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Risk, Resilience and Readiness
A message from our Chief Executive,
Mo Baines
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As stupid headlines go this month’s winner has to be The Telegraph with its ‘The healthiest foods to stockpile for an apocalypse’ (13 October 2026). Now called me feral but if there is an apocalypse, I will be scoffing crisps and chocolate not searching for organic oats and flax seeds on the outside chance of survival! However, as silly as the headline is, we are increasingly listening to, and reading about, the need to be ready for some form of crisis; most likely brought about by bad actors.
News of cyber-attacks are now a daily occurrence. A changing climate is felt with heat waves and flooding. AI is seemingly a friend and foe when it comes to its impact on public services. Global conflicts have sadly led to increased risk of terrorist attacks. That is why APSE is bringing together experts to consider the risks and preparedness of local authorities and other local public services. Considering everything from Martyn’s Law to flood resilience and community cohesion this event on the 12 November will hone in on the issues that matter.
In times of uncertainty being ready is really much more than the obvious stockpile of long-life milk and candles. For local authorities it is an imperative in keeping local communities resilient, safe and cohesive.
It’s nice to share
You can sign up to receive updates on policy, research, briefings, and APSE networks using this link but don’t forget to share with your colleagues too!
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📅 What’s on? View our full network meeting schedule – Free for members to join…
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APSE Network meetings are informal meetings that allow local authorities to share best practice and to network. These meetings cover a wide range subjects relevant to each service area. All officers and councillors from member organisations are welcome to attend these meetings free of charge. There is no limit to how many meetings you can attend or how many colleagues can book on.
View our full schedule of meetings here
Not a member?
Join our network of over 300 UK local councils
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Your Upcoming Event Bookings
<< Test FutureEvents1 >>
<< Test FutureEvents2 >>
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Cllr Archie Dryborough, MBE
It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Cllr Archie Dryburgh, MBE.
Archie was a much-loved member of APSE’s National Council and twice held the office of APSE National Chair, and that of Vice Chair and Chair of APSE Scotland, over successive terms, he was also the inaugural chair of APSE Synergy Ltd. Archie was instrumental in setting up the ‘APSE Armed Forces and Veterans Network’ proudly chairing the network and working with the UK Ministry of Defence to ensure the success of the network.
Rest in Peace Archie. Your duty is done.
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APSE Policy Seminar - From Risk to Readiness: Building Local Resilience
Thursday 12 November, 10:00 - 16:00
Toughsheet Community Stadium (Bolton Wanderers FC Stadium)
APSE is delighted to announce it's Autumn Policy Seminar - From Risk to Readiness: Building Local Resilience, which will take place on Thursday 12 November in Bolton. This policy seminar brings together a range of experts to examine how local authorities can remain compliant, safeguard residents, and lead with confidence.
Book your place here
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🎙️ What does it take to lead local government today?
Karen Bradford, Chief Executive of South Kesteven District Council, explores the skills and qualities leaders need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of local government.
We’re covering everything from the recent LGR review to organisational culture and service transformation in just under half an hour, making it the perfect lunchtime listen. It’s almost like we planned it…
🔴 Next episode live: Wednesday 28 October
Listen to the episode and find out more here
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🔦 Member Spotlight: Cllr Liam Robinson
⭐ Annual Seminar special
After being welcomed into the vibrant city of Liverpool for our 2026 Annual Seminar, we spoke with Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, about the council's insourcing journey and the important of bringing local government professionals together through events like ours.
View the full interview here
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We’re all ears
What would you like to see this year at our regional in-person and online events? This is your chance to suggest topics, locations and provide feedback.
Complete our 2-minute survey here
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Have your say for future Northern Region events
APSE Northern Region APSE is undertaking a short survey to gain your views on the programme of future events for Northern Region member authorities. The events will either be held online or will be face-to-face events.
Complete our short survey here
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Data insights
Tuesday 20 October
Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey
FREE for all APSE members!
A showcase of data-led projects and best practice from councils across Northern Ireland.
