27th October 2025

In a bid to modernize and streamline public services, Mendip, Taunton Deane, and West Somerset councils joined forces in 2015 to form the SHAPE Legal Partnership, a collaborative initiative aimed at delivering shared legal services efficiently across the three authorities.

The partnership, hosted by Mendip District Council, brought together legal teams from the participating councils under one roof, ensuring expertise in corporate governance, planning, highways, commercial law, and health-related legal matters could be shared seamlessly. Staff were transferred under TUPE regulations, providing continuity for both employees and the communities they serve.

Cost efficiency was a key driver for the initiative. By pooling resources, the councils projected immediate savings of up to 15% for West Somerset and 10–15% for Taunton Deane, with Mendip aiming for a 14% reduction over five years. Beyond finances, the partnership also focused on providing comprehensive training for council staff, reinforcing governance and legal compliance across the board.

With the creation of Somerset Council in April 2023, the SHAPE Legal Partnership concluded, as part of a broader move towards a single unitary authority replacing the previous district councils, including Mendip, Sedgemoor, and Somerset West and Taunton. The restructuring aimed to simplify governance and enhance service delivery across the county.

Although the SHAPE Legal Partnership has now ended, its legacy remains. It set a pioneering example for collaborative working among local authorities in Somerset, demonstrating the tangible benefits of shared services — from financial savings to improved efficiency and professional development.

As Somerset Council continues to evolve, the experience of SHAPE serves as a reminder of the power of cooperation, and how local authorities can innovate to better serve their communities.

While specific names of individual lawyers involved in the SHAPE Legal Partnership are not publicly detailed in the available documents, the partnership’s structure included:

  • Legal Services Staff: Professionals who provided legal advice and support across various areas such as corporate governance, planning, highways, commercial law, health, housing, and employment.
  • Business Services Manager: Responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of the partnership, including coordinating with partner councils and ensuring service delivery standards.
  • Client Manager: Typically a senior officer from one of the partner councils, acting as the primary liaison between the legal team and the council’s leadership, ensuring that legal services met the councils’ needs.

For instance, the Group Manager – Law and Governance Services and the Law & Governance Business Services Manager were key figures in managing the partnership’s operations and client relationships. These roles involved regular meetings with client representatives to assess service delivery and identify areas for improvement.

If you’re seeking information about specific individuals who worked within the SHAPE Legal Partnership, I recommend contacting Somerset Council, which succeeded the previous councils following the local government restructuring in April 2023. They may be able to provide more detailed information or direct you to the appropriate records.

For further details, you might find the following resources helpful:

These documents provide insights into the operational aspects and management of the partnership.