1 Purpose and objectives

1.1.1 The LGR Network – supported by SLC is a peer-to-peer forum designed to support local authorities navigating Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

1.1.2 The objectives of the network are to:

  • Provide a trusted and safe space for open discussion on LGR-related challenges and opportunities
  • Enable members to share experiences, insights and emerging practice
  • Support the integration of active wellbeing within new unitary authority models
  • Foster collaboration across local authorities and partner organisations

2 Scope of the network

2.1.1 The network will focus on issues relating to the impact of LGR on culture, leisure, sport and active wellbeing, including:

  • Strategic planning and service transformation
  • Governance, delivery models and partnerships
  • Workforce, facilities and community provision.

2.1.2 The network is intended as a discussion and knowledge-sharing forum and:

  • Does not provide formal consultancy advice
  • Does not represent a lobbying or decision-making body
  • Will be independent and politically agnostic.

3 Membership

3.1 Eligibility

3.1.1 Membership is open to:

  • Local authority officers and portfolio holders involved in LGR who have a culture, leisure, sport and active wellbeing focus
  • Other representative bodies from the following organisations: Local Government Association, Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association, District Councils Network

3.2 Membership type

3.2.1 The membership is:

  • Free of charge
  • Managed, facilitated and moderated by SLC
  • Open to a defined and targeted group, with opportunity for wider participation.

3.2.2 SLC reserves the right to deny or remove access to the forum of delegates failing to adhere to the terms of reference of the group.

3.3 Expectations of members

3.3.1 Members are expected to:

  • Engage positively in discussions and contribute where possible
  • Share relevant knowledge, insights and practice
  • Respect differing perspectives and organisational contexts
  • Refer other potential members to the network from their own contacts as appropriate to support building critical mass and diversity of the group
  • Practice Chatham House rules – Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

3.4 Contact and communication

3.4.1 Members will receive communications from SLC relating to network activity, including session invitations and relevant updates

3.4.2 A member contact list may be shared within the network to support collaboration. Members will be given the option to opt out of this

3.4.3 Member contact details will be held by SLC for the purpose of administering the network and will be handled in line with applicable data protection requirements

3.5 SLC’s role

3.5.1 SLC will:

  • Facilitate and coordinate the network
  • Manage membership and communications
  • Develop and deliver the programme of activity
  • Capture and share high-level learning from sessions (non-attributable)

4 Principles of engagement

4.1.1 The network will operate in line with the following principles:

  • Confidentiality: creating a safe space for open and honest discussion
  • Respect: valuing different perspectives and experiences
  • Collaboration: supporting shared learning rather than competition or self-promotion
  • Constructive dialogue: focusing on solutions and practical insight
  • Impartiality: adopting a politically agnostic position

5 Governance and roles

5.1.1 The network will operate on a light-touch governance basis, with SLC acting as facilitator and moderator.

  • SLC will oversee the coordination, administration and delivery of the network
  • Members will contribute to the direction of the network through participation and feedback
  • Topics and priorities will be shaped collaboratively, reflecting member needs and emerging LGR developments

6 Programme and format

6.1.1 The network will deliver a programme of structured engagement, including:

  • Quarterly live sessions, aligned to key stages of LGR
  • Sessions of up to two hours, facilitated by SLC
  • A discussion-led format, enabling peer exchange rather than formal presentations

6.1.2 Topics will be informed by:

  • Member priorities
  • Emerging policy and sector developments
  • Insights from across the network
  • Case studies shared by members

7 Confidentiality and information sharing

7.1.1 To support open and honest dialogue:

  • Network sessions will not be recorded
  • Notes will be limited to high-level, non-attributable summaries
  • Members are expected to respect the confidentiality of discussions and not share sensitive information externally

8 Review and evolution

8.1.1 The Terms of Reference and overall approach will be:

  • Reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant and effective
  • Informed by member feedback and emerging needs
  • Adapted as required to reflect the evolving LGR landscape