To register for the event please email Matt Ellis on [email protected]
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Scotland Roundtable: Reform of Local Governance Proposals (LGR)
Wednesday 28 October, 10:00 - 11:00
FREE for APSE Scotland members!
Following the recent Scottish Government proposals regarding Reform for Local Governance which were announced on 26 September. APSE Scotland is hosting an online roundtable event on Wednesday 28 October (10am - 11am), which will provide the opportunity for local authority elected members and officers to share their thoughts and views on the potential challenges and opportunities to changes in local government. A survey is also being issued to gather initial views which will be anonymised and used to aid discussion on the day.
Book your place here
Complete the survey here
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Commercialisation, Income Generation and Social Value Network
Wednesday 18 November, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for APSE Scotland members!
The next meeting of the Network is taking place online on Wednesday 18 November. This meeting will provide a focus on healthier advertising policies across local authorities. We're delighted to have Julie Cameron, Head of Obesity Action Scotland providing a presentation on a research study undertaken in Ayrshire and Arran. With other invited speakers including Yvonne Traynor, Health Improvement Manager, Public Health Scotland and a representative from Aberdeenshire Council.
Book your place here
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Scotland Fleet, Transport and Vehicle Maintenance Network
Tuesday 1 December, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for APSE Scotland members!
The next meeting of the network is taking place online on Tuesday 1 December 2026. This meeting will include a variety of fleet and vehicle maintenance discussions.
If you have any topics or discussion items you would like raise on the day, please email [email protected]
Book your place here
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Scotland Litter Managers Network
Wednesday 9 December, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for APSE Scotland members!
The latest online is taking place on Wednesday 9 December and will include a number of litter related discussions
If you have any topics or discussion items you would like raise on the day, please email [email protected]
Book your place here
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Scotland Waste and Recycling Network
Friday 27 November 2026 and Friday 12 February 2027
FREE for APSE Scotland members!
Following the return to inperson Networks, Viridor have kindly offered to host a future meeting of the group. APSE's Principal Policy Lead has prepared a short poll to gather opinions on the venues for the next two meetings.
Submit your responses to the venue local poll for this Network and have your say on where we should take the next meetings.
Complete the poll here
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Scotland Parks, Grounds and Streets Network
The latest meeting of the Network took place online on Wednesday 23 September and include presentations from East Lothian Council and their Open Space Strategy as well as Aberdeenshire Council and their landscapes digitalisation programme.
View the presentations here
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Scotland Housing, Construction and Building Maintenance Network
This latest in-person meeting took place in Glasgow on Thursday 1 October. This repairs spotlight event took a deep dive into how the Wheatley Group transformed the service through a combination of people, processes, technology and investment.
View the Wheatley Group’s presentation here
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NESO Meeting 23 September 2026
Scotland's Principal Policy Lead, Louise Melville met with Drew Murphy, RESP Manager for Scotland to discuss the updates and developments in terms of RESP in Scotland. This included individuals who may wish to support the development of the RESP for Scotland, either by applying to join a Thematic Working Group or by expressing interest in a cross-sector actor place on the Scotland RESP Strategic Board.
If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, contact Louise Melville on [email protected]
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Committee on Climate Change 7th Carbon Budget: Priorities for Local Authorities Meeting 21 October 2026
APSE's Pricipal Policy Lead Louise Melville will be meeting with representatives from the UK Climate Change Committe, Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and the Improvement Service to discuss the Committee on Climate Change 7th Carbon Budget: Priorities for Local Authorities.
If you have any thoughts or views you would like to share with APSE regarding this, contact Louise Melville on [email protected]
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Scottish Parliament Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee Evidence Session 4 November 2026
APSE has been invited to give evidence to the Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee with the evidence including our views on the key challenges and opportunities facing local government in Scotland; priorities and progress in relation to local government transformation and reform; approaches to performance, accountability and continuous improvement; the implications of the Programme for Government on local government; workforce-related issues, including recruitment, retention and capacity.
