To deliver this complex programme of transformation for the sector it is critical that we build the capacity from within to do this.
There are a number of aspects to this including our Single Point of Contact Group and the Leadership Practitioner Forum .
Single Point of Contact Group
Each council chief executive has appointed a senior leader in their organisation to be the single point of contact for the organisation to feed into the programme. The expectation is that person engages in a two way dialogue by informing the programme of work locally that may align and also to take any asks from the projects to their local organisation to ensure we are working collectively.
Leadership Practitioner Forum
The Leadership Practitioner Forum is a network for aspiring Chief Executives, Directors and Heads of Service led and supported by the Improvement Service with current local authority Chief Executives.
It is led by Pippa Milne, chief executive of Argyll and Bute Council and Solace Lead for Leadership. Leadership Practitioner Forum events focus on the anchors and associated workstreams of the transformation programme. It brings colleagues together to explore topics and challenges, and provides opportunities to contribute to the transformation programme as it progresses.
Getting involved with the Leadership Practitioner Forum is a great way to ensure this radical transformation programme aligns with the priorities of your council or Community Planning Partnership (CPP).
Forum members can expect to:
- Support leaders to capitalise on their professional agency and lead courageously
- Generate ideas and energy for the anchors and associated workstreams, expanding our thinking
- Build collective solutions
- Inspire and motivate colleagues to progress their ideas
- Network and build relationships with colleagues across different councils
Members of the Leadership Practitioner Forum attend virtual events that focus on the anchors and associated workstreams of the transformation programme, bringing colleagues together to explore topics and challenges.
Sessions last for up to two hours and include presentations, Q&A and discussion in breakouts. If you would like to attend, or would like any more information, please contact Amanda Spark.
Topics so far
The forum has covered a wide range of transformation themes. Sessions have included an exploration of Human Learning Systems with Professor Toby Lowe, and a look at the updated 21st Century Public Servant research with Professor Catherine Needham. It has also examined local government statutory and discretionary services, provided an update on progress since the Crerar Review, and reviewed achievements a year on from the sector’s Call to Action. Workforce challenges and future capability were discussed with Thomas Glen and Fiona Whittaker, while Des Murray and Greg Colgan led a deep dive into cross-sector partnerships and tackling inequalities. Earlier sessions explored local government budgets and the Verity House Agreement, approaches to unlocking community action and improving trust between local and central government, and the initial launch of the Solace/IS Transformation Programme.
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Delivering a future for Scottish local authorities: the challenges they face, the questions that need asking and a model for the future
This paper proposes a new approach for the future operating model of Scottish local authorities. The paper outlines the context that local government is delivering within, the challenges and opportunities it faces and how councils might transition to a model of service delivery that builds on current success but more deliberately supports effective partnerships to improve outcomes for communities.
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IS Strategic Framework 2023-2027
The IS Strategic Framework 2023-27 sets out our vision, purpose and values, and our key priorities for the next four years.