Laura Sharman 26 October 2020

Councils urged to appoint chief foresight officers

Councils should appoint a ‘chief resilience officer’ to help respond to future crises, a report has argued.

The report, published by the royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce and Manchester Metropolitan University, warns that the response to the COVID-19 crisis has been hampered by a lack of foresight and forward planning.

It calls for a new long-term mindset that thinks several generations ahead, rather than opting for quick-fix options.

Ian Burbidge, associate director of the RSA Lab, said: ‘As a first step, institutions, including Government, councils and the UK private sector should consider employing a chief foresight officer, to help weather future crises and embed sustainability in council business.

’The COVID-19 crisis has laid bare problems across our public services, many of which may have been avoided with a generational approach to government that emphasises appropriate funding.

’Short-term decisions such as recent ones to not invest in free school meals for some of our most disadvantaged young people is not only going to impact them in the short term, but is likely to have a long-term negative impact on a generation too young to vote.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner