City of Culture bid submitted
Yesterday evening the leaders of the political groups joined me and the City of Culture team in an event at Museum Green where our bid to the UK Government was submitted. There has been a huge wave of support in the city for this project and now we must wait for feedback and the visit from the judging panel next month.
The bid was launched electronically by community representatives and received in London by actor Rhys Ifans who delivered it to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Thanks to the team who have been working on this bid and for the cross-party support.
Director of Place
A large part of my week has been taken up with the recruitment process for the Director of Place which attracted interest from across the UK and beyond! Following a rigorous assessment centre and competitive interviews the six shortlisted candidates were whittled down to two. Following the Appointments Committee the Council yesterday appointed the current interim Director of Place, Martin Nicholls, to the post. I’m delighted with Martin’s appointment and look forward to working with him on the continued regeneration of the city. We’ll be discussing what changes need to be made to the management structure to deliver the core regeneration programmes of the council most effectively and efficiently.
Be the best you can be
Staff engagement is one of my personal priorities so I’m delighted we’re continuing to improve the ways we support staff and give them a voice. The annual staff survey is under way and I’d urge everyone to take the time to complete it – your feedback will be listened to – you can complete the survey here.
And we’re about to hold the Be the best you can be event for staff which is taking place at the National Waterfront Museum next Friday. There are plenty of activities and workshops for staff and it’d be great if we could fill all of the places. They include calligraphy, choir, digital photography and genius hour!
The aim is to get as many people as possible to attend the day, even if you just want to drop-in, so please try to come along. Further details are available here.
Outstanding service
This week we’re saying farewell to a number of long-serving colleagues who are well-known across the council. Rose McCreesh our Revenues and Benefits manager is retiring after almost 41 years’ service. Rose has led the transformation of our “rev and bens” team and she was recognised in 2002 when she was invited by The Prime Minister to a Downing Street reception for ‘turnaround managers’.
Lynne Miller our Pension Manager is leaving after 39 years, 38 of which have been in our Pensions Team, and we’ve all benefitted from her experience and professionalism.
Jon Thyer is retiring after almost 31 years. Jon started in the Treasurers’ Department and had numerous posts there before moving to Social Services in 2008.
And Phil Couch, who’s been instrumental in interpreting and steering us through the introduction of the Welsh Language Standards, is retiring to start a new life in France!
These are the latest long-serving and well-respected officers who’ve left the council in recent years. I’m so grateful to all of them for their outstanding public service. They’ll be missed but I wish them the very best for the future.
Benefit changes
Universal Credit (UC) will be introduced from December 13 in Swansea and initially affect benefits and tax credits for new claimants and those with changing circumstances. We’re raising awareness among staff at the earliest possible opportunity so they or their family members can begin planning for any financial impacts. The latest information can be found here.
Macmillan Cake Sale
Thank you to everyone who either baked or bought at yesterday’s cake sale in the Guildhall. There was a tremendous selection of cakes and bakes and I had Kath Banks’ amazing corned beef pie for lunch. Thank you everyone, £327 was raised for a great cause.
Well done and thank you
Our Team Around the Family (TAF) service has been shortlisted for honours in the Guardian Public Service Awards 2017. This initiative supports children – and significantly reduces pressure on the council – by empowering primary school staff to tackle early-stage social challenges faced by families. Well done to all involved and good luck at the awards in November.
Thanks to all staff who’ve been involved in the construction of new council homes at Milford Way in Penderry. Six of the 18 new properties will be soon be ready for occupation, with the other 12 likely to be handed over to tenants by the start of November.
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