Ethics
Stopping the downward spiral
Mike Bennett reviews a new book that captures the degradation of ethics in public life and sets out ways to restore high standards – but is local government listening, he asks.
Steering a way through the AI challenge
AI offers so much for adult social care practice, but for all the potential, there are plenty of pitfalls. Caroline Green provides some advice on navigating the challenge,
Governing the local AI revolution
A nuanced approach to governance is needed to successfully navigate the challenge of integrating AI within local authorities, say Amardeep Gill and Jonathan Werran.
Making sure accountancy stays rewarding and exciting
'Technology and social value are with us now, but we are reacting, not leading. We need to start planning to use it to retain and attract talent', says Michael Hudson.
Chiefs' professional development framework launched
The first version of a professional development framework to keep local government chief executives ‘ahead of the game’ has been launched.
EXCLUSIVE: Elected mayor in law change call
Croydon LBC’s mayor Jason Perry has called for the law to be changed to give councils greater powers to hold officers and councillors to account.
Diversionary dodges
Dan Corry looks at whether trying to make people talk about the things you want really works, but concludes that, eventually, you have to just sort out the issues that matter.
The status quo on oversight of councillors' behaviour isn't acceptable
We are concerned by the threats, intimidation and toxic debate that has come to characterise much of our public discourse, yet the Government is shunning an important opportunity to challenge a manifestation of it, says Claire Kober.
The Government’s response on standards is a missed opportunity
The Government’s long-delayed response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life review of local government ethical standards falls short of what is required to improve governance, says Mark Greenburgh.
Gove urges pension funds to add to Russian pressure
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove has urged local government pension scheme (LGPS) committee chairs to consider what more they can do to exert pressure on Russia.
Creating true value
Local government must mark a decade of social value with purpose driven procurement, writes chief executive of Localis Jonathan Werran.
Helping citizens with the use of predictive analytics
Through good governance and clear, ethical communication around the use of data and AI, we can create more efficient systems that truly benefit people, says Dr Thomas Chalk at Capita.
Getting the basics right on standards
Joanne Roney says it is ‘high time’ the Government responded to the recommendations in the 2019 Committee for Standards in Public Life’s report on ethical standards in local government.
Committee bemoans 18-month delay to report response
The Committee on Standards in Public Life has scolded ministers for taking 18 months to respond to its report on ethical standards in local government.
Creating ethical places to do business: a City Region perspective
Professor Adam Tickell of Greater Brighton says it is only by working together as academics, government and business leaders that we can start to make sure that the economy delivers wealth for society as well as for shareholders.
Victims in the line of fire
Local government monitoring officers are increasingly being caught in power struggles between senior officers and are becoming targets for politicians. How should the problem be tackled? Martin Ford reports
Putting our finances on a secure footing
Andrew Burns examines how councils can ensure financial sustainability and put local services on the right path.
Fair tax is the way forward
Shining a light on fair tax is a responsibility Oxford City Council is pleased to take on, says Cllr Tom Hayes - and he is glad to see others signing up to the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration.
Solace preview: Evolving our approach to ethics and standards
Local government is well-placed to lead the way in evolving and supporting ethical standards to keep pace with challenging times, says Jacqui McKinley, who will speak at next month's Solace Summit 2019 in Birmingham.
Throw the officers under the bus
In the wake of the events leading to the Darroch resignation, Blair Mcpherson says local government officers, like civil servants, are expected to provide impartial advice rather than tell politicians what they want to hear - and that means giving unvarnished assessments of proposed partners or contractors.
