Working together for change
SELECT has significantly widened its influence among key stakeholders by expanding the Local Authority Forum, with a new name and logo to reflect the range of organisations now being invited to take part
Housing associations, universities and NHS estates are all being invited to share their knowledge as SELECT expands the remit and membership of its influential Local Authority Forum.
The expansion – which will help the Forum deliver its collective expertise and experience to an even wider audience – is reflected in dynamic new branding and a new name, with the collective being retitled the Local Authority & Client Forum.
As the industry moves to a future based on electricity, the revamped Forum will now continue to foster and encourage a unique support network with even more professionals, sharing electrical best practice and identifying key areas of concern.
The expansion will also help drive improvements in service delivery mechanisms and the effectiveness of operatives through a consistent approach to working and the standardisation of documentation across all Forum members.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We have played a leading role in the Forum since it was established in 2007, allowing councils and housing associations across Scotland to come together to share experience, develop ideas and resolve common issues.
“The expansion of the Forum to now include non-local authority members will leverage the combined skills of its participants to promote a shared approach to maintaining excellence in electrical standards.
“This is another encouraging sign that the electrical industry in Scotland is emerging stronger and more focused from the pandemic, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to a spirit of collaboration and cooperation.”
Forum Chair Andy Graham, who is also Housing Services Business Change Manager at Fife Council, said: “Since its inception, the Forum has helped local authorities to consistently deliver best value, which is a critical aspect of operations.
“By widening its remit, we propose to embrace a new cohort of key stakeholders and build a new network of partnerships where people are willing to share their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others.”
A second group, which was established in 2010 for electrical engineers, has also been expanded and will be known as the Local Authority Engineers & Client Forum, with both groups meeting regularly via digital platforms.
Andy added: “Before COVID-19, the Forum met quarterly at The Walled Garden, with informative and engaging discussions. This effort has been maintained through virtual meetings on an impromptu basis.
“This ongoing commitment shows there is an appetite for sharing ideas and helping each other.”
An article in CABLEtalk in February outlined the role and aims of the Forum, which includes improving service delivery mechanisms and the effectiveness of operatives.
Alan added: “The experience gained by the Forum so far will prove invaluable as we share ideas and expertise even wider, helping even more organisations deliver best value and best practice on a consistent basis.”
To find out more about joining the Local Authority & Client Forum or Local Authority Engineers & Client Forum, email Yvonne Wilson at yvonne.wilson@select.org.uk
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