Richmond & Wandsworth Councils

Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth are two neighbouring boroughs in south-west London, each with their own distinct identity, history and culture. But they also share a common vision: to provide high-quality services and opportunities for their residents, while saving money and protecting the environment.

 Since 2016, the two councils have formed a unique partnership: the Shared Staffing Arrangement (SSA). The SSA is a joint workforce that serves both councils, delivering services such as finance, human resources, legal, IT, housing, planning, environmental health and more. The SSA aims to achieve substantial savings for both councils, while maintaining their sovereignty and local democracy

The SSA is not a merger or a takeover. Richmond and Wandsworth Councils remain separate entities, with their own elected councillors, cabinets and leaders. They also retain their distinct identities and policies, reflecting the different needs and priorities of their local communities.

The SSA is an innovative and flexible model of local government, which allows both councils to share best practice, expertise and resources. It also enables them to respond more effectively to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and the digital transformation. The SSA is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs and expectations of both boroughs.