Local Partnerships Away Days Llandudno 2025 – Reflecting, collaborating and looking ahead

This year, our Away Days took us to Llandudno, a fitting location that reflects our close connection to Wales through the Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government, one of our owners. The setting was spectacular, but the true value came from the depth of discussion, collaboration and forward thinking across our teams.

As a remote organisation, opportunities to come together are essential. They help us build stronger relationships and ensure alignment across our work. Over two days, our agenda was packed with interactive sessions, expert insights and client perspectives, creating space to learn, debate and look ahead with ambition.

Key highlights from the programme

• ✅ Contributing to government missions – exploring how Local Partnerships supports four of the six central government missions: raising living standards, supporting house building, securing home-grown energy and driving net zero ambitions.
• Devolution and LGR – examining the practical, legal and political considerations of local government reorganisation, from pre-decision through to post-vesting day transformation.
• Client perspectives – hearing directly from our clients in Wales about the impact and value of our support.
• Navigating political change – debating how Local Partnerships should respond to the shifting political environment across England and Wales, from new political movements to the role of AI.
• Intergenerational change – reflecting on how we equip our organisation to embrace diverse perspectives and future skillsets.
• Leadership in focus – an inspiring session with Rhun ap Gareth, CEO of Conwy County Borough Council, who spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities for local authorities in Wales. His pride in Llandudno was evident and entirely justified given the town’s unique character and beauty.
• Looking ahead – discussing the future of Local Partnerships, including new operating models, technical competencies and how we define our long-term impact.

Thank you to our guest speakers

We are grateful to those who joined us and enriched our discussions with their insight and expertise:

• John Metcalfe – Local Government Reorganisation
• Rhodri Asby – Welsh Government
• Tim Peppin – Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru / Welsh Local Government Association
• Jonathan Carr-West – Local Government Information Unit (LGIU)

Shaping the future together

Our Away Days gave us a unique space to step back from day-to-day delivery, share knowledge across disciplines and shape the future direction of our work. They underline our commitment to supporting central government departments, the Welsh Government, councils and combined authorities in delivering their ambitions for people and places.