Bailey

Radical Reformers podcast