In this month's Improvement Service e-newletter, we look at rewards for local government excellence across Scotland and the new Local Footprints project working to reduce councils' environmental impact. You can also get a copy of our just-published research on multi member ward working.

ACROSS SCOTLAND

North-east partnership scoops award
Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and Scottish Enterprise Grampian, picked up an award for innovation at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

New executive development programme launched
The Improvement Service is running a second Top Executive Development Programme following a successful pilot in 2006.

Excellence rewarded at COSLA awards
A special needs in preganancy service and a reading project for looked after children were among the projects recognised in the 2007 COSLA Excellence Awards.

Project to help schools and councils cut environmental impact
Local authority policies have a significant role to play in helping to reduce Scotland’s global footprint.

EVENTS

Delivering Scotland's Climate Change Declaration - 21 March 2007, Edinburgh

Scotland's Climate Change Declaration forms part of a commitment made in Scotland's Climate Change Programme, Changing Our Ways, that a local authority climate change programme will be established by the end of 2007. The Declaration is intended to enhance local leadership and commitment. On 21 March, local authority representatives will have a chance to demonstrate their commitment to the Declaration, influence the shape of the emerging support programme and make personal links with the agencies and individuals that are making climate change a political priority.

LATEST RESOURCES

Perspectives on Multi-Member Ward working

Better Value - purchasing public services from the social economy

Organisational Models for "joining up" planning and delivery across the Public Sector

Executive Leadership Bulletin, No. 5

ABOUT THE IMPROVEMENT SERVICE The Improvement Service is devoted to improving the efficiency, quality and accountability of public services in Scotland through learning, sharing knowledge and delivering improvement solutions. It is a partnership between the Scottish Executive, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE). WANT TO APPEAR IN THIS NEWSLETTER? We are always looking for examples of good practice and innovation within Scottish local government and its partners. If you would like to see your work highlighted by the Improvement Service, please contact listen@improvementservice.org.uk