In the latest episode of the #RadicalReformers Podcast, Andrew Laird is joined by Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU).

Jonathan and Andrew explore the importance of communities having trust in councils and other key local institutions and also why long-term thinking matters.

They discuss how both councils and the communities they serve have essential roles to play in our society and its future success. Councils create the enabling framework, accountability and formal representation. Communities bring civic energy, local knowledge and the capability to shape solutions that fit real lives.

Jonathan is also clear that embedding prevention and place-based approaches can take years - but that’s exactly why they’re so powerful. Ten years can feel incremental until you look back and realise it was the most radical change of all!

When participation works through and alongside institutions, you get the best of both. For anyone working in (or alongside) public services who’s trying to make an impact, Jonathan’s advice is simple - just "keep going" - because the difference isn’t always one dramatic leap, it’s often the accumulation of changes made every single day.

Real change rarely arrives with a quick, big announcement. More often, it’s built quietly through long-term thinking, shared endeavour, and the discipline to keep going.