Sharing Best Practice
IESE exists to share insight, experience and learning that helps public bodies navigate change and deliver better outcomes for the communities we serve. From digital transformation to service redesign, we continue to be your platform to share your success and lessons learnt to improve the delivery of local public services.
As a trusted shared body of knowledge the sector can tap into, we create and curate insight. One way where we share best practice is through the collaboration and creation of white papers. Scroll down to browse and download a copy of our latest papers.
Research and Thought Leadership
From Surviving to Thriving
Over 12 months, IESE worked with colleagues across more than 90 authorities to develop and refine a single framework for council transformation.
Developed for the sector, by the sector, the 3R Model (Review, Remodel, Reinvent) began as a framework based on over a decade’s worth of data from IESE’s local government transformation and efficiency projects. By assessing the impact of different transformation activities – many of which we have supported the delivery of – we were able to set out a roadmap of different levels of efficiency activity, ranging from corporate cost control to commercialisation, shared services and combined authorities.
The result was a model that all authorities could access and use to both benchmark and plan future transformation activity.
The model was first published in “From Surviving to Thriving”, our 2015 white paper on local government transformation. This began a 12-month consultation process with local government – talking to more than 90 councils, interviewing almost 40 Chief Executives and attending events the length and breadth of the country to gain feedback on the model.
Digital Local Public Services
Building on the foundations of earlier work with councils, IESE engaged with colleagues across the sector to explore how digital and technology must underpin the next phase of public service transformation.
Developed for the sector, by the sector, the Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) sets out a framework to help councils move beyond simply putting existing services online, and instead rethink how services are designed, delivered and experienced. Drawing on lessons from digital innovators and insights from across local government, the model focuses on using data, platforms and emerging technologies to connect people, services and communities in new ways.
At its core is a shift in role, from service provider to community enabler, where councils act as the catalyst for matching local need with local capacity, reducing demand and building resilience within communities.
The result is a practical roadmap for creating an “intelligent council”, capable of adapting to rapid technological change while delivering better outcomes for residents, businesses and local places.
Transformation: the IESE Way
Building on over a decade of experience supporting councils, IESE developed a practical transformation approach to help local authorities move beyond incremental change and respond to growing financial and demand pressures.
Developed for the sector, by the sector, the IESE Transformation Model sets out a three-level framework, Service, Customer and Community, supported by a structured methodology and a suite of proven tools. The model reflects the reality that while many councils focus on improving services and efficiency, true transformation requires redesigning services around customer need and ultimately enabling communities to meet their own needs, reducing demand on public services.
Underpinning the approach are the “golden threads” of successful transformation, combining both structural change and the cultural shift needed in leadership, workforce and relationships with communities.
The result is a clear, evidence-based framework that helps councils benchmark their current position, unite leadership around a shared direction, and implement meaningful transformation – moving from service delivery to community enablement, and creating more sustainable local public services for the future.
Where to find us
You can find us at leading sector events throughout the year, where we share our knowledge and insights along with a showcase of our services that can help deliver better outcomes to the communities we serve.
Jun
Watford IESE Showcase
Jun
Cyber Resilience Cymru
Jul
LGA Conference 2026
Sep
Solace Scotland
Sep
IESE Conference 2026
Oct
Solace Summit
Nov
Local Government Strategy Forum
Dec
