Transformation through Collaboration: September 2026 update
The Transformation through Collaboration Board met on 16 September and agreed the next steps for two new projects: Environmental Health and Trading Standards, and Roads, Transportation, Land, Waste and Fleet Services. Members also discussed recruitment and procurement across the programme and heard how earlier projects are progressing.
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils have agreed what the Environmental Health and Trading Standards project will cover. It will look at where the three services can support each other, retain specialist skills and respond better when demand rises or staff are difficult to recruit. It will also examine staffing, digital systems, service demand, consistency and value for money.
The team will first map how the three services currently operate, then assess the benefits, costs and risks of different options.
Roads, Transportation, Land, Waste and Fleet Services
The Board also examined a larger project covering Roads and Transportation, Land and Estates Management, Waste and Fleet Services in Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils. It will look at how the councils can share staff, skills, systems, assets and facilities, strengthen workforce resilience, reduce duplication and improve procurement and fleet management.
Current arrangements will now be mapped to identify practical options for closer working.
Public service reform and what it could mean for us
The Board discussed the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026 to 2031. It includes plans to reshape public services by organisations working together, prevent problems earlier and cut repeated work.
It is still too early to know exactly what public service reform will look like in practice. The work already under way through Transformation through Collaboration will provide practical evidence of where councils can work together to make services stronger, more sustainable and better for communities. The Programme for Government recognises this approach as one that others across Scotland can learn from and build on. The Scottish Government are currently engaging with stakeholders on the content and implications of the wider Programme for Government.
Joint Staff Forum
The Board heard feedback from the Joint Staff Forum meeting on 26 August. Employees and Trade Union representatives had asked for clearer information, so recent meetings have focused more closely on each project and what is happening across the programme. That approach will continue as detailed proposals are prepared. The next Forum meeting is on 6 October.
Moving towards the first business cases
Work continues on the projects launched earlier this year: Revenues and Benefits, Emergency Planning and Resilience, Internal Audit and Fraud, and Governance.
The first business cases are now being developed. Once complete, any recommendations that need approval will go to the councils for elected members to decide.
Chief Executive Kenneth Lawrie said:
It is encouraging that the Scottish Government has pointed to this work as something others in Scotland can learn from. There is already a lot of good work happening across the three councils, and these projects give us a real opportunity to build on it.
“The people who deliver these services every day know them best. Their experience will help us understand what works well, where the pressures are and where working together could make the biggest difference.
“We will take the time to get this right, look carefully at the evidence and make sure any proposals improve services for the people who rely on them.
Employees with questions should speak to their line manager in the first instance or email collaboration@falkirk.gov.uk.