Leaders from all over Fife came together to think about what the future holds for the region and how they can shape it. Examining a major question facing Fife, migrant labour, they considered the impact it is having on the region. Thirty of Fife's decision-makers heard from Mike Wilson, Chief Executive, of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, who explained the current controls on the employment of migrant workers, and the responsibility of employing organizations and employment agencies. Peter Wilson, Chief Constable of Fife Constabulary chaired the plenary session which explored the implications for businesses in Fife.

The event was organised by international leadership development organisation, Common Purpose, to launch its innovative programme called Focus, that brings together a diverse range of decision-makers from Fife's public, private and voluntary sectors, where they will spend time at a number of locations across the region and meet its key leaders in order to understand what makes it tick. Through this unique experience, leaders learn how to effectively network across sectors, and how to attain greater influence and produce change within and beyond their organisation by examining the wider context in which they operate.


Running in Fife for the fifth year, the Focus programme has made a significant impact on the region's leaders. Common Purpose Mid Scotland Programme Director Sharon Mylchreest said of the event: "The topic is quite controversial and one which is affecting an increasing number of sectors. This was a superb opportunity to promote discussion of this in Fife."

Peter Wilson who Chairs the Fife Common Purpose Advisory Group said: "It is clear to me that informed people make better decisions. Common Purpose is a unique organization that opens doors for developing leaders in the public, private and voluntary sector, and allows them to be better informed about the wider community in which they operate. The session on understanding emerging migrant labour issues is an excellent example of what Common Purpose is about."

(CD/JM)