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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Sep 5

Earlier this week, the Whole System Strategic Improvement Group held its latest quarterly meeting.

Read what COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, who co-chairs the WSSIG, had to say following the meeting:

This important forum brings together key partners in health and social care, showcasing the innovative and collaborative work that Local Government is leading to improve outcomes in social care. The use of the Near Me technology in prisons and the Community Health Index within Local Government are great examples of how digital solutions can improve people’s experience of support, enable information sharing and enhance collaboration between services.

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Sep 5

Here at COSLA, we have our very own ‘feel good Friday’ story for you…

Our Vice President, Councillor Steven Heddle, recently completed a 967-mile cycle from Lands End to John o' Groats in just 13 days, raising a massive £5000 (including Gift Aid) for
@cancerresearchuk.org
🚴‍♂️

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Aug 20

We're at the Festival of Politics today, with COSLA's Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor joining a fantastic panel alongside Ariane Burgess MSP, Andy Wightman, Esther Robertson and Dr Greg Stride.

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

Scotland's Futures Forum @scotfutures.bsky.social · Aug 20

“It's not local and it doesn't govern” @andywightman.scot says as the discussion opens at #FoP2025

Is the current structure of local government fit for the next 30 years?

👇 Join the discussion👇

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Jane O’Donnell @msjaneod.bsky.social · Aug 13

Very excited to see @kermodemovie.bsky.social at @edbookfest.bsky.social today. Throat still sore from Oasis so thankfully don't need to sing along today!

Mark Kermode (@kermodemovie.bsky.social)

Last aisle seat on the left.

kermodemovie.bsky.social

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

SQA @sqanews.bsky.social · Aug 5

It's #SQAresults Day! Congrats if you're receiving results today.😊

✉️Learners will receive their certificate in the post today and if you've signed up to MySQA you'll also receive your results by text or email.

Results Day resources and support 👉 info.sqa.org.uk/YourResults2025

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Jul 16

Today marks one year since the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child #UNCRC was incorporated into Scots Law.

Read the full comment welcoming this milestone from COSLA's Children & Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan: cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...

"Councils hold a shared vision of a Scotland where children’s human rights are embedded in all aspects of our society and public services." -Councillor Tony Buchanan, Children & Young People Spokesperson, COSLA

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Jul 22

Improving Outcomes Through Partnership: the CHI in Local Government Project brings together key partners to deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Read the full joint release from COSLA, The Scottish Government, The Digital Office & Public Health Scotland to find out more: bit.ly/3IE4CuO

"I look forward to continuing to champion this work as it progresses and ultimately delivers better outcomes for our citizens."

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Jul 7

COSLA has published a new case study from
@northlanarkshire.gov.uk showcasing the Burns Gym Virtual Fitness Programme delivered in local care homes.

Read more: bit.ly/4ktsqPf

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Jun 30

Today COSLA Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, met with Minister for Social Care & Mental Wellbeing, Mr Tom Arthur MSP. Great opportunity to discuss shared opportunities & challenges for social care & social work, as well as COSLA & Scottish Government's ongoing partnership working.

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Jul 1

***Deadline Extended***

The deadline for the COSLA Excellence Awards has been extended to 5pm on Friday, 1st August.

If you know of an exceptional council team or project, please spread the news - there's still time to apply!

Find out more & apply: www.cosla.gov.uk/news/excelle...

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · Jul 3

COSLA's email bulletin for Elected Members has been published! In this issue:

🟣Latest updates on pay negotiations
🟣Excellence Awards deadline extended
🟣Book your place at the COSLA Conference

...& much more!

