Background and Challenges
In October 2025, Reigate and Banstead District commissioned Trueman Change to support their leadership team through the challenges of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This fast-track process required a thoughtful and sensitive approach to help senior leaders navigate the uncertainty and cultural shifts associated with a centrally driven initiative.
The district’s leadership team, including Chief Executives, Directors, and Heads of Service, sought a safe space to explore autonomy, share insights from Trueman Change’s LGR research, and prepare for the psychological and cultural impacts of reorganisation.
The challenge was complex:
- Leaders needed tools to navigate their own responses to uncertainty while effectively supporting their teams.
- The organisation aimed to foster collaboration and reduce stress among leaders during this period of change.
- A strong focus on preserving and evolving the district’s proud organisational culture was essential.
Trueman Change Involvement
Trueman Change partnered with Reigate and Banstead District to deliver a bespoke programme of workshops, coaching, and cultural exploration. Our approach combined evidence-based insights with practical tools to help leaders and managers build confidence, manage uncertainty, and prepare for the cultural shifts ahead.
Key activities included:
- Leadership Workshop: A face-to-face session with Chief Executives, Directors, and Heads of Service, exploring LGR psychology, leadership during uncertain times, and cultural dynamics.
- Additional Sessions: Further workshops for senior and middle managers, focusing on career planning, behavioural responses to uncertainty (using the “Cats and Cheese” theory), and cultural exploration.
- External Expertise: An external speaker was invited to provide insights on career planning for senior leaders.
- Ongoing Cultural Review: Trueman Change is now conducting a comprehensive cultural review to help the district prepare for the organisational changes associated with LGR.
- Staff Workshops: A series of workshops for staff at all levels to build resilience and align cultural values with the district’s future direction.
Outcomes and Solutions
Trueman Change’s involvement has helped Reigate and Banstead District’s leadership team build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop strategies to lead effectively during uncertain times.
Key outcomes included:
- Improved Confidence: Leaders reported feeling more equipped to manage uncertainty and support their teams.
- Reduced Anxiety: The workshops provided a safe space for leaders to reflect on their careers, share concerns, and develop strategies to manage stress.
- Cultural Alignment: The sessions laid the groundwork for a cultural review, ensuring the district’s values and identity are preserved and adapted for the future.
- Practical Tools: Leaders gained insights into managing positioning behaviours, reducing escalating stress responses, and fostering stability during change.
Added Value
Trueman Change’s approach went beyond the initial brief, delivering lasting value to Reigate and Banstead District:
- Tailored Support: The programme was designed to address the unique challenges of LGR, combining research-based insights with practical tools.
- External Expertise: The inclusion of an external speaker added depth to the career planning sessions, enhancing their impact.
- Cultural Focus: By prioritising cultural exploration and alignment, Trueman Change is helping the district prepare for long-term success.
