Abdool Kara 24 April 2014

How is local government any different from the Co-operative Bank?

I have watched with interest the recent convolutions of the Co-operative Bank. There are some lessons for us all here, although possibly more for the private sector than for local government.

We first had the resignation, some might say disgrace, of the former Chairman, Paul Flowers, in June 2013. Ignoring the more salacious aspects of the story, I was interested in the suggestion that he did not understand the business that he was the chairman of, even that he was incompetent in the role.

Well, we have to ask how different that is in local government? – many leaders do not have any professional background in leading organisations the size and complexity of local authorities.

Read the full feature from the chief executive of Swale BC for free here.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Shared Planning Lawyer

Broxbourne Borough Council
Up to £68,506 pa
Are you a focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys a varied and interesting caseload? Borough Offices, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt
Recuriter: Broxbourne Borough Council

Families First Partnership Manager

Nottingham City Council
£58,602 - £62,109
As Families First Partnership Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading Nottingham’s Families First approach Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Experts at Hand Co-ordinator

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£42,081 - £50,994 per annum
Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Governance Professional

North Yorkshire Council
£14.59 to £15.56 per hour
Typically, you will work with an allocation of schools within an agreed geographical area. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Disabled Children's Team

North Yorkshire Council
£39,481 to £44,253 per annum
Our 0–18 Disabled Children’s Service takes a holistic and child-centred approach, working with a diverse range of children Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner