I have just come out of a meeting between SOLACE (The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) and representatives of other local government professional bodies (*I’ve included a list below) and I was reflecting on the significant role officers in Argyll and Bute play in these national groups.
As with many things, for the size of our organisation I believe we hit well above our weight in helping to shape national policy and in advocating for local government. This year I have the privilege of being Vice Chair of SOLACE and other groups are either chaired, have been chaired or have Argyll and Bute representatives on their executive groups.
If you listen to the news, it can sometimes sound like the big developments are playing out in the central belt. I can assure you that we are at many of the important discussions on policy development, making sure that the particular needs of remote and rural Scotland are taken into account and working collaboratively with colleagues.
Today we spoke about how we can work even more effectively by co-ordinating our efforts in the face of ongoing change. This is very similar to our One Council, One Argyll and Bute approach but on a national scale.
Our aim is always to deliver better outcomes for communities in Argyll and Bute, but in doing so it’s important to look outwards as well as inwards. There is lots to be gained from working with others across Scotland and lots to learn from the experience of others.
Our work in the national context not only enhances our reputation and our credibility, it broadens our perspective.
If you aren’t involved in the association that represents your area of work, I’d encourage you to consider getting involved or asking your manager about what’s going on nationally. You never know what you might learn.
After all this lovely weather, I fear that we are in for some rain over the weekend. Take care if you are out and about, as the heavy rain may cause some issues.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
* Representatives of local government professional bodies:
• Association of Directors of Education (ADES)
• Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)
• CIPFA Directors of Finance Section (Directors of Finance)
• Heads of Planning Scotland (HoPS)
• Local Authority Building Standards Scotland (LABSS)
• Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Group (SLAED)
• Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health Scotland (SoCOEHS)
• Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCoTTS)
• Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace) Scotland
• Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR)
• Society of Personal Development Scotland (SPDS)
• Social Work Scotland (SWS)
