I hope those of you who took time off over the festive period had a great break. For those of you who worked through it I want to repeat my thanks. There were a number of incidents to deal with during the holiday period, many caused by the horrible weather we experienced.
I must say a huge thank you to all those involved in responding to the crisis caused by water leaks at the Grand Theatre. There are too many people to mention but staff at the theatre and colleagues in corporate building and property services and ICT went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the theatre re-opened within 24 hours of the leak. It was a tremendous effort and demonstrates their total commitment to the old adage that “the show must go on”.
Hats off also to all the front line officers who helped clear up after this week’s storms and floods. Keeping the city moving and safe in the face of violent storms is no mean feat but they achieved it once again and we should all be grateful for that.
Corporate Management Team
On Wednesday CMT met to discuss a number of issues including an update on this year’s budget monitoring. Whilst we’ve made significant progress we’re still heading for an overall overspend this year and so a reminder that the current spending restrictions remain in force is timely. We also considered a report on corporate risks, including financial ones, and we’ll be working with Cabinet Members to agree these next week. We also discussed the current challenges of regional collaboration and the potential for a change of direction by Welsh Government that will need some detailed discussion with councillors over the coming weeks and months. The Leader and I are meeting the new minister next week so I’ll update you on any developments.
On Thursday the Leadership Team worked on a range of topics including our Organisational Development and Commercial strategies. I’ve mentioned previously that the best way to protect jobs and sustain frontline services is to become a more commercial organisation and to look for new ways to generate income.
New Year’s Honours
I was delighted to hear Sue Hollister, former Head Teacher at Cefn Hengoed School, was awarded the MBE. It’s a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding achievements in education and her contribution to improving outcomes for thousands of our children and young people. I was also delighted that Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott, Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Microbiology at Swansea University, was awarded the OBE for services to microbiology and the advancement of women in science and engineering. I’ve worked with Hilary on a number of projects including the Swansea Science Festival and the Soapbox Science events I’ve mentioned in previous blogs.
Congratulations
You may have read on StaffNet that Laura Collins and the Foster Swansea team held a collection for food banks at the Child and Family staff development day in December. They collected enough food to feed 375 people this Christmas which is a fantastic achievement. Thanks to all who took part.
Hi Phil,
I’d like to say a massive thanks to our Refuse department as they have done a fantastic job over the Christmas period. They have an incredibly difficult job at the best of times but Christmas when we are all consuming a considerable amount more in terms of waste, plastics, cardboard, etc it must be even more so.
I agree. I’d like to thank the recycling and waste team and all those who were working over the festive period.