Introduction
Across the South West, local authorities and public sector partners are facing many of the same challenges: increasing demand, constrained resources, growing complexity and rising expectations. While our contexts may differ, the issues we are trying to address are often remarkably similar.
The South West Test and Learn Network exists to help us tackle those challenges together.
Rather than creating another forum for discussion, the network is designed as a practical learning community where people can come together around real problems, test ideas in live environments, learn quickly, and share what works (and what doesn’t) across the region.
The network was created through a collaboration between Somerset Council, Dorset Council and the Local Government Association, with a simple ambition: to build regional capability in test-and-learn approaches and create space for experimentation, reflection and shared learning.
Why a Test and Learn Network?
Too often, organisations feel pressure to develop fully formed solutions before taking action. Test-and-learn offers a different approach.
By starting small, testing assumptions, gathering evidence and adapting based on what we learn, we can:
- reduce the risk of large-scale change initiatives
- build confidence through evidence rather than assumption
- learn what works in practice, not just in theory
- improve services based on real-world experience
- share insights and avoid reinventing the wheel across organisations
Importantly, test-and-learn is not about getting everything right first time. It is about creating safe opportunities to explore, adapt and improve. Sometimes the most valuable outcome is learning that something doesn’t work and choosing not to invest further effort.
How the Network Works
The network has been deliberately designed as a collaborative learning cohort rather than a formal governance or assurance structure.
Our focus is on:
- working on live challenges and opportunities
- testing ideas in real environments
- sharing learning openly and honestly
- building confidence and capability in experimentation
- connecting practitioners across organisations
- supporting one another through practical application
Alongside face-to-face events, the network includes virtual learning sessions, peer support, structured check-ins and opportunities to share emerging insights and evidence.
From Idea to Action: Launching the Network
In June 2025, colleagues from across the South West came together to launch the South West Test and Learn Network. The event focused on creating shared intent, identifying priority themes, forming working groups and beginning to shape a first cycle of test-and-learn activity. Check out the short video from the day
A key message from the day was that building capability matters as much as generating ideas. Early conversations highlighted that many participants had limited experience in designing and running practical experiments. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, the network recognised it as an important opportunity: if we want test-and-learn approaches to become a stronger discipline across the region, we need to invest deliberately in developing those skills and confidence levels.
The launch also reinforced several principles that continue to guide the network today:
- focus on learning rather than perfection
- start small while staying ambitious
- use evidence to inform decisions
- share insights openly
Recognise that stopping an activity because we’ve learned enough can still be a successful outcome.
What emerged from the day was a shared commitment to learn through action and to build stronger connections across councils and partner organisations throughout the region.
Building a Regional Movement
The South West Test and Learn Network is part of a wider movement towards more evidence-informed, place-based and collaborative approaches to improvement.
By connecting people who are curious, willing to experiment and open to learning, we hope to strengthen both local capability and regional collaboration.
The network is still evolving. That’s intentional.
We are learning as we go, adapting based on feedback, and creating something shaped by the people who participate in it.
Get Involved
Whether you’re already running experiments, exploring a new idea, or simply curious about how test-and-learn approaches could support your work, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not looking for experts. We’re looking for people who are curious, willing to learn, and prepared to try something different. If that sounds like you, we’d love you to be part of the network.
If you’re keen to get involved in the South West Test and Learn Network, register your interest using the form below. We’ll keep you updated on upcoming events, learning opportunities, working groups and ways to contribute.