Browne Jacobson seeks feedback on neighbourhood working

Browne Jacobson, a law firm based in the UK and Ireland, is teaming up with local government and healthcare experts in a bid to enhance neighbourhood working. The collaboration includes the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and NHS Transformation Unit (NHS TU), with a focus on establishing practical, repeatable strategies that can facilitate neighbourhood working in various sectors. The initiative aims to support councils, health commissioning bodies, and provider organisations in improving services that respond to the unique needs of their communities, while addressing issues such as place-based inequalities and equity in health and social care.

Neighbourhood-level strategies are increasingly pivotal in how governments engage with citizens, as reflected in initiatives such as neighbourhood health centres outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, and the rollout of family hubs. The upcoming Devolution and Community Power Bill will mandate Local Authorities to develop governance structures at the neighbourhood level. As James Arrowsmith, a partner at Browne Jacobson, states, “With neighbourhoods being increasingly understood as the most meaningful level at which public services connect with people’s everyday lives, there are many recognised benefits to operationalising neighbourhood working for councils and healthcare providers.” He added that central government policy positions neighbourhoods as fundamental sites for service delivery, highlighting the complex challenges facing councils and health systems today.

The project will also address what is referred to as the "missing middle" in neighbourhood working, focusing on the foundational elements necessary for successful implementation. Research outcomes will be shared through reports and engagement events throughout 2026. Browne Jacobson and LGiU will evaluate how councils can incorporate neighbourhood working in their operational frameworks, examining crucial areas like leadership, resource planning, public engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Jon Gleek, Head of Research and Policy at LGIU, remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with Browne Jacobson on this vital sector research. While the case for change in neighbourhood working is clearly established, we look forward to collaborating with our member councils to systematically explore the practicalities of mobilising this crucial work within their organisations, their partnerships with the NHS and other public services."

Additionally, joint research with NHS TU will investigate how healthcare systems can harness the advantages of scale while bolstering neighbourhood services, focusing on governance and integration challenges. Jess Boothroyd, Delivery Director at NHS TU, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to be partnering with Browne Jacobson on this important project to help explore what a successful ‘neighbourhood’ involves, and how neighbourhoods can best be developed and sustained.”

Rebecca Hainsworth, a partner at Browne Jacobson, reinforced that the government’s ambitious reform agenda necessitates effective neighbourhood working, where care and resources are delivered locally within communities. The aim is to curate a cohesive understanding of neighbourhood working, identifying successful integrations and the conditions essential for sustainable models. Both reports are anticipated to be finalised in late 2026, with opportunities for community involvement encouraged through a dedicated initiative webpage.