Solace Scotland

🎉 #SolaceScotlandConference 2026 site is live: Oban, 10–11 Sep. From Reform to Reality: place leadership in action. 🔄 Reform 🤝 Place leadership 🧩 Whole system 💡 Innovation & resilience 🏛️ Structural reform. Website 👉 bit.ly/4cpnhHI 🎫 bit.ly/3MEw2mL

Reflecting on #InternationalWomensDay last week, Kath O’Dwyer — Chair of Solace and former Chief Exec of St Helens MBC — shares one practical action for leaders: Identify one female colleague at each level of your organisation. Ask about their ambitions. Help make it happen.

@alisonj_WATSON Thank you @alisonj_WATSON for your contribution and reflections. It was a privilege to have you with us at #SolaceScotlandConference. The conversations around hope, belief, and urgent action—especially on Scotland’s housing emergency—are exactly what we need to drive change.

Thanks so much @SolaceScotland for the invitation to contribute & the opportunity to listen & learn with a shared focus on how we move from anger & despair to hope & belief that real change is possible, including the urgent action needed to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency

Day 2 wrapped up with insights on reform, lived experience stories, and visions for a smarter Scotland. Thanks to all speakers and delegates for your energy and ideas, and to our Exhibitors & Business Partners for helping make this event meaningful. #SolaceScotlandConference

🧭 Pippa Milne closes #SolaceScotlandConference with "We've seen examples of hardship and of reform. But how do we cut through the complexity?" A timely reminder that reform is a journey we take together—with courage, collaboration, and community at the heart. #LocalGov

🔴 Final panel at #SolaceScotland: Reform needs local empowerment, place-based decisions, and outcomes that matter. Malcolm Burr: “Opportunities bring challenges. When funding folds, the instinct is to retreat—but reform demands courage.” Let’s turn ideas into action. #LocalGov

Real stories. Real impact. At #SolaceScotlandConference, lived experience took centre stage — from apprenticeships to housing & breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding is bonding, comfort, teamwork — and now part of school education.” Let’s keep listening, learning & leading with empathy.

Reflections on embedding prevention in public services. 🗣️ Diane Stockton: “We know the causes. The answers lie with the people in the room.” 💡 Whole systems change and collaborative leadership are driving the Scottish Prevention Hub forward. #SolaceScotlandConference

Insightful panel at #SolaceScotlandConference today: Anna Fowlie: “It’s not just about money — it’s about respect.” Fraser McKinlay: “No more strategies. Let’s act.” Alison Watson: “Every 15 mins, a household becomes homeless. We need bold action now.” #LocalGov

Day 2 kicks off at #SolaceScotlandConference! We’re honoured to welcome David Bagwell, Senior Public Partnerships Manager at @Believ_UK, to open today’s sessions. David’s insights into public-private collaboration are setting the tone for a day of innovation, Let’s go! #LocalGov

We’re live at #SolaceScotlandConference!☕ Arrival, registration & refreshments are underway — a great chance to connect, recharge, and meet our brilliant exhibitors. Let the conversations begin! 💬 #Networking #PublicSector #Leadership #ScotlandConference

Day 2 at #SolaceScotlandConference is underway! We’re diving back into bold conversations. 🌅 Morning mindfulness at Strathclyde Park 🎤 Panels on reform 🗣️ Closing reflections Thanks to exhibitors powering the future of public services! 📎 Programme: bit.ly/47olbFn

A huge thank you to CGI for sponsoring tonight’s Drinks Reception at the #SolaceScotlandConference. 🎶 We’re enjoying an evening of relaxed networking, great conversation, and fantastic performances from talented young musicians — all made possible with your support!

Thanks to the young performers at the #SolaceScotlandConference! 🪈 North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band: Led by Ross Cowan - world champions! 🥁 Unidos do Samba – from 9 schools with Beats of Brazil. 🎷 North Lanarkshire Schools Big Band – Led by Chris Cruikshank.

That’s a wrap on Day 1 at the #SolaceScotlandConference! Many thanks to Enable, @Totalmobile, @AllianceLeisure, @Oracle_UKI, and Zurich for leading insightful, in-depth discussions. Looking forward to more tomorrow! #LocalGov #Leadership #Inclusion #DigitalTransformation

🔹 Live at #SolaceScotlandConference Specialist Employment Support – Driving Progress Through Inclusive Practice with Lianne Williams & Briony Williamson. We're hearing powerful insights on qualified staffing & early intervention. Some great questions coming from around the room!

📍 Oracle (@Oracle_UKI) workshop at #SolaceScotlandConference today: Leadership, culture & collaboration at the heart of transformation. 💬 Leatham Green: “What do we need to do to move forward?” 🔍 Honest insights on letting go of legacy & leading with purpose. #LocalGov

Risk as an enabler of reform. At #SolaceScotlandConference today, Zurich Municipal’s Alix Bedford & Neil Collington explore how strategic risk management can unlock long-term resilience in the public sector. #LocalGov

Trevor Holden @trevoriholden “Are we part of the solution or part of the problem?” Dr Jonathan Carr-West @joncarrwest “Integration alone isn’t enough." Both challenge us to rethink public service delivery amid housing shortages, & healthcare strain. #SolaceScotlandConference

At the #SolaceScotlandConference today, Des Murray urges us to rethink how we make reform real. Read his reflections in @themjcouk : Read the full article here: themj.co.uk/reform-scotlan… #SolaceScotland #PSR #PublicServiceReform #Leadership