---
title: Local Government Innovation
description: Recent statistics suggest local government innovation is increasingly coming from within. As a result, it's imperative they have access to some form of internal comms system to share their ideas.
---

[![talkfreelylogo](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/Website/Global/talkfreelylogo.svg "talkfreelylogo")](http://talkfreely.com)

- [Features](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app) 
    - [News & Videos](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionOne)
    - [Messaging](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionTwo)
    - [Feedback & Surveys](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionThree)
    - [Social](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionFour)
    - [Integrations & API](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionFive)
    - [Document Library](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionSix)
    - [Collaboration](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionSeven)
    - [Analytics & Dashboards](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionEight)
- Solutions 
    - [Internal Comms App](https://www.talkfreely.com/solutions/internal-communications)
    - [Mobile Intranet](https://www.talkfreely.com/solutions/employee-intranet-solution)
    - [Employee Experience](https://www.talkfreely.com/solutions/employee-engagement)
- [Pricing](https://www.talkfreely.com/pricing)
- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog)
    - [Resource Downloads](https://www.talkfreely.com/resources)
    - [Internal Communication](https://www.talkfreely.com/internal-communications-guide)
    - [Employee Engagement](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-engagement)
    - [Innovation Management](https://www.talkfreely.com/resources/35-things-you-need-to-know-about-business-innovation-and-idea-management)
    - [Local Government](https://www.talkfreely.com/local-government)
- [Contact](https://www.talkfreely.com/contact)
- [Log In](https://my.talkfreely.com/signin)

- [FREE Trial](https://www.talkfreely.com/free-trial/employee-engagement-app)

- [Features](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app) 
    - [News & Videos](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionOne)
    - [Messaging](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionTwo)
    - [Feedback & Surveys](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionThree)
    - [Social](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionFour)
    - [Integrations & API](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionFive)
    - [Document Library](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionSix)
    - [Collaboration](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionSeven)
    - [Analytics & Dashboards](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app#solutionEight)
- Solutions 
    - [Internal Comms App](https://www.talkfreely.com/solutions/internal-communications)
    - [Mobile Intranet](https://www.talkfreely.com/solutions/employee-intranet-solution)
    - [Employee Experience](https://www.talkfreely.com/solutions/employee-engagement)
- [Pricing](https://www.talkfreely.com/pricing)
- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog)
    - [Resource Downloads](https://www.talkfreely.com/resources)
    - [Internal Communication](https://www.talkfreely.com/internal-communications-guide)
    - [Employee Engagement](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-engagement)
    - [Innovation Management](https://www.talkfreely.com/resources/35-things-you-need-to-know-about-business-innovation-and-idea-management)
    - [Local Government](https://www.talkfreely.com/local-government)
- [Contact](https://www.talkfreely.com/contact)
- [Log In](https://my.talkfreely.com/signin)

- [FREE Trial](https://www.talkfreely.com/free-trial/employee-engagement-app)

# Local Government Innovation

Stuart Sinclair - November 21, 2014

A recent survey by Capita shows a growing trend in which local authorities look internally for ideas, with around 90% looking for ideas centred on efficiency savings.

In an article for the Local Government Chronicle, Andy Theedom from Capita explains how an ideas management system can make sourcing and sorting ideas more efficient for local councils.

This will be familiar territory to those already involved in innovation management, but Theedom is more than aware it's sometimes easier said than done.

*"How do time-poor councils manage progression of ideas through to activities, without creating a disproportionate management overhead that kills spontaneity or a willingness to pursue?"*

In a superb example of making your product relevant to your market, he uses political terminology to illustrate the benefits of a central idea management system:

*"A single system provides a democratic environment which not only allows you to determine the best ideas but also to show a willingness to consider the thoughts of all, not just those who shout the loudest."*

[![A failure to innovate can hinder the success of any organisation. That’s why we created our own innovation white paper – to help you flourish in an ever-changing economic climate.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4247751/b39ebcc4-d36c-4201-b090-593fcfb33f9c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4247751/b39ebcc4-d36c-4201-b090-593fcfb33f9c)

And finally he grasps the greatest nettle of them all; council departments not talking to each other!

*"The other great benefit of a management system of this type is that it helps to increase genuine cross-organisation transformation; something which, in our experience, not enough councils are encouraging."*

All three of these issues can be solved with an innovation management platform like Talkfreely. Our solutions provide a logical, transparent system for progressing ideas from submission to implementation. It allow that democratic process of discussion, debate and ratings, such that the best ideas emerge for selection and further evaluation. Our robust set of management tool also ensure ideas can be progressed efficiently and effectively without 'management overkill'.

We also know from experience how effective ideas management can be for local authorities.

- ##### "My KCC Idea":

When Kent County Council realised that they would need to make substantial savings on their annual expenditure, they decided to consult their entire staff via an innovative on-line portal, created by Talkfreely.

- ##### Parks to be Proud Of:

With 15 parks and open spaces to improve with a budget of just £1.5 million, the Croydon Council team wanted to try a new approach. The goal was to find a way to consult with their citizens on expenditure of major grant for parks via an engaging, online participatory budgeting solution, and Talkfreely provided the solution.

