Bury Council has embarked on a significant transformation journey, navigating setbacks and challenges to emerge as a strong, forward-thinking local council. Supported by LGA Peer Challenges, Bury has made substantial improvements in governance, performance, and engagement.
The initial setback
An LGA Peer Challenge in 2018 highlighted key areas requiring improvement:
- Lack of a corporate or community strategy
- Siloed organisational structure with limited corporate resources
- Insufficient investment in digital infrastructure
- No embedded performance culture, leading to low staff engagement.
In response, Bury Council implemented an ICT capital investment and a digital strategy; restructured to create a corporate core, integrating health and care services; and strengthened governance and performance management frameworks.
Responding to crises
Bury Council had started to make marked improvements when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, posing further unprecedented and unexpected challenges.
In 2021 Bury Children’s services were deemed inadequate, prompting a renewed focus on transformation.
A further LGA Peer Challenge was commissioned to address the inadequacies in children’s services provision, resulting in the development of a 10-year strategy. The vision of the strategy to achieve faster-than-average economic growth and lower deprivation levels.
In 2022, during the peak of the cost of living crisis, a headline in the Manchester Evening News stated: “I was born poor, and it looks like I’m going to die poor” - a stark message to the council that far more action and changes were needed.
In response, the council developed a long-term programme to shift the narrative and improve outcomes by introducing pledges for 2030 to ensure sustainable change.
Embedding cultural change
By 2023, despite much progress, some staff and partners remained reluctant to embrace change. It was during this time that Bury’s four core values were established alongside the ‘Let’s Do It!’ framework: Local, Enterprise, Together, Strengths.
Using the ‘Let’s Do It!’ framework, Bury Council:
- Introduced a management development programme
- Ensured all staff participated in an immersive engagement ‘challenge’
- Created a Staff Change Agent network
- Launched 100 new apprenticeships
- Strengthened focus on neighbourhoods, including insourcing the housing company.
Recognising success
The LGA’s most recent assessment in 2024 recognised Bury Council’s achievements, stating that it had “stepped up” in its place leadership role, had demonstrated “a clear vision”, and had become “a strong partner” with “innovative and brave” neighbourhood teams.
Key outcomes:
- Staff engagement measures increased by 30%
- Shortlisted for multiple PPMA (Public Sector People Managers’ Association) Workforce Change Awards
- Winner of Inclusive Recruitment at the GM Health and Care Awards
- Recognised at the Health Service Journal Awards
- Named Salford College Apprenticeship Best Large Employer, with individual apprentice award wins.
Continuing the journey
Looking ahead to 2030, Bury Council remains committed to:
- Refining its strategy with a stronger emphasis on community voice and empowerment
- Strengthening neighbourhood-focused prevention and early years support
- Enhancing partnership working through a rotating Partnership Chair model
- Maintaining a strong focus on children’s services
- Continuing internal improvements in governance and financial resilience
Reflections
Bury Council’s transformation demonstrates that improvement is not a linear process. They have shown that:
- Strengthening internal narratives supports external progress
- Bold decision-making and willingness to lead drives meaningful change
- Persistence, patience, and prioritisation are essential to sustained success
Through LGA Peer Challenges and a commitment to continuous improvement, Bury Council is building a resilient and ambitious organisation ready to meet the challenges of the future.
With thanks to Lynne Ridsdale, Chief Executive and Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, Leader, Bury Council for presenting Bury's 'Let's Do It' improvement journey to the LGA Member Peer Conference in Manchester on 6 - 7 march 2025.
Disclaimer: this case study was produced with assistance from AI.