Welcome
Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Officer in our new integrated authority – the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.
Edinburgh’s rich history, its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and unique cityscape makes it a city to remember. Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, it is now a vibrant, modern city with the strongest economy of any city in the United Kingdom outside of London. It is home to the Scottish Parliament, and has long been known as a centre of education with four universities. The city's historical and cultural attractions have made it the second most popular tourist destination in the United Kingdom after London, attracting over one million overseas visitors each year and famous for the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, the latter being the largest annual international arts festival in the world.
Although a relatively affluent city, Edinburgh has areas of significant inequality and deprivation, the third highest across all Scottish local authorities and one of our key priorities will be to lead on tacking health inequalities. Edinburgh’s population of almost half a million, accounts for 9% of Scotland’s total, and is growing. Whilst this growth has many social and economic advantages, it also presents challenges. The latest projections indicate that Edinburgh’s population will continue to grow faster than anywhere else in Scotland (to 619,000 by 2037). Some age groups, which make intensive use of public services, are projected to increase more rapidly than the overall population (for example 5-11 year olds and those over 85).
Like many other local authorities and health boards, the financial environment continues to be challenging. UK Government policy continues to seek large reductions in the size of the public sector. In recent years Council budgets have required increasing volumes of savings to help meet demographic change and increases in care costs. Over the next five years, the Council alone must reduce its operating costs by £107 million. This will require a fundamental rethink on expenditure priorities, and the delivery of public services.
Across all service areas, the Council is undertaking an ambitious programme of transformational change, including integrated working in four localities agreed across the public sector in Edinburgh, improved customer and citizen contact, ICT and asset management. The geographical boundaries will align the Council’s localities with NHS, Police and Fire and Rescue.
If you feel you have the experience, energy and enthusiasm then we would welcome your application. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact Catriona Mackie or Donogh O’Brien at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.
George Walker
Chair
Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership