[Mark Farmer]

I am willing and would like to take on a staff placement.

Luton is a very short journey from London! (20mins)

[Ed Hammond]

That's an interesting idea Dave - I hadn't thought of that.

I suspect that people will be keener to be physically present in the authority but that may not be the case. It's definitely an option.

[Matthew Garrard]

Ed we'd be delighted to offer a placement

[Ed Hammond]

Hi all (and Happy New Year) - quick update on this.

This week I will be sending out a short form, as previously advised, to all those who have so far expressed an interest. This will also go up on the website.

There is no deadline for completing the form, but it would be helpful if I could have completed forms by around 22 January, given that purdah starts in March and time will need to be taken both to match people up and for you to engage in some preliminary discussions with those on placements before they arrive.

The idea of a "virtual" placement is one that I can moot with the Commons but they may not be hugely enthusiastic as I think that it is the practical, day-to-day experience of local authority work which will be the most useful element.

I hope to send the forms out midweek.