Today is the LLG Spring Conference in Bristol, and hot off the news that the government will legislate for remote meeting provision, there is certainly an air of excitement. LLG, along with ADSO and others, campaigned tirelessly for many years for this provision and to say we are delighted is an understatement. It’s a great start to the day.
Our (newish- day 43) President, Paul Turner, presented the opening address and highlighted the fact that he is keen to move forward with LLG becoming the ‘professional body’ for monitoring officers. Chief Executives, of course, have Solace and Section 151 Officers have CIPFA to provide systematic support to them. Monitoring Officers need the same, and whilst LLG has provided support through our national lead groups, a LLG-sponsored ‘professional body’ will provide more targeted and authoritative support for MOs. Paul made the point that in many ways, the MO role is the hardest of the three statutory roles, and that LLG has set up a working group and is aiming to launch the professional body in December. He also discussed how LLG might seek to support members going through reorganisation, which led seamlessly to our first main session on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation.
Tiffany Cloynes from Capsticks opened with an understanding of the legislative framework underpinning devolution followed by Peter Ware of Brown Jacobson outlining the setting up of a combined authority. We then heard from Philip McCourt of Bevan Brittan on the practical elements of actually going through the devolution process. If you’re reading this thinking you are not affected by reorganisation at the moment, there is going to become a time when you will be. Forewarned is forearmed.
There's so much packed into the programme today, from regeneration to AI, planning to procurement. We are particularly pleased to welcome our junior lawyers to our bespoke training programme running in tandem to the main sessions. Attending the conference in the infancy of your career forges strong relationships that will last the test of time throughout your career. With the ever-changing and pressurised environment of local government law and practice, it's these networks that will sustain you throughout your career.
This evening, we will host the hotly anticipated LLG Awards 2025. It’s an important event to celebrate the very best of who we are. Lawyers are very good at standing aside to let others take the limelight of success. It’s important we feel comfortable in acknowledging the hard work and innovation our profession demonstrates day in and day out. You can follow along to track the winners on LinkedIn.
Best wishes
The LLG Team
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