Jane O’Donnell

A photo of COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, with a quote which reads: " The COSLA Excellence Awards are a highlight of my year and it’s always inspiring to hear about so many positive and innovative projects being nominated, especially given the challenging times we are in. Council teams use their creativity, innovation and genuine passion for their communities every day to overcome increasingly complex challenges. The Awards exist to recognise exactly this talent and passion."

✨Our fantastic fifteen finalists in this year's COSLA Excellence Awards have been announced! We are looking forward to finding out the winners at the Awards Ceremony in November, as part of the COSLA Conference & Exhibition.

Read more with comment from @morayshona.bsky.social here: bit.ly/4pFt4gg

Celebrating Local Excellence: 15 Scottish Projects Shortlisted for 2025 COSLA Awards Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2025 Excellence Awards - COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.

Exciting news! Our team has been named a finalist in the 2025 COSLA Excellence Awards for our work in Project-Based Learning and Partnership.

A huge thank you to the staff, students, and partners – proud to see this recognised nationally!

www.cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...

We are pleased to announce that our Psychological Services/Children’s Rights and Participation Group are COSLA Excellence Awards Finalists in Cat 4 – Strengthening Communities & Local Democracy. Read More:https://buff.ly/a5wC5lq

Good luck Jo and Sadie who were presenting to the Cosla Excellence Awards judging panel, in Category 4- Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy.
Winners will be announced on 13 November.

City of Edinburgh Council shortlisted for Construction Skills partnership work The City of Edinburgh Council has been recognised alongside other local authorities across Scotland as a finalist in this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards for its Construction Skills work in the ‘Improving in Partnership’ category.

The City of Edinburgh Council has been recognised alongside other local authorities across Scotland as a finalist in this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards for its Construction Skills work in the ‘Improving in Partnership’ category.

Reform council tax, Cosla urges parties ahead of Scottish Parliament election Councils seek end to 'restrictive' ring-fencing on government pledges like teacher numbers

Reform council tax, Cosla urges parties ahead of Scottish Parliament election www.holyrood.com/news/view,re...

Reform council tax, Cosla urges parties ahead of Scottish Parliament election Councils seek end to 'restrictive' ring-fencing on government pledges like teacher numbers

Reform council tax, Cosla urges ahead of Scottish Parliament election. Councils tackling a combined funding gap of £647m, with the workforce down 11% since 2013, Meanwhile, costs and demand for services such as housing and social care continue to rise. www.holyrood.com/news/view,re...

The front cover of the COSLA 2026 Manifesto document, which asks the next Scottish Government for investment in and empowerment for Scottish Local Government. Title text in purple and black reads ‘COSLA Manifesto 2026’. Three photos from local authorities in Scotland can be seen which show (from left-right) a gritting vehicle on duty on a snowy rural road; a harbour in a small fishing village; a worker maintaining a public garden.

📢 COSLA’s 2026 Manifesto is here: Strong Communities Start with Local Government.

We’re calling for sustainable finance, empowered local democracy & investment in people and places.

Let’s work together to help Scotland live well locally.

🔗 bit.ly/4qIhhP1

A purple graphic with white text. A photo of Edinburgh can be seen in the background. The text reads: Councils need sustainable funding to protect our services. At the bottom right more white text reads: COSLA Manifesto 2026. A white COSLA logo can be seen at the bottom right-hand corner.

🏡 Councils deliver the services that make communities thrive.

But without sustainable funding, these services are under threat.

We’re calling for fair, multi-year funding and local revenue-raising powers.

cosla.gov.uk/__data/asset...

Celebrating Local Excellence: 15 Scottish Projects Shortlisted for 2025 COSLA Awards Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2025 Excellence Awards - COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.

Our family support hubs in South Lanarkshire have been shortlisted for the Cosla Excellence Awards - practical and successful examples of early intervention in action. Very worthy contenders!

www.cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...

This important forum brings together key partners in health and social care, showcasing the innovative and collaborative work that Local Government is leading to improve outcomes in social care. The use of the Near Me technology in prisons and the Community Health Index within Local Government are great examples of how digital solutions can improve people’s experience of support, enable information sharing and enhance collaboration between services.

Earlier this week, the Whole System Strategic Improvement Group held its latest quarterly meeting.

