Grace Pollard
@gracepollard.bsky.social
Head of Policy and Insights @wearenewlocal.bsky.social
local government, community power, innovation in public services, devolution. Views own.
local government, community power, innovation in public services, devolution. Views own.
Reposted by Grace Pollard
New local government structures are on the horizon.
A brilliant panel on the opportunities of LGR - and how to centre communities.
💬 Salena Mulhere (Test Valley BC)
💬 Paul Pawa (Norse)
💬 Jonathan Stephenson (@brentwoodbc.bsky.social)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
A brilliant panel on the opportunities of LGR - and how to centre communities.
💬 Salena Mulhere (Test Valley BC)
💬 Paul Pawa (Norse)
💬 Jonathan Stephenson (@brentwoodbc.bsky.social)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
June 3, 2025 at 2:33 PM
New local government structures are on the horizon.
A brilliant panel on the opportunities of LGR - and how to centre communities.
💬 Salena Mulhere (Test Valley BC)
💬 Paul Pawa (Norse)
💬 Jonathan Stephenson (@brentwoodbc.bsky.social)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
A brilliant panel on the opportunities of LGR - and how to centre communities.
💬 Salena Mulhere (Test Valley BC)
💬 Paul Pawa (Norse)
💬 Jonathan Stephenson (@brentwoodbc.bsky.social)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Social capital is often the missing ingredient in place-based regeneration.
We’re looking at how to identify, measure & strengthen it at the hyperlocal level.
💬 Dan Crowe (3ni)
💬 @annafrancisart.bsky.social
💬 Robin Fry (North East Combined Authority)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
We’re looking at how to identify, measure & strengthen it at the hyperlocal level.
💬 Dan Crowe (3ni)
💬 @annafrancisart.bsky.social
💬 Robin Fry (North East Combined Authority)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
June 3, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Social capital is often the missing ingredient in place-based regeneration.
We’re looking at how to identify, measure & strengthen it at the hyperlocal level.
💬 Dan Crowe (3ni)
💬 @annafrancisart.bsky.social
💬 Robin Fry (North East Combined Authority)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
We’re looking at how to identify, measure & strengthen it at the hyperlocal level.
💬 Dan Crowe (3ni)
💬 @annafrancisart.bsky.social
💬 Robin Fry (North East Combined Authority)
🪑 @gracepollard.bsky.social
#StrongerThings
Reposted by Grace Pollard
“If you start with people - their needs and aspirations - you would never design the system that we’ve ended up with.”
“Reform, for me, has to be built from the ground up - with those that use public services & those that love them.”
@georgiagould.bsky.social on the shape of public service reform
“Reform, for me, has to be built from the ground up - with those that use public services & those that love them.”
@georgiagould.bsky.social on the shape of public service reform
June 3, 2025 at 8:52 AM
“If you start with people - their needs and aspirations - you would never design the system that we’ve ended up with.”
“Reform, for me, has to be built from the ground up - with those that use public services & those that love them.”
@georgiagould.bsky.social on the shape of public service reform
“Reform, for me, has to be built from the ground up - with those that use public services & those that love them.”
@georgiagould.bsky.social on the shape of public service reform
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Here we go…
@jesstud.bsky.social & @vibrantkatiekelly.bsky.social open #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
“We gather at a time when the outlines of change have been drawn, but now it’s time for us all to bring some colour to the canvas.”
@jesstud.bsky.social & @vibrantkatiekelly.bsky.social open #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
“We gather at a time when the outlines of change have been drawn, but now it’s time for us all to bring some colour to the canvas.”
June 3, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Here we go…
@jesstud.bsky.social & @vibrantkatiekelly.bsky.social open #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
“We gather at a time when the outlines of change have been drawn, but now it’s time for us all to bring some colour to the canvas.”
@jesstud.bsky.social & @vibrantkatiekelly.bsky.social open #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
“We gather at a time when the outlines of change have been drawn, but now it’s time for us all to bring some colour to the canvas.”
Reposted by Grace Pollard
“The solutions to the seemingly intractable problems we face can be solved by the very communities we serve.”
Ian Thomas, CBE, Town Clerk & Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation, sets the scene for today’s festival of community power #StrongerThings ⭐️
Ian Thomas, CBE, Town Clerk & Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation, sets the scene for today’s festival of community power #StrongerThings ⭐️
June 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
“The solutions to the seemingly intractable problems we face can be solved by the very communities we serve.”
Ian Thomas, CBE, Town Clerk & Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation, sets the scene for today’s festival of community power #StrongerThings ⭐️
Ian Thomas, CBE, Town Clerk & Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation, sets the scene for today’s festival of community power #StrongerThings ⭐️
Reposted by Grace Pollard
That’s a wrap for today! 🎬
See you bright and early tomorrow for the highlight of our year - #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
p.s. There’s still time to register to join us online 👉 www.newlocal.org.uk/strongerthin...
