Internationally recognised centre of excellence on local government
The Local Governance Research Unit, based at Leicester Business School, is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for theoretically informed, robust and rigorous policy relevant research into British and comparative local governance. Our work focuses on community cohesion and local citizenship, neighbourhood governance, local democracy and local politics. We also have a broad research interest in all aspects of local governance. Our high-quality research meets the needs of academics, policy-makers and practitioners at the international, national, regional and local level. We are committed to providing a strong and vibrant link between academic research and the needs of the research user.
The Unit undertakes research for a wide variety of bodies, ranging from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, pan-European bodies such as the Council of Europe, through to Government departments, such as the Department of Communities and Local Government. We also provide consultancy, research and policy-advice to individual councils and others concerned with aspects of local governance.
The LGRU has strong research links with other leading universities in the UK and across Europe and the USA. We are key participants in a number of international research projects and research networks. Members of the Unit are editors of international journals, members of editorial boards and of international and national expert advisory committees and directors and convenors of academic committees. Unit members are regular presenters at a range of academic and policy conferences and are at the forefront of academic and policy debates.