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msjaneod.bsky.social
Jane O’Donnell
@msjaneod.bsky.social
480 followers 250 following 66 posts
Chief Executive of COSLA. Proud public servant. Reading, running and films too
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msjaneod.bsky.social
Jane O’Donnell @msjaneod.bsky.social · Nov 14
Finding my way around here. Definitely room for more localism 💜
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
✨Our fantastic fifteen finalists in this year's COSLA Excellence Awards have been announced! We are looking forward to finding out the winners at the Awards Ceremony in November, as part of the COSLA Conference & Exhibition.

Read more with comment from @morayshona.bsky.social here: bit.ly/4pFt4gg
A photo of COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, with a quote which reads: " The COSLA Excellence Awards are a highlight of my year and it’s always inspiring to hear about so many positive and innovative projects being nominated, especially given the challenging times we are in. Council teams use their creativity, innovation and genuine passion for their communities every day to overcome increasingly complex challenges. The Awards exist to recognise exactly this talent and passion."
September 26, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
stewartclelland.bsky.social
Exciting news! Our team has been named a finalist in the 2025 COSLA Excellence Awards for our work in Project-Based Learning and Partnership.

A huge thank you to the staff, students, and partners – proud to see this recognised nationally!

www.cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...
Celebrating Local Excellence: 15 Scottish Projects Shortlisted for 2025 COSLA Awards
Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2025 Excellence Awards - COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.
www.cosla.gov.uk
September 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
highland.gov.uk
We are pleased to announce that our Psychological Services/Children’s Rights and Participation Group are COSLA Excellence Awards Finalists in Cat 4 – Strengthening Communities & Local Democracy. Read More:https://buff.ly/a5wC5lq
September 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
highland.gov.uk
Good luck Jo and Sadie who were presenting to the Cosla Excellence Awards judging panel, in Category 4- Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy.
Winners will be announced on 13 November.
October 2, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
scottishconstructionnow.com
The City of Edinburgh Council has been recognised alongside other local authorities across Scotland as a finalist in this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards for its Construction Skills work in the ‘Improving in Partnership’ category.
City of Edinburgh Council shortlisted for Construction Skills partnership work
The City of Edinburgh Council has been recognised alongside other local authorities across Scotland as a finalist in this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards for its Construction Skills work in the ‘Improving in Partnership’ category.
www.scottishconstructionnow.com
October 7, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
holyroodmag.bsky.social
Reform council tax, Cosla urges parties ahead of Scottish Parliament election www.holyrood.com/news/view,re...
Reform council tax, Cosla urges parties ahead of Scottish Parliament election
Councils seek end to 'restrictive' ring-fencing on government pledges like teacher numbers
www.holyrood.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
reidfoundation.bsky.social
Reform council tax, Cosla urges ahead of Scottish Parliament election. Councils tackling a combined funding gap of £647m, with the workforce down 11% since 2013, Meanwhile, costs and demand for services such as housing and social care continue to rise. www.holyrood.com/news/view,re...
Reform council tax, Cosla urges parties ahead of Scottish Parliament election
Councils seek end to 'restrictive' ring-fencing on government pledges like teacher numbers
www.holyrood.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
📢 COSLA’s 2026 Manifesto is here: Strong Communities Start with Local Government.

We’re calling for sustainable finance, empowered local democracy & investment in people and places.

Let’s work together to help Scotland live well locally.

🔗 bit.ly/4qIhhP1
The front cover of the COSLA 2026 Manifesto document, which asks the next Scottish Government for investment in and empowerment for Scottish Local Government. Title text in purple and black reads ‘COSLA Manifesto 2026’. Three photos from local authorities in Scotland can be seen which show (from left-right) a gritting vehicle on duty on a snowy rural road; a harbour in a small fishing village; a worker maintaining a public garden.
October 24, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
🏡 Councils deliver the services that make communities thrive.

But without sustainable funding, these services are under threat.

We’re calling for fair, multi-year funding and local revenue-raising powers.

cosla.gov.uk/__data/asset...
A purple graphic with white text. A photo of Edinburgh can be seen in the background. The text reads: Councils need sustainable funding to protect our services. At the bottom right more white text reads: COSLA Manifesto 2026. A white COSLA logo can be seen at the bottom right-hand corner.
October 24, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
joejfagan.bsky.social
Our family support hubs in South Lanarkshire have been shortlisted for the Cosla Excellence Awards - practical and successful examples of early intervention in action. Very worthy contenders!

www.cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...
Celebrating Local Excellence: 15 Scottish Projects Shortlisted for 2025 COSLA Awards
Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2025 Excellence Awards - COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.
www.cosla.gov.uk
September 26, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
Earlier this week, the Whole System Strategic Improvement Group held its latest quarterly meeting.