If you have any thoughts or views you would like to share with APSE on any of the areas to be covered during the evidence session, contact Louise Melville on [email protected]
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Service Transformation Programme
APSE continues to sit on the fleet procurement sub-group represented by our Principal Policy Lead for Scotland Louise Melville and Secretary of the APSE Scotland Fleet Network Scott Blyth. APSE has been providing support and assistance, ensuring our fleet network are kept up to date on developments.
Keep up to date with our network events here
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SWITCH Forum: working collaboratively to raise standards of health and safety, training, learning and development, and technical competence
Our Principal Policy Lead for Scotland, Louise Melville, sits on the health and safety committee within SWITCH, which is a multi-partnership forum made up of organisations across all sectors within the resource management industry.
For more information on waste and recycling or or to share your views, contact Louise Melville on [email protected]
Register for our upcoming network meetings here
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🔦 Member Spotlight: Barry Neill
Barry Neill, Head of Environment & Building Services at Fife Council, reflects on his local government career and discusses how emerging AI technologies are transforming council services.
Read the full article here
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APSE Southern Building Resilient Housing Services Seminar
Thursday 22 October, 9:30 - 13:30
Southampton City Council Chambers
Join us as we explore how councils in the South of England are responding to rising housing demand, homelessness pressures, financial constraints and Local Government Reorganisation.
Book your place here
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APSE Southern Parks and Greenspaces Seminar 2026
Thursday 12 November, 9:30 - 16:00
Burgess Hall, Cambridgeshire
Join us as we explore how local authorities can protect, enhance and future-proof parks and open spaces amid increasing financial pressures and changing environmental challenges.
Book your place here
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Autumn Southern Networks
Our Autumn Network dates are now confirmed (with more meetings being added) and agendas will be released over the coming weeks for these. These events are taking place between September and November.
View the full list of Networks and book your place here
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Have your say for the Southern region!
Have any suggestions for future Southern events? Know of any suitable venues? Help bring people together and make things happen.
Contact Abi Ademiluyi, Principal Advisor: [email protected]
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The Long-Term Cost of Outsourcing
Report launch
APSE Wales and UNISON Cymru explored the long-term implications of outsourcing for local government services, workers and communities across Wales.
Download the presentations here
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The Long-Term Cost of Outsourcing
Read the report
A new UNISON Cymru report examines the financial, service delivery and workforce impacts of outsourcing in Wales, drawing on evidence from across the public sector.
Download the report here
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PackUK - Year 3 Local Authority Payments
Following the UK wide webinar PackUK hosted on 26 October to provide more information on Year 3 EPR for packaging payments, we are hosting this webinar for Welsh local authorities only. This webinar will provide further information on changes which will only impact Welsh local authorities, as well confirm other changes which affect all UK local authorities.
Book your place on the webinar here
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The Future of Public Toilets: Turning APSE Research into Local Action
Tuesday 24 November, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
APSE holding an online event Looking at the key findings from the APSE research into local authority public conveniences provision. The event is free for APSE Members and Town and Parish Councils to attend.
Book your place here
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Building Cleaning and FM Network
Wednesday 2 December, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
The Next APSE Building Cleaning and FM Network is scheduled on Wednesday 2 December 2026.
Book your place here
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APSE State of the Market 2027 - Local Authority Building Cleaning Services 2027
APSE is undertaking a survey on the State of the Market 2027 - Local Authority Building Cleaning.
There are a range of questions that will enable a snapshot to be gained of the local authority cleaning services.
Complete the survey here
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APSE Facilities, Catering and Cleaning Management Seminar 2027
Thursday 28 January 2027, 10:00 - 16:30
Stratford-Upon-Avon
APSE is delighted to announce that the APSE Facilities, Catering and Cleaning Management Seminar 2027 - Navigating the Future of Soft FM, Catering, and Cleaning will take place on Thursday 28 January 2027 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Watch this space for announcements of speakers!
Book your place here
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APSE State of the Market 2027 - Local Authority Catering Services Survey
There are a range of questions that will enable a snapshot to be gained of the local authority catering services.
Complete the survey here
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Education Catering Network
Wednesday 4 November, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
The next APSE Catering Network is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 4 November at 10.30am - 12.00 noon. The agenda will follow in due course.
