Chief Executive Monica Patterson

Before my retirement on 14 February, I would like to take this opportunity to provide some reflections on my career in East Lothian and to thank all colleagues, elected members and our partners for the support I’ve received since joining the council.

Great privilege

It’s a great privilege to have worked in local government for more than 40 years, the last 15 of which have been spent at East Lothian Council.

Public service is very dear to my heart, as I know it is to you all. In the years I’ve worked here, there have been so many highlights and achievements in pursuit of a more prosperous, safe and sustainable East Lothian. These could not have happened without your commitment, dedication and support.

We’re a council that punches well above our weight and, in providing a diverse range of services to local communities, the magnitude and diversity of what we do never escapes me.

Making change happen

We’re also a council that’s big enough to make change happen, whilst being small enough to forge strong connections – both internally and externally, which are so central to our many successes. Providing support to, and maintaining effective relationships with, elected members is also pivotal to our effectiveness.

Since becoming Chief Executive almost five years ago, we have had to deal with a period of unprecedented challenge and change, including our response to a global pandemic and significant financial pressures and constraints which, to a very large extent, are outwith our control.

We’re a council that plans and prepares and is also agile and responsive – as demonstrated by the excellent work carried out by so many colleagues, supported by partners, in responding to emergency events including the major disruption which arose recently from Storm Éowyn.

In my time as Chief Executive, council employees have maintained a focus on delivering the very best services and outcomes for the communities of East Lothian, as well as driving an agenda of continuous improvement. There is no doubt we have continued to see the very best of East Lothian Council with colleagues collaborating, innovating and adapting – always demonstrating our values of Enabling, Leading and Caring.

As we all know, change and transformation is a constant. These can often relate to very tangible things like investing in digital infrastructure and embracing technology to support different ways of working or making it easier for customers to access services.

Building blocks

Equally important though is putting in place the building blocks to position the council for future change. Our Local Development Plan is a good example of this, in addition to many other strategies and plans. Another demonstration would be the way in which, following the approval of the council’s transport strategy, we are working to improve the management of parking in town centres – benefitting communities, the environment and businesses in the process.

The work we do – to care for people and support thriving communities often through partnership working, whilst protecting and enhancing the environment, helping to grow the local economy and promoting East Lothian – is something I’m very proud of.

In one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas and a time of demographic change, we play our part in delivering national policy requirements. We have purchased the former Cockenzie Power Station site for economic development opportunities as well as partnering with Queen Margaret University through the City Deal to build an Innovation Hub which will play a central role in supporting and growing business and the economy for the future. It has been great to see these developments unfolding and in recent weeks I’ve visited both the Innovation Hub and the Cockenzie site to see the enormous progress that is being made. These major projects are pivotal in providing opportunities to grow the economy alongside opportunities for training and employment in East Lothian

Importantly we also continue to see a council-wide commitment to reducing poverty and inequality and responding to the Climate Emergency in all that we do.

We are a people-focused council – and see that both in terms of our determination to achieve continuous improvement in the services we provide to customers, as well as the culture we seek to create as a good, supportive employer.

Underlining all of this is the importance of a strong financial strategy, which signals our direction and ensures we are aligned to a process which achieves a sustainable budget.

There is also a lot that goes on behind the scenes to both achieve change whilst also influencing the setting of national policy, which in turn impacts on so many aspects of the way we are required to deliver services.

Positivity and confidence

I know that, whilst there will be many challenges and difficulties to contend with in the months and years ahead, East Lothian Council and the communities we serve will be able to look forward to the future with positivity, confidence and a strong desire to maximise all the opportunities that lie ahead, drawing upon a highly professional and committed staff in a variety of roles.

While it will continue to be a difficult financial environment, I believe the council will continue to make effective use of what remains a significant revenue budget of over £300 million.

Addressing the challenges will require initiatives to be introduced at pace whilst also, in some circumstances, requiring patience.

To keep up the momentum, I would encourage colleagues to value and build on the good relationships we have and continue to help and support each other, whilst continuing to collaborate across departments, with partners, and within communities.

It has been a huge privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, talented and committed individuals and teams. My sincere thanks to you all and I wish you the very best and every success for the future.