CEX update – shaping future solutions
Oban has been a little busier than usual this week as senior leaders from councils and public bodies across Scotland gathered for the SOLACE Scotland conference. As Chair of SOLACE, I have been proud to see Argyll and Bute hosting conversations about some of the biggest issues facing public services. Beyond the conference programme itself, […]
CEX update – public service reform and our continuing priorities
This week, much of the national conversation has focused on the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and the implications it may have for public services across Scotland. Many of you will have seen the announcements regarding the future of health boards and the wider programme of public service reform. While much of the detail remains […]
CEX update – making a difference
I want to acknowledge the sad passing of Councillor Dougie Philand, our Provost. His death has been felt deeply across the council and the wider community. Dougie brought warmth, positivity, integrity and a strong commitment to public service throughout his time in office. Dougie has been a constant in the Council for me since I […]
CEX update – making time to train
This week provided a valuable opportunity for senior leaders to come together and refresh our emergency planning and resilience training. Like many forms of training and development, it can sometimes feel easier to focus on the immediate priorities in front of us and postpone time spent preparing for challenges that may or may not arise […]
CEX update – shared challenges, shared opportunities
Yesterday, the Leader and I met with colleagues from across the Highlands and Islands to discuss a range of issues affecting our communities, including public service reform, economic development, infrastructure and the unique challenges faced by remote and rural areas. Those discussions reinforced something I have long believed: while every area has its own priorities, […]
CEX update – different routes to success
This week saw exam results arrive for many young people across Argyll and Bute. For many families it has been a week of celebration, relief, excitement and, for some, disappointment and uncertainty. Most of us can probably remember what it felt like waiting for our own results. The main difference is that many of us […]
CEX update – local solutions, shared ambition
As July draws to a close, we also come to the end of the Council recess period. Next week elected members return and our cycle of formal committee meetings resumes. While the summer can sometimes feel quieter from a governance perspective, I know that for many of you it has been anything but quiet. Services […]
CEX update – mid-year reflection: seeing Argyll and Bute through fresh eyes
Thank you to Douglas for holding the fort while I was away. Council is still in recess and at this halfway point of the year and with the benefit of the perspective that a holiday gives you I’ve been reflecting on the year so far. Like many people, I spent some of my time off […]
CEX update – warm weather and weekend events
As we come to the end of another very warm week, we’re in the throes of UK’s third heatwave of the year. I hope you are all keeping well and managing to stay as cool as possible. For colleagues working in Kilmory, particularly those on the top floor of the extension, I know conditions have […]
CEX update – no wrong path
As Pippa said in last week’s newsflash, she is on leave this week and next, so it’s my turn to pick things up. I was minded to start with a quote which comes from (for those of you who are old enough to remember him) Rikki Fulton, the Rev. I.M.Jolly. “HULLO! Do you ever get […]