Ayrshire College Leading the way with regional event
Senior leaders from public sector organisations across Ayrshire came together last week (Thursday 21 November) at the Ayrshire Leadership Collaborative Event at Ayrshire College’s Willie Mackie Skills Hub in Kilwinning.
The Chief Executives of Ayrshire’s three councils - Eddie Fraser (East Ayrshire Council), Craig Hatton (North Ayrshire Council) and Mike Newall (South Ayrshire) joined forces to present an overview of the region’s current position and their insights from the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy.
Louise MacDonald, Director-General for Communities, at Scottish Government, Andrew Burns, Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission, and Blyth Deans, Audit Director at Audit Scotland, outlined the need for public sector reform. They highlighted the importance of a local partnership approach and ongoing engagement with service users.
Senior leaders from Ayrshire College, North, South and East Ayrshire Councils, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Police Scotland, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also contributed to the debate on the day.
Eddie Fraser, East Ayrshire Council Chief Executive, explained:
“This is a time when local authorities, and the wider public sector across Scotland, are facing significant challenges, with reducing budgets and increasing demand on services. In order to sustain the provision of services we need to work collaboratively with our communities, Community Planning Partners, the third sector and local businesses.
"The collaborative event was a great success with colleagues from Scottish Government and the Account Commission being very clear as to their expectations of local public sector service providers. We welcome every opportunity to engage with partners across Ayrshire, to explore ways of delivering more efficient, effective and economic services, and to drive creativity and innovation in order to deliver positive change."
Craig Hatton, North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive, said:
“Partnership working and sharing ideas, knowledge and best practice is at the heart of everything we do, and we are fortunate to have these close relationships across many sectors. Last Thursday’s event was another opportunity to learn and develop ideas that will improve not only our own organisations but also our communities, workforce and the economy as whole.
“We were delighted to be involved in this collaborative event and a huge thanks to the organisers for making it happen.”
Mike Newall, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council added:
“Ayrshire has so many strengths which make it the ideal location to live, work, invest and visit. Only by working together are we able to make the most of these strengths and realise our ambitions for Ayrshire.
This event was the ideal platform to explore opportunities, reflect on challenges and find out what we can all do to help boost skills and make the most of the economic opportunities on our doorstep.”
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