ABCD & Beyond: What Local Government Needs Next

ABCD & Beyond: What Local Government Needs Next

Author: Matt Masters April 8, 2026 Duration: 18:32

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we explore a bold new resource reshaping how councils think about community development: ABCD & Beyond: A Practical Guide for Local Government.

Matt is joined by two of the book’s authors, Dee Brooks, Director of the Jeder Institute and International Liaison for the ABCD Institute, and Lee Griffiths, community development practitioner, facilitator and systems bridge‑builder. Together, they’ve helped shape Asset‑Based Community Development practice across Australia and internationally.

This conversation dives into what ABCD is (and what it isn’t), why councils struggle to shift from “problems to possibilities,” and how hierarchy, risk and process shape community‑led work. We explore the eight core values of ethical ABCD practice, the difference between genuine co‑design and performative consultation, and the practical steps councils can take to embed ABCD in real‑world systems.

If you’re committed to working with communities rather than simply delivering services to them, this episode offers a roadmap, and a challenge, for what local government could become.

#LocalGovernment #ABCD #CommunityDevelopment #StrengthsBasedPractice #PublicSector #LocalGov #CommunityLed #CoDesign #Inclusion #SystemsChange #PlaceBasedWorking #Councils #PublicService #TruthAboutLocalGovernment


Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at your city hall or county office? Truth about Local Government pulls back the curtain, offering a clear-eyed look at the systems and people that manage our communities every single day. Hosted by seasoned professional Matt Masters, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the practical, often unspoken realities of public service. Each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by those in the trenches, from budgeting and infrastructure to community engagement and policy implementation. It’s a space dedicated to the growth and development of local government professionals, but it’s equally valuable for any curious citizen who wants to understand how their neighborhood actually functions. You’ll hear candid conversations that blend experience with actionable insights, all aimed at fostering better leadership and more effective governance. Tune in for a straightforward discussion that replaces jargon with clarity and passion, revealing the human impact of decisions made close to home. This is where the abstract becomes concrete, and where dedicated public servants find a resource for honest reflection and professional development.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Truth about Local Government
Podcast Episodes
Building the Future: Insights from Warwickshire's New Train Stations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:36
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Ryder, the Executive Director of Communities at Warwickshire County Council, to discuss the successful delivery of three new train stations in the region. Mark shares the challenges…
Innovating for the Future: The Warwickshire Skills Hub [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:30
In this episode, we interview Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities, at Warwickshire County Council to delve into the creation and impact of the Warwickshire Skills Hub. This dedicated space supports businesses,…
From Rayner to Reed: What Labour’s Shift Means for Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:24
In this episode we are joined by Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to unpack the political and policy implications of Angela Rayner’s departure and Steve Reed’s appointment as Shadow Secretary of State for Levellin…
Planning: Is It Really the Problem? Rethinking Growth with Joe Fyans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
In this episode we interviewed Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to unpack the narrative around planning reform and UK economic growth. The government has positioned planning as the bottleneck to housing delivery —…
Property Without Borders: Commercial Thinking in the Public Sector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:39
In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Colin Galletly about the evolving role of property in local government. Colin challenges the notion that property sits in a silo, advocating instead for a cross-cutting, probl…
Foundations of Change: Building Homes, Building Futures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:25
In this episode of Foundations of Change, we speak with Sophie Baker, Programme Delivery Manager for the innovative Prisoners Building Homes initiative. This ground breaking programme brings together local authorities, h…
The World at Our Doorstep: Rethinking Recruitment in Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:28
In this thought-provoking episode we speak with Steve Jorden, Chief Executive of Havant Borough Council, as he prepares to retire after more than 40 years of distinguished service. With a career spanning decades of trans…
Policy as the Powerhouse: Why Local Government Runs on Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Richard Cressey, Director of Policy and Strategy at Westminster City Council, to explore the often underappreciated but critical role of policy in local government. Together,…