Richard Cooke is Head of Children’s Services Improvement at the Local Government Association (LGA). Richard has over 18 years’ experience working in local authorities in the north west. He has developed, led and managed a range of high-profile programmes and initiatives across schools, children’s social care, community safety, regeneration, and adult education. During this time, he has focussed on building sustainable and effective partnerships that deliver real impact and outcomes. He joined the LGA six years ago and is responsible for the delivery of the LGA Children’s Improvement Programme across the country, providing support and challenge through a sector-led improvement approach.