Lawrence Conway
Lawrence Conway is chief executive of South Lakeland DC
South Lakeland has been truly transformed
From April 1 Cumbria will be reorganised into two unitary authorities. In his final column for The MJ, chief executive of South Lakeland DC Lawrence Conway looks back at the themes that have dominated his writing in the past 10 years.
Culture is about who we really are
The concept of culture may be difficult to buy or sell, but it is worth the investment, writes Lawrence Conway.
Keeping pace with changing demands
There are things we can do more locally to relieve some of the pressures on services and finances and prepare for the medium to longer-term and perhaps even a more ‘normal’ future, says Lawrence Conway.
Getting on with the job
The absence of a long-term economic plan from the Government will never get in the way of councils doing the very best they can, writes Lawrence Conway.
Tackling the climate emergency in South Lakeland
Lawrence Conway explains how South Lakeland DC is working towards its targets of a carbon neutral council by 2030 and a carbon neutral district by 2037.
Keeping that personal touch
it’s possible with foresight to design the councils of the future in a way that can adapt to rapidly changing demands without losing that personal touch where it is needed most, says Lawrence Conway.
Reorganisation is about transformation not just reform
Many of the core principles of South Lakeland DC's transformation programme will be evident in the new authorities of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness, says Lawrence Conway.
We all need a steady and clear programme for the unitary journey
South Lakeland DC will be abolished and its functions transferred to one of Cumbria's two new unitary authorities. Lawrence Conway says 'great progress can be make when we all put our heads and hearts together'.
Getting on with the daily job
Business as usual services must continue at South Lakeland DC with performance kept at the highest levels as local authorities in Cumbria await local government reorganisation and the formation of two new councils, says Lawrence Conway.
Moving from good to great in Cumbria
The early stages of the transition programme for reorganisation in Cumbria are being developed and defined, says Lawrence Conway. Moving from good to great will be achieved by 'working with our communities, our partners and our amazing staff.'
The Green Book needs to be green in nature
On climate action, it could be argued that the most effective changes we can make are those in which our chosen leaders make solid commitments, followed by sturdy regulation and effective enforcement, says Lawrence Conway.
An impressive transformation
South Lakeland DC's main office building has been refurbished as one element in a wholesale transformation of the organisation, says Lawrence Conway. The council is 'now in the position to further embed our new ways of working', he adds.
We need to avoid a fractured, inefficient and uneven model of recovery
Any improvement to local facilities, whether economic, leisure, hardship or climate-related, should be planted in a future that communities can recognise and buy into, argues Lawrence Conway.
The data tells a clear story of what's needed to rebuild back better
South Lakeland has the highest percentage of furloughed employees in England. The gulf that exists between the criteria for levelling up funding and this set of economic circumstances is not lost on anyone locally, says Lawrence Conway.
Cementing growth plans in The Bay
Whatever your thoughts may be on local government reorganisation it has brought together the three councils of Barrow, Lancaster and South Lakeland 'like nothing before', says Lawrence Conway.
Being ready for change is critical
Local government reorganisation is on the near horizon, says Lawrence Conway. He believes South Lakeland DC 'will be well placed to provide a flexible way of working whatever the outcome of this latest round of deliberations'.
The strain caused by COVID is starting to show
Lawrence Conway says the continued variations to coronavirus measures introduced by Government 'mean we have to be agile, flexible and quite often we must use our own local leadership and innovations to best implement and serve our communities'.
Moving forward in a time of unprecedented demand
Lawrence Conway says confidence building, hope and support, and visionary and purposeful local leadership are needed ‘as we move forward to build a better world now and for future generations’.
Start devolution plans with a vision and purpose to unite
On plans for devolution, care should be taken not to start with structures and short- term initiatives, as important as they are, says Lawrence Conway. A future filled with hope, confidence and prosperity for the whole nation must surely be the entry point, he adds.
Districts are agile, responsive and efficient in the face of adversity
District councils have been working hard, along with public sector colleagues, to ensure the national response to the current emergency is having the desired effect of saving lives and protecting our communities, says Lawrence Conway.