2021

Set up during the early stages of the pandemic, Paul Rabbitts, Chair of the Forum and Head of Parks, Heritage and Culture at Watford Borough Council, provides a summary of the Forum; its aims and achievements so far. 

Andy Mudd, Head of APSE Solutions, explains why more and more local authorities are considering going underground to reduce the carbon footprint of waste collection. 

Alan Plom, ex-HSE Principal Inspector and APSE Associate, highlights the various hazards associated with roadside working and outlines the steps local councils need to take if they are to avoid injuries, ill health and even deaths of employees or members of the public

The unequivocal one stop for everything URS

Three partner organisations, the Local Government Association (LGA) Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA), the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), have developed a research project to explore the future of local authority sports and leisure services.

These awards, designed to recognise excellence in local government frontline services, are eagerly anticipated by councils across the UK. They specifically highlight local councils that have embraced change, innovation and best practice in order to continually offer outstanding services, despite budget cuts.

APSE Approved Partner Yotta's new collaboration will extend each companies offerings for collecting, processing and managing smart city data. 

Jacqui Dixon, Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, discusses her pride in frontline service continuity throughout COVID-19, as well as the ways her Council as embedded a culture of employee engagement in spite of the threats to jobs and services.

Having dedicated over four decades of her life to public service, Fiona Lees, who held the position of Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council since April 2004, bid farewell to the authority in January 2021. APSE Direct spoke to Fiona about her exceptional career in local government.

"Local authorities have gone above and beyond during the pandemic." Sharon Hodgson MP spoke to APSE Direct about Free School Meals and the COVID response. 

When world-renowned coachbuilder Wrightbus entered administration, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council immediately activated its Rapid Redundancy Response Programme to keep the factory site open and save as many jobs as possible. 

Following a 43-year career in local government, Terry Collins retired as Chief Executive of Durham Council in December 2020. APSE Direct interviewed Terry about his accomplishments as council chief and what he will miss the most about working in local government.

Fighting off stiff competition, East Riding of Yorkshire Council scooped APSE Overall Council of the Year at the APSE Service Awards 2020. The Council spoke to APSE Direct and revealed the secrets to their success. 

A FREE event for public sector workers in Councils, Housing Associations, Universities, Colleges, Schools, and all other public bodies.

10 February 2021

Microsoft Teams

Working for local authorities and term-maintenance contractors throughout the UK, Velocity are committed to helping deliver of the challenge of maintaining our vital road network, helping to get more from allocated budgets and deliver an effective service for road-users.