On 28th and 29th January I chaired what we have affectionately called our ‘Dragon’s Den;’ a panel of four: Suzanne Lowden (CEC), Liz Simpson (NHS Lothian), Ian Brooke (EVOC) and myself.

The panel met to listen to 10 organisations presenting on their innovative ideas to address the strategic priorities of the EIJB; having been shortlisted  from a total of 49 who had applied. Hearing directly from the organisations themselves certainly brought their ideas to life and there were great discussions between the organisations and the dragons on the ideas, risks involved , target groups etc. Some time of reflection is now required before the panel meets again next week to decide to whom to award the money. We are hoping that the ideas will really be tests of change and deliver transformation and improvement to the way we do things currently in Edinburgh.

Watch this space for more details when the successful applicants are announced towards the middle of February.
Stephanie-Anne Harris