East of England Seminar

Solace Update

24 January 2014

Introduction to Solace

• The professional body representing senior strategic managers in UK local authorities and other public sector organisations.

• Solace is committed to promoting public sector management excellence.

• We seek to influence debate around the future of public services to ensure that policy and legislation is informed by the experience and expertise of our members.

Introduction to Solace

•Chief Executives – 26%

•Senior Managers – 43%

•Aspiring Managers/Graduates – 7%

•Former CEOs and Senior Managers – 21%

•Other sectors/internationals – 3%

Solace Family

Solace Membership

• Weekly Policy Brief, MWB & MJ Digest• Events programme and Networking• Regional and national branches• Discount on Solace Enterprises courses• Policy networks and wider policy work

Solace Priorities• Develop member’s skills in managerial leadership• Promote sector sustainability and the reputation of

the profession • Promoting five pillars of local government reform:– local solutions – integration– accountability – going digital – a new contract with communities

Current Solace Activities

• ‘Asking the right questions’ leadership report• Values and behaviours• Springboard programme• Removal of statutory protection• CLG Select Committee inquiry into senior

officer remuneration in local government

Current Solace Activities

• ‘Manifesto’ for local government – May 2014• Moving beyond Children’s Services report• Local Roots to Growth report• Digital leadership programme• Evidence led policy making

Local Roots to Growth

• Governance and structures• Integration, incentive and improving

connections• Skills and education• Infrastructure

Skills for Leadership

Skills for Leadership (2)

• Transactional skills– Financial strategy– Performance management– Human resource management– Procurement and commercial skills

Skills for Leadership (3)

• Transformational skills– Political understanding– Vision setting and strategic management– Management of change– Working with partners, partnerships and other

stakeholders– Communication and cultural management– Democratic accountability and challenge

Skills for Leadership (4)

• Contextual skills:– Leading place and space– Leading during complexity and ambiguity– Leading entrepreneurial organisations– Leading through trust