Editor's Comment

Time for reflection

A lot has happened since the last edition of PSE was published. In particular, the snap general election delivered an astounding result that many of the pollsters and political experts could not have predicted when Theresa May initially called for it back in April.

Chris Painter, Professor Emeritus at Birmingham City University, provides a fascinating analysis of the campaign, and assesses the aftermath of the election on pages 26-28. It is a must-read article. 

During the last couple of months PSE has also been at numerous events, including the LGA Annual Conference, the Public Sector Show, the People’s Powerhouse and the Health+Care Show, and we have exclusive coverage from all these exhibitions throughout this issue. 

While the sector prepares itself for what will be a very interesting party conference season (read pages 30-31 for our preview) there is a slight reprieve during the parliamentary recess to pause and reflect on some of the successes achieved by the public sector in recent times. 

For instance, in our Investing in Success section we have two very influential council CEOs – Dawn Baxendale from Southampton and Pat Ritchie from Newcastle – discussing how their areas are transforming despite the backdrop of austerity. 

Staffordshire County Council explains how an innovative partnership in the region aims to develop an integrated strategy providing services for the Digital Citizen (page 44), and Caroline Nugent, president of the PPMA, tells us why the public sector is the place to work right now (page 60). 

In our Health+Care Show Review, we also have an update on sustainability and transformation partnerships, health devolution and the next stages of the Health and Social Care Network. 

Following the recent tragic events at Grenfell Tower in Kensington, the Fire Industry Association discusses what measures and assessments local authorities need to have in place to protect their estate (page 80) and in the Last Word, Lord Porter talks to us about the importance of openness in the cladding testing process. 

Finally, I’d like to make you all aware that PSE is the official media partner for this year’s National Social Value Conference, which takes place in Birmingham on 14 November. The event will focus on Bridging the Gap between the public, private and voluntary sectors and communities, identifying the challenges and opportunities for working together to build a stronger and a more resilient society. More information about the conference can be found on page 85 and at: www.socialvalueportal.com. I look forward to seeing you at the event.

David Stevenson

Editor