Organisations in the public, private and third sectors have all had to cope with new working practices driven by the COVID pandemic. Almost overnight, organisations, teams and individuals have had to move to remote virtual working and to remain that way for most of a year. While trying to continue to fulfil their roles – or learning new ones in response to emergency – staff have been expected to deliver for consumers and customers while also coping with the isolation and disorientation of remote home working.

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Public finances have changed dramatically in just a few months. Public spending and debt is rising enormously as a consequence of the impact of coronavirus. As lockdown recedes and the emergency measures associated with coronavirus come to an end, the business of delivering core public services remains.

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The 6th Annual Scottish Transport Conference examines how Scottish transport can meet four core challenges:

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This conference discusses the development of open government in Scotland's public bodies and services against the backdrop of the current and next Open Government in Scotland Action Plan published by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Open Government Network. It considers the roles of deliberative democracy, accountability, digital empowerment and co-production in decision making about the shape and funding of public services. It focuses on these opportunities in the context of ambitions on social justice, climate change and achieving net zero and in the immediate challenge of coronavirus pandemic and all its consequences for government and society.

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All of society has been impacted by coronavirus but for some the epidemic has presented criminal opportunity. Fraud - in and associated with the public sector - is a permanent challenge to both the integrity of public finances and to the delivery of public services of the highest standard. Recognised longer term fraud risks remain to be fought. Meanwhile new risks are emerging as systems, practices and public resources are adapted and reshaped to focus on trying to prevent and eradicate the threat of coronavirus.

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This online conference examines the Scottish Government’s implementation of the new Planning Act, what needs to happen for the Act to meet its original objectives for planning in Scotland and which issues remain to be defined in order to give full effect to the content of the Act.

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All of society has been impacted by coronavirus but those most affected are vulnerable older people and particularly those requiring care, either at home or in a care home setting. Providing protection and prevention has been a complex, delicate and extended task, but it is only one side of the equation. What have we learned during the coronavirus response so far about best practice in care? What are the challenges in delivering quality of life - as well as sustaining life - for older people during coronavirus and in the ‘new normal’?

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Huge government deficits are being created in order to fund the vast range of support required to keep the economy afloat. How will this debt be paid for in the short, medium and long term and what is the best way to ensure that the associated expenditure most effectively supports the economy, households and a return to growth?

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Scotland’s child and adolescent mental health services were the focus of a transformation strategy prior to the emergence of coronavirus and the impact of lengthy lockdown. The aim was to deliver the recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Children and Young People’s Mental Health for a new focus on prevention and early intervention and better joined-up and seamless general support. How has coronavirus affected reaching these objectives, what are the mental health effects of the crisis and where do we go next in trying to support hard to reach children and young people?

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Being able to access business files from any location and on any device is more important than ever. Doing this securely is crucial. Whether we work in an office, remotely or are constantly moving around having smooth access to files, communications and company news can be achieved with OneDrive and SharePoint.

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