Have a busy couple of days in London where I meet with DEMOS to discuss a research project we are involved in around value for money in partnerships, the new Chief Executive of the LGIU, Andy Sawford and most importantly our National Council at Parliament.
Went to Durham County Council today to the official opening of their new super depot. When driving in I thought I was at the wrong building as it looked like a software company from the outside.
APSEs Assistant Chief Executive, Mark Bramah held a lobbying meeting with Dr. Brian Gibbons, Minister for Social Justice, at the Welsh Assembly
Brian was particularly interested in the research we are carrying out into the economic footprint of local government in Swindon with CLES. He has an agenda about promoting local economies and employment opportunities for some of the valley communities in Wales.
APSE participated in a number of events on the Labour Party fringe at their spring conference this weekend.
During Saturday lunch time we held a fringe on Governance, Neighbourhoods and Service Delivery where APSEs Mark Bramah and Steve Griggs of INLOGOV were joined by Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON and DCLG Minister John Healey MP to debate Governance, Neighbourghoods and Service Delivery at a fringe event chaired by Michael White of the Guardian.
APSE launched its Governance, Neighbourhoods and Service Delivery research today at the Conservative Councillors Association conference in Warwickshire.