The LGA’s Innovation Zone was a hub of ideas
The Innovation Zone (IZ) at the LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 was bigger than ever, once again providing a significant platform for local authorities to showcase their innovative solutions to the sector’s challenges.
We were thrilled to welcome more than 100 speakers from over 40 local authorities to share their work with so many engaged delegates.
Across our three stages, the IZ continued to be a dynamic hub of ideas and energy, often with more than 200 delegates in sessions at any one time.
We kicked off this year’s programme with a panel highlighting support for care leavers, which I was delighted to chair.
The panellists showcased a range of support, including Hammersmith & Fulham’s Care Leavers’ Hub, the Office of Care Leaver Advocacy’s ‘Survival Guide’, and both Wiltshire’s One Council approach and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s approach to supporting their care leavers.
It was a privilege to open the IZ with such an inspiring conversation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly a key interest for local authorities, demonstrated by a popular session highlighting North Yorkshire Council’s use of AI to reimagine case management in children’s social care, and a presentation on maximising AI’s potential in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
From Hertfordshire’s assistive technology solution to support residents to remain at home for longer, to GeoPlace’s and Nottingham City Council’s work saving money through better use of data sets, digital innovation continues to be a salient theme across the zone.
On the second day of conference, I opened the IZ with a ‘Spotlight on’ session on delivering improvement and assurance through corporate peer challenge (CPC), alongside Gavin Jones, Lead Commissioner at Slough Borough Council, exploring how the LGA’s strengthened CPC approach can support councils, including those facing significant challenges.
More than 100 speakers from 40 local authorities shared their work with so many engaged delegates
We heard from Cllr Liam Robinson and Andrew Lewis, Leader and Chief Executive respectively of Liverpool City Council, who reflected on their recent experience of CPC and advice to councils who are looking to have a CPC.
Several sessions were devoted to sustainability, including a ‘Spotlight on’ Manchester’s journey to becoming a carbon literate city.
The council’s mandatory approach to carbon literacy training has already seen 50 per cent of staff gain certification and they’re now on target to meet their 2028 carbon targets – impressive achievements we can all be working towards.
Other fantastic sessions explored best practice in retrofitting, re-using tech, delivering green infrastructure, and building sustainable transport links.
Our sponsors, Newton, were once again a highlight of the IZ: both their steady supply of coffee to delegates and their hosting of several standing-room-only sessions, including ‘How to innovate during a financial crisis’, contributed to the buzz in the zone.
Our sincere thanks go to the incredible team at the LGA whose hard work made this year’s IZ possible and such a success – including our member-led working group, who played a key role in shaping the programme.
For those who missed out or want to revisit some of the learning from the Innovation Zone, presentations will be available on the LGA’s website in the near future.
- To find out more about LGA support mentioned at the Innovation Zone, read our sector support offer or contact the principal LGA adviser for your region.