SOLACE
Levelling up: extreme measures
Dan Peters looks at the list of performance indicators chosen by Government for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and asks just how well is it performing so far.
Looking ahead with trepidation
Professor Martin Reeves digests the contents of the provisional local government finance settlement and highlights the key reasons why it will fail to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
Northern Irish councils in devolution call
The sector is pressing for increased powers to help the country to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A golden opportunity for the sector
Nicola Chiverton says local government is currently enjoying a renewed, positive profile. So now is the time to harness this appreciation and ‘sell’ the personal – and potentially world-changing – benefits of starting a career in the sector.
Let's take our chance to get things right on the health gap
Ten years after Professor Marmot’s initial report the health gap has grown, says Gill Kneller. Along with other partners, local councils have a key role to play in connecting with communities to turn this curve, she believes.
We will need the very best people if we are to ‘level up’ places
It makes little sense to have more than 500 local councils all fighting each other in the battle for talent, according to Graeme McDonald. He believes councils need a Local Leadership Academy, in line with similar bodies across the public sector.
Mastering yourself is true power
A debate at the recent Solace Summit reminded Kathy O'Leary that to effectively lead others, leaders first need to successfully lead themselves.
Councils have 'irreplaceable' role in levelling up
Councils are ready to work with central government to deliver change in communities, president of chief executives' organisation Solace, Joanne Roney, has said.
A diverse challenge for the sector
Recruiting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce across the sector has never been more important. Steve Guest looks at how Solace is approaching this challenge at a systemic and operational level.
One in three chiefs concerned over workforce
Council chief executives have called for government action to resolve a recruitment crisis.
‘Dig deep and continue’
A ‘huge’ unvaccinated group of six million adults and deepening inequalities are among the risks as communities begin to move towards economic and social recovery. Ann McGauran reports.
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.
