SOLACE
We need to pause the cheering on social care
The Government’s social care announcement deserves only two hurrahs, says Paul Najsarek. The knock on effect can only be substantially increased costs for local government, he adds.
Building on new-found respect
Solace has been working hard behind the scenes to extend its reach across Government and offer unique perspectives on how policies join up in a place and work on the ground, says Joanne Roney.
A charter for good employment
Joanne Roney looks at how collaboration between Metro Mayors and local authorities is focusing on delivering decent working conditions for people.
Climate change: ‘community is the new COP’
Sharon Kemp says to have any meaningful impact on the global climate crisis ‘we need sustained leadership, commitment and action at a local, regional, national and international level’.
More than just a recruiter
In the post-pandemic world, recruiters have the opportunity to take a fresh look at how they view their interim candidates – and in particular how they support and care for them. Gemma Stevenson-Coupe outlines how Solace have approached this issue.
The digital journey: From baby steps to giant rewards
Councils embracing smart technologies are making better use of the data they already hold and transforming the relationship with local communities, says Civica.
Call for fair funding for Scottish councils
Councils should not have their ‘hands tied’ by funding constraints, the Scottish Government has been told.
Everybody has failed
Children were ‘pawns in a toxic power game’, according to the report of the Independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA) in Lambeth. Ann McGauran asks if the council has learned all the lessons from its horrific past.
What we will need from the leaders of the future?
There are increasing challenges in filling senior positions across the public sector including local government, says Graeme McDonald. We must make the environment safe for open communication about challenges, concerns and opportunities, he adds.
MHCLG to review local resilience forums
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is to review the role, responsibilities and accountabilities of local resilience forums (LRF).
The challenges for public leaders have only just begun
The Public Leaders Report 2021 captures what it was like to lead during a tough year and includes candid insights from 20 chief executives, say Pat Ritchie and Stephen Crookbain.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils push back over reserves raid threat
Council chiefs have pushed back as the Treasury eyes up the sector’s reserves in the run up to this year’s Spending Review, The MJ understands.
Chief execs – a vital part of change
The strategic leadership role of council chief executives in wider health and care systems is often under-appreciated, says Paul Najsarek, but if the Government wants to deliver meaningful change then they will have a crucial role to play.
We must stop the Treasury tail wagging the Government dog
Graeme McDonald senses 'much of Whitehall has a greater understanding of our challenges than for many years, but is handcuffed by the inflexible, rigid approach imposed by a shortsighted Exchequer'.
Sector calls for closer working after COVID confusion
The Government has been told it must work more closely with local authorities to successfully emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
Working our way back to normality
Steve Guest says creating and maintaining COVID-safe and sustainable working environments is just the first step – and ‘workspace’ thinking is the way forwards – as we return from the pandemic.
Let's continue to open national politicians’ and civil servants’ eyes to the potential of local government
Writing in advance of the Queen's Speech, Graeme McDonald wondered if it would set up a new relationship between Whitehall and councils. or leave local government fighting for relevance within a Westminster-imposed straightjacket.
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.
EXCLUSIVE: Cross-cutting regions project faces Whitehall downgrade
The scheme was designed to unite Whitehall departments and regions across the country.
Storm brewing over exit payment data demands
Government demands for details of senior staff pay-offs have been branded ‘particularly pernicious’ and unfairly aimed at local government.