🔗https://mailchi.mp/cosla/cosla-emb-3rd-july-2025

White text on a purple background. The text reads: Elected Member Bulletin - 3rd July 2025

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Jane O’Donnell @msjaneod.bsky.social · Jun 11

Was privileged to be asked to host a panel discussion with #ACOSVO this morning. Great examples of innovation and values led leadership delivering for their communities

Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) @lgiu-local-gov.bsky.social · Jun 3

Looking back at last year's LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards and looking forward to the 2025 Awards 🏆 Send us your nominations for #localgov councillors before 11 June and help us celebrate the best of our local democracy! #CllrAwards 🔗 lgiu.org/events/cllr-awards/

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Jane O’Donnell @msjaneod.bsky.social · Jun 8

A new #reading experience for me this week. I have been really interested in stoicism in how we get through difficult times so decided to try some source material. Not all of it is respectful of emotional experience but there is lot here in terms of duty, practical intelligence and community. 📚💙

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Jane O’Donnell @msjaneod.bsky.social · May 26

A great opportunity for people with LG experience 👇

Scottish Fiscal Commission @scotfisccomm.bsky.social · May 23

We’re recruiting two new Commissioners to join us in October, and are keen to expand the diversity of background and expertise in our team. You can find out more and apply here: bit.ly/4dh1SyL

Applications close 10 June at 12:00 ⏳

Text reading "We are hiring! Commissioner (x2)" alongside silhouettes of two people.

Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

Audit Scotland @auditscotland.bsky.social · May 22

Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils.

Read the Accounts Commission's latest report on the finances of Scotland's councils: bit.ly/Local_Govern...

Text says: Briefing. Local government budgets 2025/26.
Image: 13 £1 coins scattered on a blue and yellow background.

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

NASUWT Scotland @nasuwtscotland.bsky.social · May 8

Cllr Shona Morrison, COSLA President, spoke about celebrating all things local government, their role and duty to strengthen democracy as well as the importance of diversity in representation, reflecting she is only the second female president.

📸 with Cllr Steven Heddle & NASUWT Scotland President.

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

Alison Watson @alisonwatson.bsky.social · May 9

It was both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of celebrating the first 50 years of COSLA 🎂

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 9

Huge thanks to @ariane-burgess.bsky.social MSP for sponsoring COSLA's 50th Birthday reception yesterday evening. A brilliant opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital work of Scottish Local Government.

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 9

COSLA celebrated its 50th Birthday with a reception at The Scottish Parliament yesterday evening.

Huge thank you to all who attended, and to our wonderful guest speakers - Sir Neil McIntosh and @shonarobisonmsp.bsky.social.

We're looking forward to sharing more insights from the event soon!

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 13

This week marks #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! The theme is 'community'.

COSLA's Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, welcomed the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week and highlighted the importance of community and connection for mental health ⬇️

"This year we welcome a Mental Health Awareness Week focused on the importance of community, recognising that being part of safe and positive communities is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. Communities provide a sense of belonging, purpose and support, and we know Local Authorities play an important role in creating and supporting the environments and opportunities to bring them together. I welcome the opportunity to highlight the importance of these community connections. "

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 14

COSLA's email bulletin for Elected Members has been published! In the latest issue:

🟣Applications now open for the COSLA Excellence Awards
🟣Parliamentary Reception celebrating COSLA's 50th Year
🟣Support, information & resources for Councillors

🔗https://mailchi.mp/cosla/cosla-emb-14th-may-2025

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 9

COSLA celebrated its 50th Birthday with a reception at The Scottish Parliament yesterday evening.

Huge thank you to all who attended, and to our wonderful guest speakers - Sir Neil McIntosh and @shonarobisonmsp.bsky.social.

We're looking forward to sharing more insights from the event soon!

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Jane O’Donnell @msjaneod.bsky.social · May 5

Starting a week off work in style buying @edbookfest.bsky.social tickets. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, RF Kuang and @kermodemovie.bsky.social all in the space of a few weeks. Bring it on August….

edbookfest.bsky.social

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 2

It's almost time to launch the 2025 COSLA Excellence Awards - celebrating the very best in Scottish Local Government. Applications open on Tuesday 6th of May.

Find out more: cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/th...

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Reposted by Jane O’Donnell

COSLA @cosla.gov.uk · May 1

Our greatly missed Head of Communications, David Kennedy, who sadly passed away in March, has been celebrated in today's edition of The Scotsman with an obituary recognising his incredible contribution.

www.scotsman.com/news/people/...

Scotsman Obituaries: David Kennedy, Cosla communications chief with a talent for always finding right words

David Kennedy, Cosla Head of Communications. Born: 26 October,1965. Died: 22 March 2025, aged 59

www.scotsman.com

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