As we are now in the pre‑election period for the forthcoming elections, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what this means for us as an organisation and, just as importantly, how we continue to ground ourselves in our shared values.
Recently, at a meeting with other local authority Chief Executives, we spent time discussing the Nolan Principles of Public Life — selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. What struck me most was not simply their relevance during a pre‑election period, but how often they act as a moral compass when things feel difficult or pressured.
These principles are not new to us. They form a core part of our Code of Conduct and underpin the standards we are all expected to uphold in our roles. For many of you, they are not abstract concepts — they guide daily decisions, professional judgement and how we serve our communities.
As we navigate the coming weeks, I want to thank you for the professionalism, care and integrity you continue to show. Staying anchored to these principles helps maintain public trust and reinforces the reputation of this council and its workforce.
Inspiring the next generation
It feels like a lifetime ago now, but I began my own career in trading standards, before moving into waste management — just one of the many diverse and often unexpected career paths that sit within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Today, STEM skills play an increasingly central role in schools, and demand for these skills continues to grow across almost every sector in Argyll and Bute. Many of the roles our young people will move into don’t yet exist — but the foundations they need are already visible in the work you do every day.
Across the council, so many of you are using STEM skills to deliver essential services that support and protect our communities — from environmental health and climate work to digital innovation, engineering and planning. Your work shows young people what’s possible, and that meaningful, impactful careers exist locally.
STEM Fest 2026 will take place on 27 May at Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh in partnership with ALIenergy, offering S2 pupils a hands‑on introduction to the wide range of STEM careers available right here in Argyll and Bute.
We’re keen to hear from anyone who could support the council’s presence — whether that’s spending some time speaking with pupils, contributing a small activity or demonstration, or showcasing the work you do.
Council STEM roles include areas such as environmental health, climate and biodiversity, public health, waste and recycling, IT and digital services, cyber security, engineering, planning and finance.
If you’re able to help, or would like more information, please contact Felicity Conway.
Finally, with many of us relying on digital channels to work together and get our jobs done, you’ll probably hear the phrase “digital solutions” used regularly. A digital option, though, is only truly a solution if you feel confident using it.
The digital skills survey is designed to help us understand what support employees need to make the most of the digital tools available. Your responses will help shape future training and guidance so that digital solutions work for you in practice.
The survey is confidential and open until 2 April. Please do take a few minutes to complete it.
Have a great weekend and remember the clocks go forward an hour!
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
