Hidden Assets

Lats week we held the first full Board Meeting for the Yorkshire and Humber Public Sector Network. The meeting was succesful and we moved forward in establishing the Project Framework and took some key decisions. More significantly the baseline surveys are rolling in from the 22 Councils in Y&H and it feels like we are now really moving forward. Of course, there is a lot to do and we need greater engagement from the wider public sector if we are to achieve our aims. We are undertaking a more detailled study around West Yorkshire (Leeds and Kirlees Councils), Police and Blue Light Services and if possible Transport and Health.

The Board meeting was held in the slightly unusual setting of Leeds Art Gallery (it has a newly refurbished conference centre) and I took some time after the meeting to look around the Gallery. I particulalrly enjoyed the sculptures - important works from Henry Moore, Dame Barbara Hepworth and my personal favorite The Brick Man by Anthony Gormley. The Leeds collection is second only to the Tate in the UK.

Prior to the meeting I met up with collegues in the cafe located in 'The Tiled Room'. This is an absoltely stunning room restored in 2007 when it was previsouly covered with shelving. The Gallery and Tiled Room only go to show what assets Councils may own. If you have a spare hour in Leeds then I'd urge you to visit the Gallery or even just the Cafe which is a lot better than the usual Costa Coffee or Starbucks. Good food in stunning surroundings and unusually plenty of room. (Unfortunately no WiFi connection available when I attended). Its located next to the Town Hall. Map and further information here http://www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery/default.aspx