How good is our Leadership?
Self-evaluation area 9.1: Leadership and direction
Explainer
Leadership and direction are at the heart of effective local government. In the context of a Scottish local authority, this includes political leadership, senior officer leadership, and service-level management — all working to provide clear vision, inspire staff, deliver improvement, and maintain public trust.
Reflective questions
Self-evaluation area 9.2: Leadership of innovation, change and improvement
Explainer
The leadership of innovation, change, and improvement is critical for local authorities facing rising demand, financial constraints, and complex societal challenges. In the Scottish context, this includes leadership that drives transformation, supports continuous improvement, embraces digital innovation, and empowers staff and communities to shape change.
Reflective questions
Page Title: Our Capacity to Improve
Explainer
Evaluating your local authority’s overall capacity to improve is a vital part of any strategic self-evaluation. In the Scottish public sector context, this concept underpins Best Value, Inspection Frameworks, and the Public Service Improvement Agenda, where continuous improvement must be sustainable, strategic, and inclusive