Improvement Service Newsletter, March 2017

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Improvement Service Newsletter, March 2017

Innovation Exchange shows councils’ inventive and creative approaches to services

SOLACE Scotland and the Improvement Service have launched the Local Government Innovation Exchange, a website showcasing work by Scottish local authorities.

The site demonstrates the innovative projects and approaches to service delivery being carried out by Scottish councils to improve services and their impact on people in local communities. It features over 150 case studies from across Scotland which show how the projects have improved outcomes for local people, reduced costs or improved efficiency.

National accreditation now available for advice providers

Funding for a new accreditation model for the not-for-profit advice sector has been secured from the Scottish Government. The Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers (SNSIAP) accreditation model is available for housing, welfare benefits and money/debt advice, managed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

Scottish Public Services Network Update

Spotlight on...
Scottish Local Authorities Chief Internal Auditors Group (SLACIAG)

The purpose of the group is to provide a central information repository and knowledge exchange for the Chief Auditors of Scottish local authorities and their audit teams.

SLACIAG aims to be the voice of internal audit across Scottish local authorities and a driving force for best practice in respect of local authority and public transport bodies’ internal audit, governance and operations.

Visit the group and apply to join at https://khub.net/web/slaciag.

Our top 3 most active groups this month are:

Scottish Empty Homes Officer Network
A best practice and information sharing network for officers (from councils and their partners) with an interest in private sector empty homes work.

Scottish Government Programme and Project Management Community
Colleagues within Scottish Government and the wider Scottish public sector who want to share their project and programme management knowledge and experience to benefit others.

Scottish Performance Management Forum
This forum provides an opportunity for performance management practitioners working at a corporate level in councils to share knowledge and information, discuss issues and solutions, share learning and good practice, and celebrate success.

Is there a topic or area of interest you would like to see on Knowledge Hub? Please contact mike.mclean@improvementservice.org.uk with your idea.

Latest publications and resources

Young People's Views on Money Advice Services in Glasgow

Findings of research carried out by the Money Advice Outcomes Project and the Wheatley Group, which suggests that many young people worry about money but have limited awareness of the services to help them that are on offer. When it comes to seeking support or advice almost three quarters would be most likely to approach a parent or carer. All young people saw financial education as a way of improving their ability to manage their money but the approach to learning offered should be more engaging and greater use made of peer to peer support.

Read the report

Elected Member Briefing Note: Care Inspectorate

This briefing note gives an overview of the Care Inspectorate – Scotland’s scrutiny and improvement organisation for social care and social work, which also works across early learning and childcare, community justice and integrated health and social care.

Download the briefing note

Upcoming Events

Making the Community Asset Transfer Process Work

25 April 2017, Edinburgh

In January 2017, the asset transfer section of the Community Empowerment Act (Scotland) 2015 came into force. With new guidance published for both relevant authorities and community transfer bodies and the legislation making it easier for communities to take over public owned land or buildings - how can we make the asset transfer process work better for all?

Find out more

Best Practice and Innovation for Debt Advice

11 May 2017, Edinburgh

The conference will provide an opportunity to learn more about how to deliver continuous improvement and improve the quality and consistency of advice for clients. The conference will be interactive, led by Money Advice Service staff, with input from the Peer Review Scheme, and aims to leave attendees with a clear understanding of how they can support advisors and improve processes.

Find out more

Designing health and social care services for adults: co-creating effective services in partnership with service users

11 May 2017, Edinburgh

This workshop will showcase some of the ‘state of the art’ work being undertaken on co-creation and service design and also give participants an opportunity to think through the implications for their own services.

Find out more

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