Book your place here
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APSE Facilities, Catering and Cleaning Management Seminar 2027
Thursday 28 January 2027, 10:00 - 16:30
Stratford-Upon-Avon
APSE is delighted to announce that the APSE Facilities, Catering and Cleaning Management Seminar 2027 - Navigating the Future of Soft FM, Catering, and Cleaning will take place on Thursday 28 January 2027 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Watch this space for announcements of speakers!
Book your place here
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Read all about it! School Food Standards
The Government has confirmed reforms to the School Food Standards in England, with regulations intended for October 2026 and the main requirements applying from September 2027.
View the briefing here
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Cemeteries and Crematoria
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Cemeteries and Crematoria Seminar
Thursday 19 November, 10:00 - 16:30
This seminar explores the delivery of local authority cemetery and crematoria services and examines examples of innovation in service delivery, the legal environment and the challenges ahead, with expert speakers from local authorities and the wider sector sharing their knowledge and experience
Book your place here
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Delivering Better Outcomes Through Data, Social Value and Investment
Tuesday 3 November, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
Join us for the next APSE Social Value, Public Procurement and Commercialisation Network, taking place on Tuesday 3 November.
Book your place here
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Housing and Building Maintenance
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Calling Housing Associations and Local Authorities
APSE is seeking HA and LA casestudies to form part of the research that APSE is undertaking on behalf of Unison, examining the impact of housing legislation on the workforce.
If you are interested in submitting a case study for the research, please contact Vickie Hacking, Principal Policy Lead, on [email protected]
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Housing, Construction and Building Maintenance Network
Thursday 29 October, 10:30 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
The next National Housing, Construction and Building Maintenance Network is scheduled on Thursday 29 October 2026. The agenda will follow in due course.
Book your place here
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APSE Housing and Building Maintenance Apprentice Awards
APSE is delighted to announce the Housing and Building Maintenance Seminar will take place on 4 and 5 March 2027 at the Glasgow Hilton. Watch this space for announcements of speakers!
Find out more here
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Have your say! APSE State of the Market 2026 - Housing and Construction
This survey will look at issues of interest to those involved in providing housing and construction services.
Complete the survey here
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Have your say! APSE State of the Market 2026 - Building Maintenance Services
This survey will look at issues of interest to those involved in providing building maintenance services.
Complete the survey here
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APSE Southern Region Seminar: Building Resilient Housing Services
Join us as we explore how councils in the South of England are responding to rising housing demand, homelessness pressures, financial constraints and Local Government Reorganisation.
Book your place here
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Parks and Grounds Maintenance
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Weed Management: What Councils are Doing?
Friday 6 November, 10:00 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
Hear directly from councils on practical approaches to weed management, including lessons learned, operational challenges and effective treatment methods.
Book your free place and join the discussion
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Waterfowl in Focus
Wednesday 25 November, 10:00 - 12:00
FREE for all APSE members!
Explore best practice in waterfowl management, including balancing biodiversity, public expectations and the operational realities facing parks services.
Book your free place and join the discussion
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Parks at a crossroads
In this article for the Countryside Jobs Service, Matt Ellis, APSE Principal Policy Lead, explores the challenges facing local authority parks services and makes the case for long-term investment to protect and enhance local green spaces.
Read the article here
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Fowl Language: Public Signage for Responsible Duck and Bird Feeding
New APSE Briefing
The new briefing showcases examples from councils across the UK, highlighting how signage, artwork and feeding stations are being used to encourage responsible wildlife feeding and protect local habitats.
Download the briefing here
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The Rodyssey: Allotments Online Seminar
From promoting accessible plots to sustainable cultivation practices and effective tenancy management, this online seminar brought together expert speakers from across the UK.
View the presentations here
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Briefing: APSE State of the Market on Allotments 2026
APSE’s latest allotments survey highlights how councils are responding to growing demand through smaller plots, improved accessibility and sustainable practices, while continuing to support community growing
More about the findings here
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Waste, Recycling and Street Cleansing
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So you want to go three-weekly?: APSE Waste and Recycling Network Webinar
Thursday 29 October, 11:00 - 12:30
FREE for all APSE members!
