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Listed below are the national news items and national events.
LLG have responded to the Governments Local Authority Remote Meetings: Call for Evidence. LLG have been ardent advocates for the continuation of local authority virtual meeting provision. LLG are advocating for the permanent provision of local authority virtual meeting provision in England to be used flexibility by each individual local authority when it so determines.
LLG are delighted to welcome LGA Chairman Cllr James Jamieson to speak about the LGA's vision for virtual meeting provision, the government's call for evidence and current position, together with the landscape of effective democratic engagement and participation moving forward. Hosted by LLG and joined by John Austin Chair of ADSO; the important relationship between lawyers, democratic services officers and councillors in governance and decision making will be examined through the collective call for virtual meeting provision.
Join the Yorkshire and Humber Branch Meeting to hear from your Branch Officers Kelly Dawson and Rebecca Ware, with guest attendance from LLG’s President Quentin Baker and Head of Public Affairs Helen McGrath to update on all the National News. Also joining will be Trowers and Hamlins and Weightmans to lead on two break-out sessions. Due to pandemic restrictions, this meeting is open to all LLG members regardless of branch membership. Click to read more and to register.
Following a competitive recruitment process, LLG are delighted to introduce Cobi Bonani as our new Junior National Lead for LLG. Cobi will work closely with our current Junior Director, Zabina Bi until her retirement at the October AGM, whereupon Cobi will be nominated for appointment as Junior Director. We will also be holding a further election in October for the appointment of another Junior National Lead. Please click to read more about Cobi and her professional journey to this point as we welcome her onboard.
As we move into a world of hybrid working post-pandemic, with time split between office and home, the supervision of trainees needs careful thought and planning if we are to ensure a rich learning environment. So how does a trainee build relationships, soak up knowledge, and gain practical experience in this new world? How do they ask the quick questions when there is no colleague at the next desk? How do you best scrutinise work?
Talking Law in Local Government
In England, the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001 (as amended by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015) provide additional protection for statutory officers (Heads of Paid Service, Monitoring officers and s151 Officers) against unwarranted political interference in their roles. These give additional protections which must be followed when disciplining or dismissing these officers. This is essential for anyone advising on the process to understand.
A tribute to the life and contribution Ian Spafford made to Solicitors in Local Government and LGG Training.
Many questions have been raised following the High Court judgment in relation to the application for a declaration that current legislation permits remote meetings, which was brought by Hertfordshire County Council, LLG and ADSO. In particular, members have been concerned about the scope of the judgment, and what steps can be taken now that the Flexibility Regulations have come to an end whilst adhering to the restrictions and guidance currently in place due to the pandemic, and moving forward, if the roadmap becomes interrupted. Our 12 page guidance document produced in association with ADSO and David Kitson from Bevan Brittan is designed to help you navigate the options moving forward for your authority.
Given the unprecedent year we have all faced, LLG are delighted to bring you the LLG Awards 2021 which will be held virtually on 15th July 2021 at 6.00pm. This year, the categories have been specifically developed to celebrate your outstanding achievement, resilience, leadership and agility throughout the pandemic, encapsulating the spirit and professionalism of lawyers in local government. The deadline for submissions is 4th June 2021. Best of Luck!