In pictures: local government leaders quarterly networking event

Sir Merrick Cockell, chair of the Local Government Association, used the event to warn councils against becoming too risk averse. Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk

Questions for the panel were posed from the floor, and also from members of the local government network who submitted their points via Twitter. Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk

Valerie Pearce, head of city services at Brighton and Hove council, said she was "yet to meet an elected member who didn't care about their staff and the delivery of services on the frontline". She said it was the responsibility of local authorities to promote better turnout at local elections. Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk

Dame Moira Gibb, the former chief executive of Camden council, stressed the need for accountability when working with private sector service providers. But she called for councils to be flexible when commissioning out public services. Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk

Delegates were asked to consider the implications of commissioning for council finances, the development of cities, digital services and staffing. Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk

Nigel Bates, representing event sponsor Serco, said commissioning should not lead to a drive to the lowest price for delivering a service. Councils should look carefully at what services they want to contract out, and why. Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk

Delegates had the chance to swap stories over wine and cheese at the end of the event Photograph: Anna Gordon/guardian.co.uk