Public Policy Forum
BT invite Tony Miller - the Chairman of The Deming Learning Network to attend and contribute to their Public Policy Forum held quarterly in London. Present are senior civil servants and IT Directors of Local Authorities. The purpose of the meetings is to address the modernisation of government and the challenge of the electronic age.
Liberal Democrats
Following the Liberal Democrats commitment to "Partnership" the Network facilitated a workshop for the Gordon Liberal Democrats. Attendees were:
The facilitators were:
The consensus was that it was a very worthwhile and enjoyable day.
The network followed up these sessions by meeting Nicol Stephen MSP with Scottish Executive Representatives - Tom Tumilty and Jim Berryman.
And we also had the opportunity to meet Tavish Scott MSP.
The theme of these meetings was in the context of Lifelong Learning and the existence of two opportunities - Individual Learning and Organisational Learning. Our focus was seeking to gain recognition of the Organisational Learning opportunity.
New Labour
We have had several meetings with Elaine Thomson MSP and we have found her supportive. She did attend the presentation by Bill Rattray of Aberdeen College where the design and disciplined implementation of systems to achieve organisational learning was the main theme.
Elaine, as a member of the Lifelong Learning Committee of the Scottish Parliament, suggested that we submit a paper for their present considerations on Lifelong Learning. The paper can be viewed on Lifelong Learning file
Scottish National Party
We have on a couple of occasions given presentations to the local branch in Ellon of the Scottish National Party - Councillor Alan Cameron is very supportive - and we are aware that Mike Russell MSP is conversant with the concepts of Deming - we have in the past - some 4-5 years ago given workshops for SNP councillors. However beyond the local party we do not at this stage seem to making much progress with the national party - we have, as yet, been unable to secure an appointment with any of their MSPs.
The Scottish Council Foundation
Though the Network has no links with The Scottish Council Foundation we do recognise the importance of their work, especially in the context of their aim to influence the devolved Scottish Government. Their web site is www.scottishpolicynet.org.uk - the main contact is Graham Leicester Tel 0131 225 4709 e-mail graham@scottishploicynet.org.uk.