Solace
We need a diverse pool of talent bubbling through
As Solace continues to cast a spotlight on the lack of diversity among the senior management of local government, Graeme McDonald looks at what lessons from the political sphere could help the sector accelerate its progress.
Using councils’ know-how to improve health
Councils can be key drivers of improving health, says Dwayne Johnson.
Facing up to the workforce capacity challenge
Without intervention and investment we are headed towards a situation of crisis, with gaps in our workforce that will seriously hold back our ability to provide the fantastic services councils are known for, says Matt Prosser.
Re-stitching a brighter future
Robin Tuddenham says that for levelling up to be truly effective it must be led by those who are completely attuned to the unique needs and wants of each local area and leadership must come from local government.
Pausing the graduate Fast-Stream scheme could provide a real opportunity
A recent announcement by the Government – to pause the graduate Fast-Stream recruitment scheme for at least a year – could provide a real opportunity for councils and other local public sector bodies, says Graeme McDonald.
Future Forum: No end in sight for funding pots
Two local government finance experts have predicted Whitehall will continue doling out cash through competitive pots.
Pondering the polls
Peter Stanyon scrutinises how the polls went and turns his attention to the implementation challenges involved as the Elections Act 2022 comes in.
Government must rethink its approach to poor governance and behaviour in councils
Solace supports all of the Committee on Standards in Public Life report's recommendations on standards in local government, but without Government action on sanctions this will never gain the traction required, says Graeme McDonald.
Hybrid working is here to stay
The end of the nine-to-five routine is driven by economic forces, not the indolent public sector workers of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s imagination, says Michael Burton.
EXCLUSIVE: Whitehall risk warning over election reforms
Whitehall officials have privately admitted councils could be overwhelmed by one of the largest sets of electoral reforms ever seen by local authorities, The MJ understands.
New Solace hire to improve sector diversity
Senior officers' organisation Solace is recruiting a new officer in a drive to improve diversity.
A national workforce strategy is needed to tackle skills shortage
With pay likely to remain stagnant and labour shortages to continue, local authorities need a robust workforce strategy with the full backing of central Government, says Michael Burton.
Soaring vacancies and declining pay highlight sector crisis
Latest figures this week showing the soaring number of job vacancies coupled with declining public sector pay have highlighted the recruitment and retention crisis facing the local government sector.
Roney: Council chiefs proved worth during pandemic
Council chief executives proved their worth during the pandemic, the president of Solace Joanne Roney told her colleagues.
Pay 'not number one feature' in staff retention
Culture and opportunities for career advancement are more important to council staff than pay, peers have heard.
Future Forum North: City chief calls for fiscal freedom
More financial freedom should be devolved to cities to fully realise the ambition of levelling them up, Manchester City Council chief executive Joanne Roney has said.
Helping highly vulnerable families to recover, rebuild their lives here, and thrive
Implementing and delivering the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme will require more than just goodwill, says Graeme McDonald.
Must change always be so lacking in urgency?
Graeme McDonald says a devolution deal 'represents the very start of change, not an outcome in itself, and what is on offer in the White Paper is 'frankly pretty small beer in terms of rebalancing power'.
Leading with a purpose
Mark Rogers is the new chief executive of the Leadership Centre. He says it is perfectly placed to work on how to deal with new challenges for public services, places and people. Heather Jameson reports.
EXCLUSIVE: NAO to consider early intervention report
The National Audit Office (NAO) is to consider a report on early intervention and prevention after lobbying from the sector, The MJ understands.