Community-Centric Major Project Delivery: Insights from Alistair Cunningham

Community-Centric Major Project Delivery: Insights from Alistair Cunningham

Author: Matt Masters April 1, 2025 Duration: 20:06

In this episode, we sit down with Alistair Cunningham OBE, Chief Executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council, to discuss his invaluable advice for the local government community on delivering major projects. Alistair emphasizes the importance of working with communities rather than imposing projects on them, highlighting this approach as key to successful major program delivery.

We delve into Alistair's fascinating work with military and civilian integration, where a strong relationship led to the successful basing of 7,500 service personnel and their families (returning from Germany) alongside over a billion-pound investment onto Salisbury Plain, with full community support. Alistair also shares his experience leading the response to the Novichok incident in Salisbury, showcasing his adeptness in crisis management.

Finally, we explore the major programs of work with the Garden Town at Tewkesbury and how these experiences have prepared Alistair for the challenges of supporting local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in local government or major project delivery, offering practical insights and strategies for fostering community engagement and achieving project success.


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

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