Read what COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, who co-chairs the WSSIG, had to say following the meeting:
This important forum brings together key partners in health and social care, showcasing the innovative and collaborative work that Local Government is leading to improve outcomes in social care. The use of the Near Me technology in prisons and the Community Health Index within Local Government are great examples of how digital solutions can improve people’s experience of support, enable information sharing and enhance collaboration between services.
September 5, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
Here at COSLA, we have our very own ‘feel good Friday’ story for you…

Our Vice President, Councillor Steven Heddle, recently completed a 967-mile cycle from Lands End to John o' Groats in just 13 days, raising a massive £5000 (including Gift Aid) for
@cancerresearchuk.org
🚴‍♂️
September 5, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
We're at the Festival of Politics today, with COSLA's Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor joining a fantastic panel alongside Ariane Burgess MSP, Andy Wightman, Esther Robertson and Dr Greg Stride.
August 20, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
scotfutures.bsky.social
“It's not local and it doesn't govern” @andywightman.scot says as the discussion opens at #FoP2025

Is the current structure of local government fit for the next 30 years?

👇 Join the discussion👇
August 20, 2025 at 9:48 AM
msjaneod.bsky.social
Very excited to see @kermodemovie.bsky.social at @edbookfest.bsky.social today. Throat still sore from Oasis so thankfully don't need to sing along today!
Mark Kermode (@kermodemovie.bsky.social)
Last aisle seat on the left.
kermodemovie.bsky.social
August 13, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
sqanews.bsky.social
It's #SQAresults Day! Congrats if you're receiving results today.😊

✉️Learners will receive their certificate in the post today and if you've signed up to MySQA you'll also receive your results by text or email.

Results Day resources and support 👉 info.sqa.org.uk/YourResults2025
August 5, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
Today marks one year since the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child #UNCRC was incorporated into Scots Law.

Read the full comment welcoming this milestone from COSLA's Children & Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan: cosla.gov.uk/news/2025/ce...
"Councils hold a shared vision of a Scotland where children’s human rights are embedded in all aspects of our society and public services." -Councillor Tony Buchanan, Children & Young People Spokesperson, COSLA
July 16, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
Improving Outcomes Through Partnership: the CHI in Local Government Project brings together key partners to deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Read the full joint release from COSLA, The Scottish Government, The Digital Office & Public Health Scotland to find out more: bit.ly/3IE4CuO
"I look forward to continuing to champion this work as it progresses and ultimately delivers better outcomes for our citizens."
July 22, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
COSLA has published a new case study from
@northlanarkshire.gov.uk showcasing the Burns Gym Virtual Fitness Programme delivered in local care homes.

Read more: bit.ly/4ktsqPf

(1/2)
July 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
Today COSLA Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, met with Minister for Social Care & Mental Wellbeing, Mr Tom Arthur MSP. Great opportunity to discuss shared opportunities & challenges for social care & social work, as well as COSLA & Scottish Government's ongoing partnership working.
June 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
***Deadline Extended***

The deadline for the COSLA Excellence Awards has been extended to 5pm on Friday, 1st August.

If you know of an exceptional council team or project, please spread the news - there's still time to apply!

Find out more & apply: www.cosla.gov.uk/news/excelle...
July 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
cosla.gov.uk
COSLA's email bulletin for Elected Members has been published! In this issue:

🟣Latest updates on pay negotiations
🟣Excellence Awards deadline extended
🟣Book your place at the COSLA Conference

...& much more!

🔗https://mailchi.mp/cosla/cosla-emb-3rd-july-2025
White text on a purple background. The text reads: Elected Member Bulletin - 3rd July 2025
July 3, 2025 at 4:15 PM
msjaneod.bsky.social
Was privileged to be asked to host a panel discussion with #ACOSVO this morning. Great examples of innovation and values led leadership delivering for their communities
June 11, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Reposted by Jane O’Donnell
lgiu-local-gov.bsky.social
Looking back at last year's LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards and looking forward to the 2025 Awards 🏆 Send us your nominations for #localgov councillors before 11 June and help us celebrate the best of our local democracy! #CllrAwards 🔗 lgiu.org/events/cllr-awards/
June 3, 2025 at 1:57 PM
msjaneod.bsky.social
A new #reading experience for me this week. I have been really interested in stoicism in how we get through difficult times so decided to try some source material. Not all of it is respectful of emotional experience but there is lot here in terms of duty, practical intelligence and community. 📚💙
June 8, 2025 at 10:05 AM