Improving communication and engagement

Later this month we’ll be launching our staff survey. It’s the first one we’ve done since before the pandemic, so you won’t need me to say just how much has changed in that time. I said when I took on the role that a key aspect for me is to improve communication and engagement with all our staff. In addition, as a result of the rising demand for services and the financial challenges all local authorities face, we can expect to see more change in the months and years ahead. These are among the reasons why we’re doing the survey now as part of our normal engagement work and why it’s vital you have the chance to speak up and, more importantly, you’re listened to and action is taken on your feedback. The survey is part of this wider engagement and will be a topic for consideration at my staff engagement group who next week will get a final chance to offer its thoughts on the final draft before publication. My thanks to Rhian Millar’s team and all those who’ve contributed to the process so far. Please let me know if you have any views on what we should be asking in the survey.

The staff engagement group will also be getting a presentation from an external company called My Money Matters, specialists in providing personal financial guidance and additional voluntary contribution (AVC) pension schemes for staff in public sector organisations like ours. We’re anticipating the outcome will be to help develop further our staff benefits offer for you to take advantage of. I will keep you posted.

Our elections team is in full swing planning for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on May 2. For the first time in Swansea voters going to the polls will need to take a form of ID with them such as a driving licence or passport. It’ll be an additional issue for staff to deal with and the elections team will be providing them with support. If you’re planning to vote and you want to know more about acceptable forms of ID please go to this link.

In a previous blog I’ve mentioned a new Naming Policy which enables us to name civic facilities in honour of those who’ve made a significant contribution to the life or history of our city. Yesterday we officially re-named the Gloucester Room in Guildhall the Lilian Hopkin Room after our first-ever female Lord Mayor. Lilian was a well-known figure in the council and contributed hugely to the communities she served over many years, so this recognition is well deserved.

Finally, while most of us will hopefully have had the chance for some time out over Easter, I’d like to thank all those who were on duty or on call over the holiday period ensuring essential services our residents depend on continued to be maintained.