Technical Notes 2021, Issue 129 - Role of National and Local Leadership in Ongoing COVID-19 Compliance and Recovery Activity - A Joint Note from COSLA, SOLACE and Scottish Government

1. At the most recent COSLA Leaders’ meeting in August 2021, Leaders agreed a high-level approach to joint recognition, between COSLA and Scottish Government, of the collective challenges which continue to be faced as we move beyond Level 0 and into the next stage of the pandemic, and the respective roles of local and national leadership in meeting these.

2. Additionally, Leaders agreed:

• That ongoing collaborative and partnership leadership will continue to be needed to ensure delivery of baseline measures in core areas: vaccinations, testing, care for people, self-isolation and outbreak management.
• That continued provision of local support, capacity and infrastructure in respect of each of these areas will be an essential part of continued success in suppressing the virus, supporting those in need and achieving a national recovery.
• The need to model behaviours around phased return to offices and baseline measures in our (Local Government) workplaces and other facilities.

3. Following the agreement of Leaders in August to maintain a joint approach with Scottish Government in collective action to reduce transmission in all communities, a joint note from COSLA, SOLACE and Scottish Government setting out key messages and suggested areas for attention has been developed.
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4. For awareness, this joint note is attached as Appendix 1.