Corporate Peer Challenge

Introduction

Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) is a sector-led improvement process delivered by the Local Government Association (LGA). It provides councils with independent, robust, and strategic challenge and support from experienced peers across local government.

Unlike an inspection, CPC is a peer-led review designed to help councils reflect on their performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Purpose of the CPC

• To provide assurance on the council's capacity and capability to deliver its priorities
• To support continuous improvement and share best practice
• To help meet the council's Best Value duty

Sunderland City Council CPC

Date of visit:

25 to 28 November 2025

Peer team:

Jon Rouse (Chief Executive - Stoke-on-Trent City Council)

Cllr Eamonn O'Brien (Leader of the Council - Bury Council)

Mark Gadsby (Strategic Director of Adult Services - London Borough of Waltham Forest)

Sonia Khan (Director of Strategy, Change and Resident Engagement - Slough Borough Council)

Noel O'Neill (LGA Associate & Finance Consultant)

Satvinder Rana (Senior Regional Adviser - LGA)

Shadow Peer:

James Blythe (Deputy Director for Local Government Stewardship & Interventions - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government)   

Process:

The peer team reviewed key documents, met with councillors, officers, and partners, and provided feedback on strengths and areas for development.

Core themes

Every CPC focuses on five key areas:

• Local priorities and outcomes
• Organisational and place leadership
• Governance and culture
• Financial planning and management
• Capacity for improvement

Areas of focus

The Sunderland City Council CPC included two additional areas:

• The council's approach to community engagement/stronger communities and how the public can be motivated to help themselves to enable the council to manage demand for services and improve productivity
• The council's broader leadership capacity including its chief officer group and supporting leadership tier to deliver its ambitions going forward

Documents

Sunderland City Council is committed to transparency and has published electronically the following CPC documents:

Position Statement

LGA Financial Briefing

LGA Information Report

LGA Feedback Presentation

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Report

Next Steps

The City Council has published its Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan

A Progress Review will take place within ten months of the CPC by September 2026.

The LGA will publish a Progress Review Report within twelve months of the CPC by November 2026.

All documents will be published electronically.

Further information

Find out more about the CPC process (opens new window).