Episode 21 is all about local government reorganistion in England, with a smidgeon of English devolution thrown in for good measure. UNISON members are committed to ensuring high-quality public services, and there is genuine concern about the potential impact of reorganisation on day-to-day council services, particularly workforce capacity and retention. With the right support (and funding), the devolution process can result in positive outcomes for workers, local authorities, and the public. Therefore, councils must be well-resourced for devolution to be effective and ensure their workforce is supported, well remunerated, and trained.

Devolution is not the cure for austerity. It can work as long as the vision of English local government is one where power is devolved from Westminster, decisions are made locally, and services are fully funded. Councils and their staff are essential for sustainable economic growth and can make a significant contribution to regional prosperity.

We need to point out that local government reorganisation and devolution doesn’t apply everywhere in England, for example in Greater London and in the North East where it has already happened.

To talk about all things reorganisation, we are joined by two amazing guests, Mo Baines and Clare Williams.

Welcome back to Behind the Service, and in this episode we’re shining a light on activism and the Service Group Executive (SGE) - invaluable parts of the change we’re able to make.

Glen Williams and Lorraine Thomson are two pioneering voices in UNISON, and they join us to share how the SGE plays a powerful role in shaping the recognition that local government employees are valued and respected, and driving social change.

This episode of ‘Behind the Service: A UNISON Podcast’ covers:

• The critical role of volunteer union representatives in driving social change

• The ongoing battle against local government budget cuts and service erosion

• How UNISON is combating far-right intolerance and promoting community unity

• The emerging role of activists in addressing environmental pressures

UNISON

https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Glen Williams

https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-williams-8377a584/

There is only one planet for us, and saving it from the climate crisis has been atop UNISON’s agenda for decades - so how do we continue that fight today?

With September’s Green UNISON Week, this episode of the podcast focuses on the huge potential for change that’s possible with the collaborative power of our members.

Joining us to share their collective expertise, and how you can make an impact, are UNISON Policy Officer, Michelle Singleton, and South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, Stephen Smellie.

This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:

• UNISON’s role in combating climate change

• Why ‘Just Transition’ is a crucial element in the fight against climate change

• Challenges of operating on a local level

• Balancing limited resources with the urgent need for climate action

UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/

https://twitter.com/unisontheunion

https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion

Green UNISON Week: https://www.unison.org.uk/tag/green-unison-week/

Stephen Smellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smellie-179516160/