Chief Executive, Monica Patterson

I hope you have had a good summer and managed to enjoy some time away from work.

The latest edition of Inform contains a number of items which will be of interest to colleagues across East Lothian Council.

It includes an article on the results of the 2024 Employee Survey, which highlights the key findings and explains actions we will take in relation to consideration of ideas as part of the Transformation programme and how we engage on dealing with the financial challenges facing the council. Huge thanks to all 1,058 employees who responded – your views are really important in helping us identify areas for improvement and focus. If you have further ideas, please email transformation@eastlothian.gov.uk

I always enjoy reading about the work of council employees in delivering valued services and am delighted to see the feature the role of our Amenity Services Play Squad, which does such fantastic work in looking after these much-loved places for families to enjoy in East Lothian.

Elected members gathered last week for the first full Council meeting since the summer recess. Among the items being discussed were the Quarter 1 Financial Review and a paper on budget development, which together highlighted the scale and complexity of budgetary challenges we are dealing with and will continue to face. This highlights the importance of our Transformation Strategy 2024-2029 which seeks to build on innovations of recent years to help us deliver services in as modern and efficient a manner as possible.

It also recognises the three short-term priorities which were agreed earlier this year to reflect the challenges we face:

• Ensure the financial sustainability of the council through the delivery of approved savings and transforming the way we deliver services
• Target resources on statutory services and focus on the highest risks and those most in need
• Deliver key infrastructure, economic development and environmentally sustainable projects within available Council resources and maximising external funding.

Other items discussed at the Council meeting were the Local Development Plan 2: Evidence Report, the East Lothian Poverty Plan 2024-28 and an update on the very positive actions we are taking to protect and enhance nature. These are very much in keeping with the short-term priorities and my thanks to all officers involved for their hard work and bringing the reports forward.

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity of welcoming Hayley Barnett who joined as this week as the new Head of Corporate Support. Hayley was previously Associate Director of Governance and Board Services for NHS National Services Scotland Board. She is a fantastic addition to the Council Management Team and we look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead.