Single Authority Model Short Life Working Group - Update
Argyll and Bute Council · 3 June 2025
Back to Single Authority Model Short Life Working Group — 3 June 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL SINGLE AUTHORITY MODEL SLWG CHIEF EXECUTIVE 3RD JUNE 2025 SAM SLWG - UPDATE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The initial SAM SLWG was held on 16th May 2025. This report provides an update on progress made during the interim period, including further engagement with NHS and HSCP colleagues. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the SLWG note and consider the content of this report. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 Following the SAM SLWG held on 16th May, Officers met with colleagues from the HSCP and NHS Highland to continue our collaborative approach to this work and to update on the discussions/decisions taken at the SLWG. This included agreement to extend an invitation to appropriate NHS Highland non- executive Board members to the next meeting of the SLWG. This has been actioned, but due to the tight timescales/other commitments it has not been possible to secure attendance for this meeting. 3.2 One of the key next steps is for local partners to come to an agreed position on a preferred model for Argyll and Bute at this point in time, which can be further developed and form the basis of any consultation exercise undertaken. In order to facilitate a multi-agency approach, it has been agreed that an Officer led steering/working group will also be established to drive forward this piece of work and report to the SLWG. The core membership of this group is detailed below, and will be supplemented by others from across partners as appropriate:- Douglas Hendry - Executive Director (ABC) David Logan – Head of Legal and Regulatory Support (ABC) Graeme McMillan – Transformation Programme Manager (ABC) Laura Blackwood – Directorate Support Officer (ABC) Evan Beswick – Chief Officer (HSCP) Gareth Adkins – Director of People and Culture (NHS Highland)
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3.3 All local partners are committed to identifying a joint preferred model for further exploration as expeditiously as possible, however it is apparent that the current timescales within the national workplan are challenging (June to identify a model / consultation beginning in August). As reported to the SLWG in May, it was originally envisaged that a report could be tabled at the full Council on 26th June, and to Highland Health Board on 29th July, to obtain approval on a joint preferred model. However, this is becoming increasingly unachievable due to the outstanding work required to assess the current five options on the table collaboratively, and in the absence of supporting information to facilitate this exercise, such as the reform parameters documentation being prepared by the Scottish Government (SG). The next joint Ministerial meeting is scheduled for 5th June and we have had an indication from the SG that further advice on the parameters will be forthcoming at this forum. 3.4 From an engagement perspective, initial communications materials have been drafted (included as part of the agenda for today's meeting) and shared with local partners, with a view to being issued internally to staff groups in the first instance. However, beginning a wider community consultation from August, as per the current timeline, is considered ambitious at this stage. Timescales for engagement/consultation will become clearer once there is a jointly agreed position on a preferred option. 3.5 The SG have asked for an update in advance of the Ministerial meeting on 5th June on the local work being undertaken, including proposed local milestones, and this has been provided in line with the terms of this report. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 Members of the SLWG are asked to note the content of this update report. Douglas Hendry Executive Director 27th May 2025