See you bright and early tomorrow for the highlight of our year - #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
p.s. There’s still time to register to join us online 👉 www.newlocal.org.uk/strongerthin...
June 2, 2025 at 5:07 PM
That’s a wrap for today! 🎬
See you bright and early tomorrow for the highlight of our year - #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
p.s. There’s still time to register to join us online 👉 www.newlocal.org.uk/strongerthin...
See you bright and early tomorrow for the highlight of our year - #StrongerThings 2025 🌟
p.s. There’s still time to register to join us online 👉 www.newlocal.org.uk/strongerthin...
Reposted by Grace Pollard
#StrongerThings 2025 is taking shape!
👀 sneak preview of the magnificent backdrop for tomorrow’s festival of #CommunityPower ⭐️
👀 sneak preview of the magnificent backdrop for tomorrow’s festival of #CommunityPower ⭐️
June 2, 2025 at 3:05 PM
#StrongerThings 2025 is taking shape!
👀 sneak preview of the magnificent backdrop for tomorrow’s festival of #CommunityPower ⭐️
👀 sneak preview of the magnificent backdrop for tomorrow’s festival of #CommunityPower ⭐️
Reposted by Grace Pollard
🎉 We have officially SOLD OUT of in-person tickets for #StrongerThings 2025!
But you can still be part of the action – from wherever you are.
Join us online on 3 June for livestreamed keynotes, exclusive workshops, BTS interviews + more!
🔗 Register here:
But you can still be part of the action – from wherever you are.
Join us online on 3 June for livestreamed keynotes, exclusive workshops, BTS interviews + more!
🔗 Register here:
STRONGER THINGS ONLINE - New Local
Home | Speakers | Agenda | ST Online | Partners | | Plan Your Day | FAQ | New Thinking STRONGER THINGS ONLINE Join Stronger Things 2025 from wherever you are Whilst there is nothing quite like the…
buff.ly
May 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
🎉 We have officially SOLD OUT of in-person tickets for #StrongerThings 2025!
But you can still be part of the action – from wherever you are.
Join us online on 3 June for livestreamed keynotes, exclusive workshops, BTS interviews + more!
🔗 Register here:
But you can still be part of the action – from wherever you are.
Join us online on 3 June for livestreamed keynotes, exclusive workshops, BTS interviews + more!
🔗 Register here:
Reposted by Grace Pollard
It's fantastic timing for this report from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social & @raynefoundation.bsky.social about the vital role community centres (+ assets more broadly) play in transforming neighbourhoods for local benefit — and the investment ecosystem to unlock this at scale.
Read more 👇
3/ 🧵
Read more 👇
3/ 🧵
“This is the place”: The case for investing in community centres - New Local
Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, but we are losing these spaces at pace and at scale.
www.newlocal.org.uk
May 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM
It's fantastic timing for this report from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social & @raynefoundation.bsky.social about the vital role community centres (+ assets more broadly) play in transforming neighbourhoods for local benefit — and the investment ecosystem to unlock this at scale.
Read more 👇
3/ 🧵
Read more 👇
3/ 🧵
Interesting work from @natcen.bsky.social showing the potential to bring deliberation into the devolution process.
Excited to share the fruits of a deliberation we ran with people from Sussex about devolution! This research is a case study for doing further devo deliberations across England, which could help better engage the public on this issue. Read on to learn more! #SocietyWatch #Devolution #Deliberation
Today we have published a policy briefing paper, sharing fresh insights into the public's attitudes towards devolution #SocietyWatch #SocialResearch #Devolution #Deliberation natcen.ac.uk/publications...
May 9, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Interesting work from @natcen.bsky.social showing the potential to bring deliberation into the devolution process.
"community centres need to be recognised as a core part of the essential infrastructure of a place" - @summersimpson.bsky.social shares insights from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social report. With recommendations for local gov, policymakers & funders.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
“This is the place”: The case for investing in community centres - New Local
Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, but we are losing these spaces at pace and at scale.
www.newlocal.org.uk
May 8, 2025 at 1:05 PM
"community centres need to be recognised as a core part of the essential infrastructure of a place" - @summersimpson.bsky.social shares insights from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social report. With recommendations for local gov, policymakers & funders.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Though vital for connection, community spaces in England have been declining over the years.
We welcome the launch of @wearenewlocal.bsky.social’s report which highlights how community centres are vital infrastructure for communities & why they should receive long-term funding: buff.ly/OFY7FBE [1/3]
We welcome the launch of @wearenewlocal.bsky.social’s report which highlights how community centres are vital infrastructure for communities & why they should receive long-term funding: buff.ly/OFY7FBE [1/3]
Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres - New Local
This report sets out the vital role that community centres play in local areas and makes the case for investing in their future.
www.newlocal.org.uk
May 7, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Though vital for connection, community spaces in England have been declining over the years.
