The LLG Grapevine - Week 27 Available Now

Publish date: 14/12/2020

Talking Law in Local Government

Catch this week's edition of The LLG Grapevine, a chatty, discussion featuring Deborah Evans (CEO), Dennis Hall (Bulletin Editor) and Helen McGrath (Head of Public Affairs) from LLG, looking back over the last edition of the bulletin highlighting points of interest, pulling in government policy and national news to give you a quick round-up of topical developments.

This week they discuss High Streets, 5 New Trends to be aware of, Pay and Progression Gaps for BAME Solicitors, Algorithmic Decision Making, Regulations during Parliamentary Recess, Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions, EU Membership and Pay Awards in the Public Sector.

Listen to the podcast here

Blog

15 January 2021

Publish date: 15/01/2021

The announcement this week that the Law Society governance reforms have passed by electoral ballot was something of a mixed bag for LLG. We have campaigned tirelessly to retain two seats on the council to enable the voice of local government to be represented effectively. We are obviously disappointed at the loss of local government representation, and very much hope this will not lead to a marginalisation of the profession. We will continue to work proactively with the Law Society to raise awareness and representation of the important work our sector undertakes, and to contribute our expertise to governance in which we hold vast leading experience. We were however pleased to note that the resolution to adopt a 12-year limitation on council seat terms was carried. Indeed LLG, recognising the good practice in limiting terms of office in the pursuit of effective governance, limited our own director terms to 9 years in a change to our articles adopted at the last AGM. LLG would urge all local government solicitors to stand for vacancies on the numerous committees within the Law Society to ensure our profession retains a voice and influence. We have much to offer!

In other news, we have been delighted this week to bring you a programme of webinars each day focusing on your well-being. LLG recognise the huge pressures you have been under and the overwhelming set of circumstances we are living under. It is so important to recognise that whether we are conscious of it or not, the current reality will be having an effect. For some this will be mild but for others, it could represent a tipping point. LLG are here to support you. Please do get in contact if you need to chat and we can signpost you to organisations such as lawcare who are trained and experienced to help. You can catch up on our well-being webinars on demand; make the time for you.

Staying on the subject of being connected, we are really excited to be rolling out a yearly programme of National Lead zoom meetings starting with Monitoring Officers and Governance on 21^st January examining the Code of Conduct. Full details of all meetings will be available on the website including how to register but get the dates in your diary now for the year. Each meeting will provide 30 minutes of training followed by Q&A's and an opportunity to move into break out rooms and network with your colleagues. These are informal sessions hosted by LLG and featuring our corporate partners and guest speakers. All meetings will take place on a Thursday between 12.00 and 1.00pm; so grab a sandwich, sit down, connect, learn and feel supported! I look forward to seeing you there.

Best wishes

Helen McGrath

Head of Public Affairs

Helen@llg.org.uk