Hilary Kitchin is a policy analyst in the Local Democracy Centre at the LGiU. She has a particular focus on the introduction and implementation of legislation in the broad field of local government. Her work has included governance in a number of contexts including local strategic partnerships, community safety, community leadership, powers to promote well-being, and participation of children and young people. She has taken a long-term interest in community cohesion and equalities, and has recently completed a major research project on local authority communications in this context. Hilary has now taken responsibility for the LGiU’s programme of work on the criminal justice system.

Hilary is currently a member of research advisory panels on human rights in local government and the implementation of the public sector equality duties, convened by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Prior to her time at the LGiU, Hilary was a senior policy lawyer in a London Borough, working directly with elected members, chief officers and council committees, where she had a wide range of advisory and litigation responsibilities. Hilary was an associate of INLOGOV from 2001-2008, during which time she made a significant contribution to research and consultancy.