Join us for an APSE Waste and Recycling Network Meeting on Thursday 29 October where we will be hearing case studies of authorities who have made the switch to three-weekly residual waste collections, including Rochdale, Braintree, North Somerset and West Berkshire.
Book your place here
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Tackling Fly-Tipping Together: Technology, Enforcement and Community Action
TODAY - Thursday 15 October, 10:30 - 12:30
FREE for all APSE members!
Join us for the next APSE National Street Cleansing Network. Our agenda includes councils across the country leading the way on tackling fly-tipping plus Keep Britain Tidy on their latest campaigns.
Book your place here
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Save the date! APSE Street Cleansing Seminar 2027
Thursday 4 February, 10:00 - 16:00
The APSE Street Cleansing Seminar 2027 will examine how local authorities can maintain cleaner, safer streets while tackling the growing challenge of littering, fly-tipping and waste crime.
Book your place here
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ETS update - delay to expansion of UK ETS to waste
Last month, the government announced a delay to the expansion of the UK ETS scheme to include waste incineration. This affects Great Britain (not NI which will be part of the EU scheme).
Download the briefing here
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Soft plastics delay in England
Last month, Defra announced a delay to the implementation of flexible plastics in kerbside recycling to 2030. Read our briefing to find out more with some examples of how LAs are managing plastics.
Download the briefing here
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Don’t be left out in the cold - tell us about your fridge/freezer recycling issues
As local councils across the UK experience a shortage of fridge/freezer recycling capacity, we are gathering insights into how this has impacted your authority, in terms of HWRC services, bulky waste collections, and wider impacts on the community.
Complete our short survey here
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Lancashire County Council’s award-winning Reuse Hub
Lancashire County Council was awarded the Best Service Team of the Year: Recycling, Waste and Circular Economy at the APSE Service Awards in Liverpool, recognising the positive social and environmental impact of their Reuse Hub initiative.
Read the full story here
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Catch up with our Waste Bulletin, packed with recycling and waste case studies!
It will inspire you - from Simpler Recycling, to Food Waste Comms and Engagement - it’s all happening here!
Want to contribute to a future edition and showcase you authority to over 3,000 contacts nationwide? Get in touch with Bonni at [email protected]
Check out the APSE Waste Bulletin here
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Join Defra and DESNZ for a discussion into ETA, residual waste, plastic capture, textiles and WEEE
Eastern - 15 October - sign up here
Yorkshire Humberside and North West - 16 October - sign up here
South West - 19 October - sign up here
London - 20 October - sign up here
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WRAP UK launches the ‘Make your feast go fuuuurther’ campaign to reduce festival food waste
WRAP UK recently hosted a webinar on their new ‘Make your feast go fuuuurther’ campaign and the role local authorities can play to reduce food waste in their own communities.
Watch the webinar here
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PackUK webinar on Year 3 pEPR Notices of Assessment
Ahead of Year 3 pEPR Notices of Assessments being issued, PackUK are hosting a webinar on Wednesday 21 October at 11am. The webinar will provide more information for local authorities on how your EPR for packaging local authority payments are being calculated.
Sign up to the webinar here
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Working for you
We are pleased to say that APSE is part of DEFRA's Simpler Recycling Implementation Group. Our Principal Advisor, Bonnie Jee, attends regular meetings with the Simpler Recycling Team and meets with the Environment Agency for SR for businesses.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions on Simpler Recycling that you would like Bonni Jee to raise, please get in touch at [email protected]
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APSE and the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group
APSE will be meeting with the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group to support APSE member councils in tackling the ongoing challenge of fly-tipping and waste crime. The partnership provides will provide an opportunity to bring together the experience and expertise of local authorities and national partners, helping councils to share practical approaches, identify what works and strengthen their response to fly-tipping. This collaboration reflects APSE's commitment to supporting members with practical information, peer learning and opportunities to influence the development of effective approaches to tackling fly-tipping and protecting local communities.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions to raise, please contact Abi at [email protected]
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Looking for a change? Check out these sector vacancies in waste
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Renewables and Climate Change
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Next Renewables and Climate Change Online Meeting
Friday 27 November, 10:00 - 12:00
Free for APSE members!