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4247751/fc442ac9-8249-4feb-aeb8-9d08b4da55a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4247751/fc442ac9-8249-4feb-aeb8-9d08b4da55a6)

Topics:

[Innovation Management](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/tag/innovation-management)

<https://www.addtoany.com/share>

[❮❮ Go Back](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog)

![Talkfreely - An employee app for large and difficult to reach workforces.](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/talkfreely-logo-white-01.svg)

### Engage every employee with your own branded Internal Comms App

[![Find out more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4247751/a871a275-d6ae-4f06-9073-eafb9672dbec.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4247751/a871a275-d6ae-4f06-9073-eafb9672dbec)

#### Featured Resources

![The big book of employee engagement ideas](https://www.talkfreely.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LP%20Assets/The-Talkfreely-big-book-of-employee-engagement-ideas-guide.jpg?width=590&height=436&name=The-Talkfreely-big-book-of-employee-engagement-ideas-guide.jpg)

### The big book of employee engagement ideas

If you are looking to improve employee engagement, this guide is a great place to start. Packed with 44 pages of ideas, insights and inspiration to help you engage your workforce.

[Download your copy](https://www.talkfreely.com/download/the-big-book-of-employee-engagement-ideas)

![How to choose an employee engagement solution](https://www.talkfreely.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Talkfreely-how-to-choose-an-employee-engagement-solution.jpg?width=610&height=412&name=Talkfreely-how-to-choose-an-employee-engagement-solution.jpg)

### How to choose the right employee engagement solution

Navigating the world of employee engagement solutions can be overwhelming. Download our guide to help you choose the best option for you, your employees and your business. 

[Download your guide](https://www.talkfreely.com/download/choosing-an-employee-engagement-solution)

![Talkfreely - An employee app for large and difficult to reach workforces.](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/talkfreely-logo-white-01.svg)

### Engage every employee with your own branded Internal Comms App

[Find out more](https://hubs.ly/H0tBgXY0)

#### Featured Resources

![Everything you need to know about internal communication](https://www.talkfreely.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LP%20Assets/Internal-comms-guide.jpg?width=604&height=446&name=Internal-comms-guide.jpg)

### Internal communication: everything you need to know.

With so many potential benefits to both employer and employee, this eBook details everything decision-makers and business leaders need to know about internal communication.

[Download your copy](https://www.talkfreely.com/download/everything-you-need-to-know-about-internal-communication)

![Tasked with improving employee engagement](https://www.talkfreely.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LP%20Assets/tasked-with-improving-employee-engagement.jpg?width=604&height=441&name=tasked-with-improving-employee-engagement.jpg)

### Tasked with improving employee engagement

Find out how an employee engagement app can play a pivotal role in delivering an employee engagement strategy. 

[Download your guide](https://www.talkfreely.com/download/tasked-with-improving-employee-engagement)

## You might also like...

[![Communication lines](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/neonbrand-LaIwQ8b1Bjg-unsplash%20(1).jpg)](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/improve-internal-communication)

[Internal Communications,](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/tag/internal-communications) [improve internal communication](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/tag/improve-internal-communication)

## [12 Simple Hacks to Improve Internal Communication](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/improve-internal-communication)

[Read More >>](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/improve-internal-communication)

[![Man using a phone](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/Hero_Image_-_Talk_Freely_Product_Page_-_Optimized%20(1).jpg)](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/internal-communications-plan)

[Internal Communications,](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/tag/internal-communications) [internal communication plan](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/tag/internal-communication-plan)

## [Your Internal Communication Plan: 5 Do’s and 5 Don’ts](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/internal-communications-plan)

[Read More >>](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/internal-communications-plan)

[FEATURES](https://www.talkfreely.com/employee-app) [BLOG](https://www.talkfreely.com/blog) [RESOURCES](https://www.talkfreely.com/resources) [QUOTE](https://www.talkfreely.com/pricing#request-a-quote)

[Book a Demo](https://www.talkfreely.com/demo) [Contact Us](https://www.talkfreely.com/contact)

Call: [+44 (0) 1730 207 150](tel:+44%20(0)%201730%20207%20150)

Email: [info@talkfreely.com](mailto:info@talkfreely.com)

**Talkfreely Ltd,**  
71-75 Shelton Street  
Covent Garden  
London  
United Kingdom  
WC2H 9JQ 

[![](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/Website/Global/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/TalkFreelyLTD/) [![](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/Website/Global/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/talkfreely?lang=en) [![](https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/Website/Global/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkfreely-ltd/)

[Privacy policy](https://www.talkfreely.com/data-privacy-and-gdpr) | [Terms of Service](https://www.talkfreely.com/terms-of-service)

Copyright © 2026 Talkfreely Limited. All Rights Reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Stuart Sinclair",
    "url" : "https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/author/stuart-sinclair"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2019-08-08T12:51:40.969Z",
  "datePublished" : "2014-11-21T16:03:23.000Z",
  "headline" : "Local Government Innovation",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.talkfreely.com/blog/talk-freely-and-local-government-innovation",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.talkfreely.com/hubfs/Logo_Final-Black-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Talk Freely Limited"
  }
}
```