Many thanks to all our members who took the opportunity to share their feedback with us through the annual survey.
We have a winner!
This year we offered a prize draw and we’re delighted to announce our lucky winner is Hayley Williamson from Fife Council! Hayley is an Environmental Strategy Officer for the Climate Change and Zero Waste Team. She’s also very excited to use her Historic Scotland family membership!
Hayley said: “After a few years in the sector I find the SSN events refreshingly honest and almost therapy. The support and advice of SSN team and members has been indispensable to me. Fife Council are developing a Carbon Management Plan and Global Covenant of Mayor's Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan, it's been helpful linking with organisations in similar circumstances or have been there!
“I’m delighted to win the annual Historic Scotland membership, our family love visiting the castles, especially when there’s a jousting event on!”
Thanks to our organisational member Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for donating such a fantastic prize. Ewan Hyslop, Head of Technical Research & Science at HES, and SSN member, said:
“We were really pleased to be able to offer this membership and support the SSN. Many of our staff are SSN members and benefit from the support and events that the Network provides. Given the urgency of climate change and the need for action from the public sector, the SSN resources and peer network are invaluable. We hope Hayley enjoys her membership!”
#OurNetwork
We launched our annual survey on 28 May 2019. The aim of the survey was to gather information about the membership including how members like to engage with the Network, what they value, and areas they would like to see developed.
Our survey covered core areas including communications, reporting support and events. We also asked members about how they access and use our resources and what is happening in their own organisations.
We are using responses to help inform our member services and shape our events and communications. The data is also helping us to understand the network better – and be able to tailor support to different member areas.
Survey findings
Overall, our members value the Network and are very satisfied with what's on offer. Members overwhelmingly indicated that they would recommend joining the SSN to other staff and colleagues. Our events ranked highest for value, followed by updates and news and support from professionals and on PBCCD reporting.
Internally, members reported changes in budget and resources are affecting their teams and areas. Many noted a reduction in staff and budget which has impacted environmental initiatives and actions across their organisation. Some organisations are using alternative funding sources to increase resources although this is not permanent.
Respondents highlighted the significance of having a safe space and community where they could seek reassurance, share challenges and best practice with open constructive discussions.
Looking ahead
Members are keen for events and support around key areas of governance and behaviour change. Other topics highlighted were workshops and regional networking events.
In addition, benchmarking and impact assessments are other key areas where members would like to see increased support. As is having a strong link to national government and briefings on policy development and changes.
What you told us
A selection of comments from respondents is listed below:
- “All of the above is so valuable. Hav[ing] a resource there to tap into of when you really need support is crucial. We all work in isolation at times and forget that there is excellent work happening across Scotland which we can tap into for advice and support. SSN provides the platform to do just that.”
- “The ability to speak to peers about bad news stories in a safe space, to learn from others experience and know that the failures are not unique to us, we all face similar challenges and barriers.”
- “SSN has been a really valuable source of support in delivering the climate change agenda in the public sector.”
- “I like that they… are always available to answer queries no matter how big or small.”
- “The ability to look beyond my own organisation and understand the national landscape more, both national government but also that look across all the other local authorities and where they are at. It gives me what I need to go back to my organisation and talk knowledgably and with authority.”
- “Provides a connection with the broader public sector that is otherwise lacking in my role.”
- “Personally, I've made good use of member events. It helps to underpin my own knowledge which in turn contributes to the capacity building within my organisation.”
Not a member yet?
What are you waiting for! Find out about joining our Network today – membership is free and open to all public sector employees including NHS Scotland, Universities and Colleges and other public bodies. Check out our membership details or email us on: info@sustainablescotlandnetwork.org