Improvement Journey

Introduction

Nottingham City Council has been on a five-year journey of renewal and rebirth. From intense scrutiny and unprecedented challenges to becoming one of the most financially stable councils in the country, our story is one of resilience, purpose, and possibility. This is the story of how we got here – and why we need you to help write the next chapter.

2021: The Foundation

In 2021, the Secretary of State established the Improvement and Assurance Board (IAB) to oversee, monitor, and guide the Council's Improvement and Recovery Plan.

Key areas of focus included governance, finance, corporate planning, and the underlying culture of the organisation.

This wasn't just an intervention – it was the beginning of a structured, supported path toward fundamental change. The Board worked alongside us, not against us, helping Nottingham build the foundations of a stronger future.

2022: The Clarity

When evidence of mismanagement of Housing Revenue Account funds emerged, the IAB was given increased powers beyond advice. Statutory Directions compelled the Council to follow the Board's recommendations with greater urgency.

This escalation, while challenging, brought something valuable: absolute clarity. The message was unmistakable – fundamental change was non-negotiable. And Nottingham listened. Sometimes you need to hit turbulence to find true north.

2023: The Turning Point 

November 2023 marked a watershed moment. The Section 151 Officer issued a Section 114 notice, reporting that the Council could not deliver a balanced budget for 2023/24.

The forecast overspend stood at £23.351m. " This was rock bottom. But it was also the moment everything changed. When you're at the bottom, there's only one way to go – and we were determined to go there together.

2024: The Intervention

February 2024 brought Commissioners with a mandate to support, challenge, and guide.

New leadership emerged, with a new Leader, Deputy Leader, Chief Executive, and Corporate Directors. The architecture of a financially stable council began to take shape.

2025: The Delivery

"We are pleased that improvement continues to be made in most respects." – Commissioners' Third Report, August 2025

By 2025, the hard work began to show results. Five years of backdated statements of accounts were prepared and signed off by external audit – a monumental task that cleared the way for transparent, accurate financial reporting.

This was achieved through the extraordinary dedication of our team working tirelessly to steady the ship. The foundations were solid. The direction was clear. But we knew this was just the beginning.

2026: The Journey Continues

Today, Nottingham City Council stands as one of the most financially stable authorities in the country. The Commissioners have completed their work and departed, satisfied that we have embedded the financial discipline and resilience needed for long-term stability.

We have large, well-managed reserves. We have a stable cash position. We have cleared the backlog, strengthened our controls, and proven we can balance the books.

But if stability was the goal of the past five years, the next five are about something else entirely: innovation and excellence

Here's the honest truth: we achieved stability through the extraordinary effort of a lean permanent team supported by skilled interim colleagues who helped us navigate the storm. They built the foundation. But foundations are meant to be built upon.

Where You Come In

Now we need you – innovative, purpose-driven finance professionals – to help us take the next step. To move from stable to future-proof, from financially thriving to class-leading.

We're not just looking for accountants. We're looking for people who want to shape the future of public finance. People who can combine innovation with purpose. People who see challenge as opportunity. People who want to build something new with us.

Shape the Future of Public Finance. Start Here. Join our team