We welcome the launch of @wearenewlocal.bsky.social’s report which highlights how community centres are vital infrastructure for communities & why they should receive long-term funding: buff.ly/OFY7FBE [1/3]
We welcome the launch of @wearenewlocal.bsky.social’s report which highlights how community centres are vital infrastructure for communities & why they should receive long-term funding: buff.ly/OFY7FBE [1/3]
Reposted by Grace Pollard
New research from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social sets out the vital role that community centres play in local areas and makes the case for meaningful investment. It puts forward a vision for community centres of the future and the contribution they could make to the regeneration of our neighbourhoods⬇️
🆕 Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
May 7, 2025 at 3:45 PM
New research from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social sets out the vital role that community centres play in local areas and makes the case for meaningful investment. It puts forward a vision for community centres of the future and the contribution they could make to the regeneration of our neighbourhoods⬇️
Reposted by Grace Pollard
This is a great piece of work from @summersimpson.bsky.social and the @wearenewlocal.bsky.social team. Do have a read!
It’s a very big day for me – @wearenewlocal.bsky.social launches Where People Meet: Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
May 7, 2025 at 11:03 AM
This is a great piece of work from @summersimpson.bsky.social and the @wearenewlocal.bsky.social team. Do have a read!
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Today with @wearenewlocal.bsky.social we launch our report on the value and future of community centres. A vital and neglected part of (re)building community and society in the UK, it's time to turn attention to places 'Where People Meet' @raynefoundation.bsky.social .
🆕 Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
May 7, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Today with @wearenewlocal.bsky.social we launch our report on the value and future of community centres. A vital and neglected part of (re)building community and society in the UK, it's time to turn attention to places 'Where People Meet' @raynefoundation.bsky.social .
Reposted by Grace Pollard
It’s a very big day for me – @wearenewlocal.bsky.social launches Where People Meet: Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
May 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
It’s a very big day for me – @wearenewlocal.bsky.social launches Where People Meet: Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
This insightful and practical report is valuable reading for local gov, NHS, funders & policymakers.
With housebuilding, regeneration, prevention & neighbourhood working high on the policy agenda - it's a critical moment to reflect how we sustain and nurture this important social infrastructure.
With housebuilding, regeneration, prevention & neighbourhood working high on the policy agenda - it's a critical moment to reflect how we sustain and nurture this important social infrastructure.
🆕 Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
May 7, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This insightful and practical report is valuable reading for local gov, NHS, funders & policymakers.
With housebuilding, regeneration, prevention & neighbourhood working high on the policy agenda - it's a critical moment to reflect how we sustain and nurture this important social infrastructure.
With housebuilding, regeneration, prevention & neighbourhood working high on the policy agenda - it's a critical moment to reflect how we sustain and nurture this important social infrastructure.
With the growing policy focus on working at the scale of neighbourhoods - this is a timely and thoughtful piece from @nicksinclair.bsky.social and David Robinson on "relational neighbourhoods".
Nick Sinclair and David Robinson reflect on recent policy-driven changes that offer opportunities for achieving #relational neighbourhoods: "an area where connections matter as much as, if not more than, geography."
relationshipsproject.org/the-relational-neighbourhood/
@nicksinclair.bsky.social
relationshipsproject.org/the-relational-neighbourhood/
@nicksinclair.bsky.social
May 2, 2025 at 11:18 AM
With the growing policy focus on working at the scale of neighbourhoods - this is a timely and thoughtful piece from @nicksinclair.bsky.social and David Robinson on "relational neighbourhoods".
Reposted by Grace Pollard
What does the English Devolution White Paper mean for public services?
What is needed to make it work?
@jesstud.bsky.social on this ➕ more on The Local Authority Podcast 🎙
“There is a deeper and more sophisticated conversation to be had about cost and spend across a place”.
What is needed to make it work?
@jesstud.bsky.social on this ➕ more on The Local Authority Podcast 🎙
“There is a deeper and more sophisticated conversation to be had about cost and spend across a place”.
English devolution white paper: Public service reform
The English devolution white paper outlines ambitions to join up public services, hand mayors more influence over arms length bodies and give them a bigger role in other public services. What does…
buff.ly
April 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM
What does the English Devolution White Paper mean for public services?
What is needed to make it work?
@jesstud.bsky.social on this ➕ more on The Local Authority Podcast 🎙
“There is a deeper and more sophisticated conversation to be had about cost and spend across a place”.
What is needed to make it work?
@jesstud.bsky.social on this ➕ more on The Local Authority Podcast 🎙
“There is a deeper and more sophisticated conversation to be had about cost and spend across a place”.
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Power. Prevention. Place.
These are the pillars of an emerging 'new local', writes Jessica Studdert in a new think piece.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/wha...