Hear the latest updates on climate adaptation with practical insights from councils and sector partners.
Book your place here
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Energy Wise: Staff behaviour change and energy efficiency in council buildings
Briefing 26/57
How councils are reducing energy costs through staff behaviour change, highlighting practical examples including awareness campaigns and data monitoring.
Download the briefing here
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Coastal Erosion: How local authorities are dealing with increased levels of coastal erosion
New report
This report examines the impact of coastal erosion on local communities, focussing on its causes and practical solutions to combatting it.
Download the report here
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Updating the safety at street works and road works code of practice - DfT consultation
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice. The existing code was last updated in 2013 and provides statutory guidance on the signing, lighting and guarding of street and road works on public roads and highways.
View the briefing here
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Local bus service performance standards consultation
This consultation by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain proposes updates to how local bus service performance is regulated and includes several issues that directly affect local authorities.
View the consultation here and respond by 11 December
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An app for potholes?
Based on demand from some authorities, APSE Performance Networks is gauging interest in a Potholes feature to add to the LAMS app service to allow authorities to monitor highway quality in a visual whole environment approach.
Contact [email protected] for more information
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Leading the Field: APSE Award Winner Showcase
Thursday 12 November, 10:00 - 12:00
FREE for APSE members
East Riding will share how they have used APSE Performance Networks data to benchmark performance, support service improvements and drive productivity.
Book your place here
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October Sports and Leisure Bulletin
Catch up on the latest sector news, policy developments and case studies affecting sports, leisure and active wellbeing services.
Read the latest bulletin here
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Transport and Vehicle Maintenance
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State of the Market - Transport
Thank you to those of you who completed our survey. The findings will be presented at our Transport Seminar in Derby and a breifing report will follow.
If you can’t attend the seminar, keep your eyes peeled for a copy of the report.
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Updating the safety at street works and road works code of practice - DfT consultation
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice. The existing code was last updated in 2013 and provides statutory guidance on the signing, lighting and guarding of street and road works on public roads and highways.
View the briefing here
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Local bus service performance standards consultation
This consultation by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain proposes updates to how local bus service performance is regulated and includes several issues that directly affect local authorities
View the consultation here and respond by 11 December
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Get your transport service up to speed with Benchmarking
The Performance Networks team are here to help and support you with data training for benchmarking your Transport service.
To find our your membership status for Performance Networks or to receive training, please email [email protected]
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Could YOU be featured in LAPV
LAPV are looking to celebrate the careers and experiences of the people who keep local government fleet running — drivers, mechanics, depot staff and operators through frontline profiles for their online magazine.
Please get in touch with Bonni at [email protected] if interested and your name will be passed on to the LAPV editor for a quick Teams or written interview.
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Take advantage of our Network Queries service Free for members!
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Network Queries are a resource for APSE members, allowing officers and councillors the opportunity to ask any question to APSE’s network. This service gives our members access to the experience, knowledge and expertise of colleagues from over 300 member councils across the UK.
As a member organisation, officers and councillors from << Test Organisation >> have access to this service.
Do you have a question which you would like to ask the network?
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🔎 Advertise vacancies on the APSE website
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APSE Energy Awards 2027
Wednesday 10 February
Birmingham Conference and Events Centre
The APSE Energy Awards are back for 2027, delivered in partnership with DESNZ and the Local Net Zero Hubs, the awards are a great opportunity to showcase your authority's progress across six categories.
Entries close Friday 30 October.
Find out more and download the application form here
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Good practice, in practice
Wednesday 25 November, 10:00 - 15:30
Council Chambers, London
Free for APSE Energy members!
Join us on 25.11.26 for an free inperson event in London for APSE Energy member authorities! The agenda will cover a range of topics, including heat networks, leisure centre decarbonisation, unlocking climate adaptation investment, community energy and more!
The full agenda will be released soon.
