SOLACE
Environment Bill... What next?
As flooding hits Rotherham and other areas, Sharon Kemp says there is real potential for local leaders to be given support for their climate activities by using the Solace network to share the ideas that drive the changes needed within communities.
Does our place-shaping role risk being imperilled?
An anonymous writer ponders the incongruity between what the centre expects from local government and the ‘nature, breadth and ferocity’ of the challenges councils are facing.
Commission in pre-election warning
The difficulties of running well-run elections are increasing, the Electoral Commission has warned as legislation to trigger a pre-Christmas General Election cleared the House of Lords.
Solace Summit: Northamptonshire chief calls for public sector 'alarm system'
The chief executive officer of Conservative-run Northamptonshire CC has called for a public sector ‘alarm system’ to prevent other councils failing.
Solace Summit: Officers 'scared of doing their jobs'
Council chiefs have heard of the growing issues of bullying and harassment at the Solace Summit.
Solace Summit: Not appointing can sometimes be the best decision
Failing to make a senior level appointment after a lengthy recruitment process can sometimes be the best decision, delegates at a chief executives’ conference have heard.
Solace Summit: Roney says 'nothing sexy' about housing companies
Manchester City Council’s chief executive has revealed she remains unconvinced by the need for housing companies to drive up delivery.
Solace Summit: Cohesion chief in 'divided country' warning
The UK is a ‘divided country’ culturally, politically and economically, the chief executive of the Cohesion and Integration Network has warned.
Solace Summit: LGA to take climate emergency lead
The Local Government Association (LGA) is to assume a leading role in the sector on getting to grips with the challenge posed by climate change.
Solace Summit: Treasury concerns prompted borrowing rates hike
A hike in borrowing rates for councils was made due to ‘concerns’ over local government spending, the sector’s top Whitehall official has confirmed.
Time for transformation
Chair of Solace Gavin Jones tells local government to reverse public services’ polarity that sees demand as a drain rather than a resource.
Solace Summit: President in collaboration call
A call for collaboration has been made in a speech to the Solace Summit by president Martin Swales.
Close co-operation to aid our communities
As Solace's annual Summit gets underway in Birmingham this week, president Martin Swales urges local authorities to work with others on building their local economies.
We have the power to engage people constructively in local climate emergency solutions
Graeme McDonald says the positive engagement and diversity at a Solace roundtable exploring what role the organisation might play in the climate emergency agenda 'really filled me with energy'.
Solace preview: Cohesion – the social glue
How do we create a more integrated society in volatile times? Jo Broadwood outlines what councils and others involved in promoting cohesion say they need to support their work.
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.
Chief executives will get access to the guidance, knowledge and support they need
Joanne Roney says she intends to ensure Solace provides accessible and self-managed development options to all in a timely and appropriate format.
MHCLG security review after knife attack
Security will be reviewed across the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) estate after one of the department’s officials suffered a knife attack.
Public servants must work together to navigate turbulent times
Graeme McDonald says the uncertain political waters we're in require greater emphasis on the need for genuine collaboration and on resisting the temptation to become entrenched in our organisational perspectives.
Solace steps back in time
We all know local government loves a party.