Read what COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, who co-chairs the WSSIG, had to say following the meeting:

Here at COSLA, we have our very own ‘feel good Friday’ story for you…

Our Vice President, Councillor Steven Heddle, recently completed a 967-mile cycle from Lands End to John o' Groats in just 13 days, raising a massive £5000 (including Gift Aid) for
@cancerresearchuk.org
🚴‍♂️

We're at the Festival of Politics today, with COSLA's Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor joining a fantastic panel alongside Ariane Burgess MSP, Andy Wightman, Esther Robertson and Dr Greg Stride.

“It's not local and it doesn't govern” @andywightman.scot says as the discussion opens at #FoP2025

Is the current structure of local government fit for the next 30 years?

👇 Join the discussion👇

Mark Kermode (@kermodemovie.bsky.social) Last aisle seat on the left.

Very excited to see @kermodemovie.bsky.social at @edbookfest.bsky.social today. Throat still sore from Oasis so thankfully don't need to sing along today!

It's #SQAresults Day! Congrats if you're receiving results today.😊

✉️Learners will receive their certificate in the post today and if you've signed up to MySQA you'll also receive your results by text or email.

Results Day resources and support 👉 info.sqa.org.uk/YourResults2025

"Councils hold a shared vision of a Scotland where children’s human rights are embedded in all aspects of our society and public services." -Councillor Tony Buchanan, Children & Young People Spokesperson, COSLA

Today marks one year since the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child #UNCRC was incorporated into Scots Law.

Read the full comment welcoming this milestone from COSLA's Children & Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan: cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...

"I look forward to continuing to champion this work as it progresses and ultimately delivers better outcomes for our citizens."

Improving Outcomes Through Partnership: the CHI in Local Government Project brings together key partners to deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Read the full joint release from COSLA, The Scottish Government, The Digital Office & Public Health Scotland to find out more: bit.ly/3IE4CuO

COSLA has published a new case study from
@northlanarkshire.gov.uk showcasing the Burns Gym Virtual Fitness Programme delivered in local care homes.

Read more: bit.ly/4ktsqPf

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Today COSLA Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, met with Minister for Social Care & Mental Wellbeing, Mr Tom Arthur MSP. Great opportunity to discuss shared opportunities & challenges for social care & social work, as well as COSLA & Scottish Government's ongoing partnership working.

***Deadline Extended***

The deadline for the COSLA Excellence Awards has been extended to 5pm on Friday, 1st August.

If you know of an exceptional council team or project, please spread the news - there's still time to apply!

Find out more & apply: www.cosla.gov.uk/news/excelle...

White text on a purple background. The text reads: Elected Member Bulletin - 3rd July 2025

COSLA's email bulletin for Elected Members has been published! In this issue:

🟣Latest updates on pay negotiations
🟣Excellence Awards deadline extended
🟣Book your place at the COSLA Conference

...& much more!

🔗https://mailchi.mp/cosla/cosla-emb-3rd-july-2025

Was privileged to be asked to host a panel discussion with #ACOSVO this morning. Great examples of innovation and values led leadership delivering for their communities

A new #reading experience for me this week. I have been really interested in stoicism in how we get through difficult times so decided to try some source material. Not all of it is respectful of emotional experience but there is lot here in terms of duty, practical intelligence and community. 📚💙

A great opportunity for people with LG experience 👇

Text says: Briefing. Local government budgets 2025/26. Image: 13 £1 coins scattered on a blue and yellow background.

Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils.

Read the Accounts Commission's latest report on the finances of Scotland's councils: bit.ly/Local_Govern...

Cllr Shona Morrison, COSLA President, spoke about celebrating all things local government, their role and duty to strengthen democracy as well as the importance of diversity in representation, reflecting she is only the second female president.

📸 with Cllr Steven Heddle & NASUWT Scotland President.

It was both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of celebrating the first 50 years of COSLA 🎂

"This year we welcome a Mental Health Awareness Week focused on the importance of community, recognising that being part of safe and positive communities is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. Communities provide a sense of belonging, purpose and support, and we know Local Authorities play an important role in creating and supporting the environments and opportunities to bring them together. I welcome the opportunity to highlight the importance of these community connections. "

This week marks #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! The theme is 'community'.

COSLA's Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, welcomed the focus of Mental Health Awareness Week and highlighted the importance of community and connection for mental health ⬇️