IS activity in this area
During 2008, we worked with councils to establish what we could do to contribute to, assist with, or promote management and leadership development within Scottish local government. (A report outlining the outcome of this work is available).
It became clear that there is considerable management development activity and resources within councils that reflect their particular circumstances, characteristics and requirements. However, a number of common interests were identified and we have undertaken to co-ordinate the following national activity:
- Regional update events - these will provide an overview of national strategic developments within the Scottish public sector and local government in particular.
- Learning materials to support national strategic issues - national training materials on significant changes in the Scottish public sector arising from the Concordat. These will be available to councils as comprehensive standalone learning packs which include pre-course materials, trainer's notes, and case studies.
- Shared local management materials - A number of councils have already developed learning materials on broad management competencies such as change management, recruitment and project management. We are now working with the Clyde Valley Consortium to look at developing an electronic platform for sharing these materials and collaborating on new ones.
- MSc in Public Service Leadership - Working with Edinburgh Napier University, we have developed a framework for a Masters programme aimed at experienced and ambitious managers within local authorities who wish to study for a Postgraduate qualification in management. More information is in our management development report. (This qualification is not intended to replace councils' own accredited management development arrangements.)
We are also working with a number of other public sector bodies in Scotland to deliver the ‘Collaborating for outcomes in the public sector' programme. This development programme is designed to help emerging leaders from across the public sector gain a better understanding of the Scottish Government's purpose (in particular its five Strategic Objectives: wealthier and fairer; smarter; healthier; safer and stronger; and greener), the leadership challenges it presents, and their own organisations' roles in it.
For more information on any of our work in this area, contact Donna Wallace on 01506 775560 or Kate O'Hagan on 01506 775563.
