5 min read
Insights from LGPN South 2025
Tanya Corsie
CEO
Stephen Wanless
CCO
Download Our White Paper
How Public Sector Legal Teams Are Embracing Digital Transformation
Attending LGPN South 2025 was a refreshing reminder that digital transformation in local government is as much about people and culture as it is about technology. Unlike many events that focus heavily on tools or systems, LGPN stood out for its emphasis on human relationships, shared experience, and collaborative ambition.
From the opening panel discussion, “The Road Ahead – Shaping the Future of Digital in Local Government”, there was a clear focus on building more connected councils, not only through systems, but through open communication, mutual learning, and strategic boldness. Across the two-day programme, digital leaders, service heads, and transformation specialists returned again and again to one idea: local government can’t move forward in silos
Local Government Reform: A Catalyst for Reinvention
Local Government Reform (LGR) was one of the most widely discussed topics at LGPN South. While some councils are in the thick of restructuring and others are watching from the sidelines, there was consensus that LGR offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how systems, services, and structures are designed.
Of course, there was realism about the pace of change, some reforms are happening too quickly to be perfectly planned. But many saw that as a reason not to hesitate. If transformation is inevitable, why not take the chance to do it properly? This is an opportunity to use the sector’s collective experience to build connected systems from the ground up, avoiding the duplication and fragmentation that have historically held councils back.
“We’ve tried to do too much with too little for too long, now is the time to make bold choices, drive real transformation, and reinvent how we deliver public services.”
Tanya Corsie
CEO
The Human Element: Skills, Talent and Leadership
While much of the event centred on systems and strategy, many of the most urgent conversations focused on people. The digital skills gap remains a serious concern, especially in the context of constrained budgets and increasing competition for talent.
Recruitment and retention continue to be a challenge, with councils struggling to match the salaries and flexibility offered in the private sector. Beyond staffing, there was a recurring theme around leadership not just at senior levels, but across organisations. Transformation requires clear communication, cultural buy-in, and the ability to take risks with purpose.
There was also a healthy scepticism about hype. AI was discussed regularly, but with a clear message: this isn’t about change for change’s sake. Tools only matter if they solve real problems.
Legal and Governance: Data That Tells a Bigger Story
A particularly insightful moment came from Michael Graham, Assistant Director of Legal and Governance at Reading Borough Council. Speaking from the legal perspective, he shared how legal teams often the last step in many service chains are in a unique position to identify breakdowns and inefficiencies across departments.
By analysing where legal cases originate, stall, or repeat, teams can surface patterns that point to deeper issues whether it’s delays in procurement, unclear ownership, or risk-averse behaviours that slow delivery. Legal isn’t just about review and compliance; it’s a source of valuable operational intelligence that can help the whole organisation improve.
Looking Ahead
LGPN South left delegates with a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges facing local government are real and complex, but so are the opportunities.
Transformation isn’t a project it’s a mindset. The tools matter, but so do the people who use them. If councils can work together, share knowledge more openly, and push suppliers to meet evolving needs, there is a genuine opportunity to deliver public services that are more connected, more resilient, and more impactful.
"At Iken, we remain committed to supporting that journey through case-centric software that enables collaboration, ensures compliance, and delivers insight where it’s needed most."
Stephen Wanless
CCO
Learn More
If you’re evaluating cloud-based case management solutions, compliance-led case management, or ways to improve service delivery, we’d love to talk.
