I was reading LGIU news this morning and an article about young people’s lack of interest in local government. The article highlighted the gap between the political curiosity that young people undoubtedly have and their low participation in local government. It made me think not only about how we attract younger people to stand for election as councillors, but also about how we attract young people to take up jobs in the council.
When I was starting out on my career, I have to admit that local government wasn’t a burning ambition. My Dad worked for a council and it was him that suggested that I check out the trading standards traineeships that were on offer.
Thirty plus years later and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Local government touches every part of people’s lives, can transform the places where we live and safeguard the vulnerable in our communities.
In the words of the LGIU Chief Executive, “Local Government can save the world”.
How then do we bridge the gap between the young people, like I was, who may not see the opportunities that local government has to offer, and the more enlightened older us who see the potential?
As part of our efforts to modernise and improve the Council’s recruitment policy and procedures, we are conducting a survey to gather feedback from those of you with responsibility for recruitment. Your insights are incredibly valuable to us and will help shape the organisation’s approach going forward.
We are asking you to complete a short survey that will take about 15-20 minutes
Survey Link – https://forms.office.com/e/iGRRyv7Evi
If you aren’t involved in recruitment but have ideas on how we could do things differently I’d love to hear from you at workingtogether@argyll-bute.gov.uk
And, if you are talking with friends and family what are you saying about working for the council that might help spark their interest in one of the great opportunities on offer.
Enjoy your weekend
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
