ALACE ANNOUNCES NEW CONSULTANTS AND FURTHER YEAR’S FREEZE OF SUBSCRIPTION RATES
ALACE, the trade union solely for chief executives and senior managers in local government, has unveiled the names of two consultants who will be providing support to members on employment issues.
Colin Everett, whose most recent role before retirement was as chief executive of Flintshire County Council, has started providing support for members in London, South West England including the Isles of Scilly, West Midlands and Wales. This is a transitional process while Richard Penn reduces his caseload before ending over 20 years as an ALACE consultant.
In the autumn, Kersten England will commence as a consultant supporting members in Scotland, the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside, the North West, and the Isle of Man, after she retires as chief executive of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. She will be taking over from Peter Bounds, who has also supported the Association’s members for over 20 years.
Tracey Lee, Chair of ALACE, said “We are delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Colin and Kersten, who will bring their extensive senior level experience of local government to bear in support members facing employment issues.
“I know ALACE members past and present would join me in thanking Richard and Peter profusely for their outstanding service to the Association. They have supported literally hundreds of members over that time and have always strived to secure the best outcome for them. I wish them well as they step back from their work with ALACE in the coming months.”
The appointments of the new consultants were announced at the recent Annual General Meeting, which decided to freeze subscription rates again: they will remain at £400 for 2024. By January 2024, the Association plans to introduce the option to pay the subscription monthly at the rate of £35/month for new members and to extend that flexibility to existing members no later than 2025.
Ian Miller, Honorary Secretary, said “The administrative support arrangements we have put in place in recent years have allowed us to modernise how we operate. We’ve moved from taking payment only by direct debit to allowing individuals to join on line and pay by debit or credit card. Introducing a monthly payment option is the next natural step, to help members spread the cost.
“The sound management of the Association’s finances has allowed the AGM to approve holding the annual subscription at the same level for a third year in a row.”
The AGM also elected the Honorary Officers for 2023/24 who remain:
Chair Tracey Lee
Vice Chair Dave Perry
Honorary Treasurer Michel Saminaden
Honorary Secretary Ian Miller