Children's services: the lives behind the numbers
Behind talk of crisis and budget pressures are children, families and our workforce. It is time to speak loud about it, says Robin Tuddenham.
Opinion
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Critical thinking for critical times
August 15, 2018
CIPFA’s Rob Whiteman highlights the need for bold, detailed planning and decision-making to stem the tide as local authorities continue to provide services while lobbying for much needed resources from Government.
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What is the strategy for local government?
August 15, 2018
Lawrence Conway says the sector needs a unified strategy that is sustainable with forthright leadership and a focus on its goals and objectives.
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Are council chiefs much different from football managers?
August 17, 2018
Blair McPherson looks at the delicate relationship between council leaders and chief executives and compares it with that of the manager and chairman of a top flight football club.
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Councils deserve a better deal after Carillion's collapse
August 16, 2018
Local government figures recently met to discuss the current state of commissioning and procurement after the liquidation of outsourcer Carillion. David Hutton reports.
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Children's services risk management strategy is a leap of faith
Blair McPherson believes some councils are adopting a dangerous risk management strategy when it comes to children's services.
Why the sector can benefit from the millennial touch
Toni Hall comments on key research carried out at the recent Local Government Association conference, and the call to action around the ageing workforce.
Westminster’s revolving doors challenge the sector
Michael Burton on the recent government reshuffle and what it means for local government.
Delivering on housing – rethinking the norm for different results
In his Soapbox column on the 100 year anniversary of Lloyd George’s ‘Homes fit for heroes’ speech, Paul Wheeler called for homes at rents and prices that people can afford (The MJ, 31 May). This isn’t a new problem of course, but it is one that [..]
Lonely at the top
Alan Goodrum gives his thoughts on how to survive – and even thrive – in the often tricky role of chief executive.
From the archive
Rebranding councils
Our brand(reputation)is not what we say about ourselves, it is what other people say about us, says Cormac Smith.
Why some councils perform better than others
Why do some councils perform better?
Wellbeing is about much more than just health
Wellbeing has been a familiar term in local government for a number of years but what does this mean in practice, writes New Economics Foundation researcher Christine Berry.