Because the system isn't unfixable - it's being mended from the ground up, alongside communities - & it's time national players took note.
These are the pillars of an emerging 'new local', writes Jessica Studdert in a new think piece.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/wha...
Because the system isn't unfixable - it's being mended from the ground up, alongside communities - & it's time national players took note.
What is the ‘new local’? Power, prevention and place - New Local
As the Government’s agenda for local government, devolution and public services takes shape, a ‘new local’ is emerging, built on the principles of power, prevention and place.
www.newlocal.org.uk
January 28, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Power. Prevention. Place.
These are the pillars of an emerging 'new local', writes Jessica Studdert in a new think piece.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/wha...
Because the system isn't unfixable - it's being mended from the ground up, alongside communities - & it's time national players took note.
These are the pillars of an emerging 'new local', writes Jessica Studdert in a new think piece.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/wha...
Because the system isn't unfixable - it's being mended from the ground up, alongside communities - & it's time national players took note.
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Big day for devo & localism: the English Devo White Paper starts important discussion about practical routes to meaningfully redistribute power & rewire public services & ££ across places.
We need to focus on scale for impact regions-local-community. Full @wearenewlocal.bsky.social response here:
We need to focus on scale for impact regions-local-community. Full @wearenewlocal.bsky.social response here:
While the English Devolution White Paper makes important headway in decentralising power, reform needs to be purpose-driven, rather than simply structures-driven.
Read our response: www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/new...
Read our response: www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/new...
New Local response: English Devolution White Paper - New Local
New Local response to the English Devolution White Paper
www.newlocal.org.uk
December 16, 2024 at 8:59 PM
Big day for devo & localism: the English Devo White Paper starts important discussion about practical routes to meaningfully redistribute power & rewire public services & ££ across places.
We need to focus on scale for impact regions-local-community. Full @wearenewlocal.bsky.social response here:
We need to focus on scale for impact regions-local-community. Full @wearenewlocal.bsky.social response here:
Great to hear @jesstud.bsky.social reflecting on how mission driven government will require a change in relationships between Whitehall and local areas. Key takeaways for me:
🎙️Appetite for Disruption..
Pat McFadden’s plea for change + Rachel Reeves’ hunt for savings…
@jesstud.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @tompope.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social on @instituteforgov.bsky.social podcast
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Pat McFadden’s plea for change + Rachel Reeves’ hunt for savings…
@jesstud.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @tompope.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social on @instituteforgov.bsky.social podcast
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Appetite for Disruption
Podcast Episode · INSIDE BRIEFING with Institute for Government · 12/12/2024 · 43m
podcasts.apple.com
December 13, 2024 at 2:34 PM
Great to hear @jesstud.bsky.social reflecting on how mission driven government will require a change in relationships between Whitehall and local areas. Key takeaways for me:
Reposted by Grace Pollard
"Rather than a zero-sum wrangle between tiers, we need to ensure empowered, confident governing institutions emerge and evolve to face out to communities"
@jesstud.bsky.social on the strategy that's needed for public service reform 🔗 www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
@jesstud.bsky.social on the strategy that's needed for public service reform 🔗 www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
Jessica Studdert: The roots of a more radical shift are being established
The government needs an overarching strategy for public service reform that dispenses with tradition...
www.lgcplus.com
December 9, 2024 at 1:40 PM
"Rather than a zero-sum wrangle between tiers, we need to ensure empowered, confident governing institutions emerge and evolve to face out to communities"
@jesstud.bsky.social on the strategy that's needed for public service reform 🔗 www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
@jesstud.bsky.social on the strategy that's needed for public service reform 🔗 www.lgcplus.com/politics/dev...
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Good to be at Pat McFadden speech this morning announcing test & learn reforms across the country in Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester & Essex.
Important focus on shifting civil service structures away from a focus on process, towards outcomes- with emphasis on insights from the frontline.
Important focus on shifting civil service structures away from a focus on process, towards outcomes- with emphasis on insights from the frontline.
December 9, 2024 at 12:16 PM
Good to be at Pat McFadden speech this morning announcing test & learn reforms across the country in Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester & Essex.
Important focus on shifting civil service structures away from a focus on process, towards outcomes- with emphasis on insights from the frontline.
Important focus on shifting civil service structures away from a focus on process, towards outcomes- with emphasis on insights from the frontline.
Reposted by Grace Pollard
Missions, milestones and metrics: a 🧵 with a few thoughts on Keir Starmer’s Plan for Change, full speech here: www.gov.uk/government/s...
PM speech on Plan for Change: 5 December 2024
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a speech on the government's Plan for Change at Pinewood Studios.
www.gov.uk
December 5, 2024 at 12:59 PM
Missions, milestones and metrics: a 🧵 with a few thoughts on Keir Starmer’s Plan for Change, full speech here: www.gov.uk/government/s...