External Advisor

Simon has worked in local government for over 22 years and has been with COSLA for 9.  Since the pandemic he has held a number of Chief Officer roles and is currently Chief officer for Children and Young People.  He first started with South Lanarkshire Council establishing their vocational development programme before holding a range of corporate roles responsible for equality and human rights, organisational development, consultation and engagement and complaints handling.

Initially Simon led the establishment of participatory budgeting across all 32 councils to enhance participative and deliberative democracy, he then led COSLAs response to the Local Governance Review working with government and councils to consider what transformational change can be created that will strengthen local democracy in all of its forms.  In his current role as Chief Officer for Children and Young People he leads a team supporting all aspects of national policy relating to improving the outcomes for young people through delivery of The Promise, education, early learning and childcare, children and families, child protection, suicide prevention and additional support needs.  

Throughout his career Simon has been passionate about democracy, ensuring fair and equal representation and rebuilding trust in our public institutions and the vital services delivered everyday.