SOLACE
We will do everything we can to save lives
The national COVID-19 emergency is seeing the very best of our councils and our workforces and we have a ‘unique and vital role to play’, says Martin Swales.
The work of local government has become ‘even more urgent’
The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting ‘the very best of councils and our workforces’, according to president of Solace UK Martin Swales.
Former Solace chief takes crisis pay cut
Former Solace president Jo Miller has taken a 10% pay cut as her council launched a range of measures to support local people and businesses amid the coronavirus crisis.
Jenrick urges councils not to delay on coronavirus spending
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick this week urged council leaders not to put off decisions because of money in their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
There is still plenty for this Government to ‘get done’
The Budget package does not give councils any certainty over funding for the short to medium term, let alone the long term, and failed to address much-needed reforms to social care, says Solace spokesman for finance Martin Reeves.
Be more than just good at your job
Nicola McCoy Brown says that while she hadn’t reached her third decade of work ‘without knowing the mechanics’, ADEPT’s leadership development programme in partnership with SOLACE has given her ‘a wider network, learning and reinvention’.
Scottish councils’ improvements ‘stalling’
Spending on culture and leisure, economic development, and roads all fell by around a quarter last year, according to a study.
NAO to probe one-off Government funding pots
The National Audit Office (NAO) is to probe the effect of the Government’s shift towards one-off and short-term funding initiatives.
‘We must do more than tinker at the edges’
The system needs a truly sustainable multi-year financial settlement to ensure children and young people with SEND get the support they need, argues Phil Norrey.
What will Boris do next?
The new Government will need the sector’s help if it is to stand a chance of delivering the party’s ambitious domestic agenda, says Graeme McDonald. 'But the sector can only help if it is operating from a position of strength'.
Social care needs funding solutions ‘for the short, medium and long-term’
Solace spokesperson for wellbeing Paul Najsarek responds to the findings of the ADASS autumn survey that revealed 90% of respondents had ‘some concerns about, or insufficient capacity to manage’, winter pressures.
How to make the most of your career interim
As the war for talent intensifies, Jessica Mullinger explores the many advantages of hiring a career interim to get the maximum return on investment during their time with your company.
Environment Bill... What next?
As flooding hits Rotherham and other areas, Sharon Kemp says there is real potential for local leaders to be given support for their climate activities by using the Solace network to share the ideas that drive the changes needed within communities.
Does our place-shaping role risk being imperilled?
An anonymous writer ponders the incongruity between what the centre expects from local government and the ‘nature, breadth and ferocity’ of the challenges councils are facing.
Commission in pre-election warning
The difficulties of running well-run elections are increasing, the Electoral Commission has warned as legislation to trigger a pre-Christmas General Election cleared the House of Lords.
Solace Summit: Northamptonshire chief calls for public sector 'alarm system'
The chief executive officer of Conservative-run Northamptonshire CC has called for a public sector ‘alarm system’ to prevent other councils failing.
Solace Summit: Officers 'scared of doing their jobs'
Council chiefs have heard of the growing issues of bullying and harassment at the Solace Summit.
Solace Summit: Not appointing can sometimes be the best decision
Failing to make a senior level appointment after a lengthy recruitment process can sometimes be the best decision, delegates at a chief executives’ conference have heard.
Solace Summit: Roney says 'nothing sexy' about housing companies
Manchester City Council’s chief executive has revealed she remains unconvinced by the need for housing companies to drive up delivery.
Solace Summit: Cohesion chief in 'divided country' warning
The UK is a ‘divided country’ culturally, politically and economically, the chief executive of the Cohesion and Integration Network has warned.