Last year, we embarked on a significant new chapter by launching a series of Peer Support Groups across all programme areas. The ambition was clear from the start: to create spaces where public sector professionals could come together, exchange knowledge and mutual support. Now, one year on, these groups have evolved into established communities of practice that continue to drive collaboration, learning and shared problem solving across our network.
From the outset, the purpose of these groups has been to cultivate an environment where members feel able to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another. This collective approach has helped strengthen relationships across sectors while ensuring that best practice is not only shared but actively developed through open dialogue. The response from members has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong and sustained engagement throughout the year. Take a look at all the established groups within all of our programmes below.
Transforming and Innovating Public Services (TIPS Programme)
This programme is dedicated to fostering improved community outcomes through the exchange of knowledge and best practice in innovative, place-based solutions encompassing data, digital, and communities. Within this programme we have developed the following groups:
Digital Web Managers Group
This group is chaired by Rahna Riley of Rochdale Borough Council and is open to anyone in the local public sector to join. It brings together digital professionals responsible for the management and development of public sector websites, offering a forum where practical challenges from accessibility requirements to content governance can be explored with peers who understand the complexities of modern digital service delivery. The group meets every six weeks and continues to grow as more organisations recognise the value of shared insight and collective problem solving.
Join us at the next meeting on Wednesday 18th March by registering for a ticket here.
IT Service Management Network
This group is hosted by Sarah Day of iNetwork and is only open to iNetwork members. It provides a space for discussing the everyday realities of IT service delivery. From managing service requests to navigating escalations, professionals within this network benefit from the expertise and experience of colleagues who navigate similar pressures across the public sector.
Join us at the next meeting on Thursday 19th March by registering for a ticket here.
Effective Service Redesign Peer Support Group
This group is hosted by Sarah Day of iNetwork and is only open to iNetwork members. It demonstrates the value of collaboration and brings together professionals from local government, housing, health, and related sectors. It offers a trusted space to exchange lessons learned, refine new ideas and share tools and approaches for service improvement. Its strength lies in its openness and members are willing to discuss what has worked, what hasn’t and what could work better.
To find out more about joining this group, please email Sarah.Day@tameside.gov.uk
Connected Procurement and Commissioning (CPC) Programme
This programme creates space for procurement professionals, commissioners, contract managers and budget holders to hold constructive conversations and share best practice. Within this programme we have developed the following group:
Procurement Act Peer Support Group
This group is hosted by Billy Smith and is only open to iNetwork members. This group supports members through the transition brought by the new Procurement Act. With input from key national stakeholders including the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association, it has become a vital forum for understanding the practical implications of regulatory change. Members have been able to ask questions, examine evolving guidance and contribute feedback that forms part of a collective response to government. This group demonstrates how peer networks can influence wider policy discussions while providing professionals with clarity and confidence during periods of change.
Join us at the next meeting to dicuss Supplier Negotiations on Tuesday 24th March by registering for a ticket here.
Effective Information Sharing & Security (EISS) Programme
This programme the EISS supports in the areas of information governance, information security and information leadership. Within this programme we have developed the following group:
Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) Peer Support Group
This group is hosted by Billy Smith and is only open to iNetwork members and members of the Northern WARP. It introduces the key components of the framework but also offers guidance, peer discussion and opportunities to learn from sector experts. Each session features updates from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, alongside opportunities for members to share experiences in a closed, supportive environment. This enables both consistent understanding and a meaningful feedback loop that ultimately strengthens the process for all involved.
Join us at upcoming meetings by visiting our Eventbrite page.
Data Governance Peer Support Group
This group is hosted by Billy Smith and is only open to iNetwork members. The Data Governance Peer Support Group is our brand new network for information governance, data protection and other professionals in the information space. It aims to help professionals manage peoples information securely and transparently and improve necessary and proportionate information sharing. We will also bring in government departments and stakeholders to provide updates on changes and ensure you are equipped to manage these.
Join us at the next meeting on Tuesday 05 May by registering for a ticket here.
As we mark a full year since the launch of our Peer Support Groups, it is clear that these communities have become an integral part of how our members learn, collaborate, and support one another. They reflect the best of what a network can offer: shared expertise, collective resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.
We look forward to welcoming even more members into these groups as they continue to develop in the year ahead. For further details about any of the Peer Support Groups, or for general enquiries, our team can be reached at iNetwork@Tameside.gov.uk