Book your place here
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Last chance to book! APSE Energy Summit: Powering Change, Building Resilience
Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October
Glasgow Marriott Hotel
Discover practical solutions, hear from leading speakers, and network with colleagues driving energy, climate and sustainability programmes.
Find out more and book your place here
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Read our latest publications
From Compliance to Assurance: A Practical Heat Network Roadmap for Local Authorities
Metering Strategy for Billing and Energy Engagement: A Guide for Local Authorities
Click here to access the presentations
Contact [email protected] for the password
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APSE Energy News
Keep up to date with developments across the climate, energy and sustainability with APSE Energy News. The website is regularly updated with stories on local authority progress, government policy announcements and funding opportunities!
Explore APSE Energy News here
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📊 APSE Performance Networks
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Performance Networks 2026: From Performance to Insight
Join local government colleagues from across the UK at the Performance Networks Seminar 2026, taking place 3–4 December at the Village Hotel, Blackpool.
Discover how data, digitalisation and innovation are transforming frontline services, with practical insight from councils and sector experts on everything from AI and workforce challenges to climate resilience, waste, highways, housing and neighbourhood services.
Alongside two days of expert speakers, interactive workshops and networking, delegates can attend the prestigious Performance Networks Awards, celebrating the UK’s best-performing and most-improved local authorities across a range of service areas.
Book your place and be part of this leading event celebrating excellence, sharing best practice and shaping the future of local government.
Book your place here
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Modernising Service Inspections
APSE Performance Networks’ Inspection Apps provide councils with a practical way to modernise how frontline services are inspected and monitored.
The apps allow teams to record inspections digitally, capture photographs and location data, and access results quickly. This reduces administration while providing managers with more consistent and useful information on service performance.
By bringing inspection data together in one place, councils can identify issues more quickly, monitor standards and use evidence to support service improvements.
Find out more about APSE’s Inspection Apps and how they can support more efficient ways of working
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Data Insights Webinar: What difference can data make?
How can councils make better use of the data they already have to improve services and support better decision-making?
Join Debbie Johns and guest speakers for our upcoming Data Insights Webinar, exploring how local authorities are using data to understand performance, identify opportunities for improvement and respond to changing service needs.
Hear practical examples from across local government and discover how data can move beyond spreadsheets and reports to become a valuable tool for driving improvement and delivering better outcomes.
Whether you’re already using data extensively or looking for new ways to make better use of the information available to your service, this session will provide practical ideas, examples and insight you can take away and apply. This event is FREE for APSE members.
Book your place here
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Not yet part of APSE Performance Networks? Contact us to find out how your council can get involved [email protected]
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What we offer at APSE Solutions
Looking for a consultant or interim to step in and hit the ground running? APSE has an enriched database of specialists with experience withing local government.
Find out more about APSE Solutions here
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Are you looking for support on a project?
APSE Solutions can help find the right Associate to support your needs. Specialising in frontline services we can support you in service reviews, project management or provide a critical friend.
Click here for more information
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Carbon Literacy for Senior Leaders
Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November, 9:30 - 13:00
Join the annual international Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD). It is the world’s largest climate education and action event of its kind, uniting individuals to act against climate change and capitalise on the co-benefits of climate action, including health, jobs and economy, green spaces and resilience. Designed for senior leaders.
Book your place now
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Climate Adaptation: Urban Green Spaces
Tuesday 24 November, 10:00 - 16:00
The impacts of climate change will only increase in severity over the coming decades and possibly beyond. In response, APSE’s course explores changes to our current horticultural practices and nurturing habitats, as well as how best to plan for trees and plants which can cope or even thrive despite the changes. We will also consider public engagement, and the role of domestic gardens across our communities.
Book your place now
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Biodiversity Net Gain for Local Authority Parks and Green Spaces
Wednesday 9 November, 9:00 - 16:00
This APSE Training course is designed to support you to identify and prepare for appropriate BNG sites, ensuring the best positive impact you can have at a local level. The course will explore background to the legislation and how Biodiversity measures are being implemented across the UK.
Book your place now
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