Next week we are launching this year’s staff survey. I’m getting in touch with heads of service shortly to let them know it’s coming, but it’s really important that you take action and join in the conversation too. This can be done individually or as part of your normal team briefing session. We want to know what you think about your job, the council, how we engage with you and how you think we can do things better. As with all our staff surveys, we will act on what we learn from you. I’ll be coming back to this in more depth next week but for now, please keep an eye out for the survey on staffnet and for those without IT access please speak to your supervisor or manager.
Yesterday Cabinet approved the Successful and Sustainable Swansea Corporate Transformation Plan annual report. It sets out how the council will deliver its priorities between now and 2028. It may seem a dry subject and an issue a long way from you working on the frontline delivering your service to residents every day. But it is worth looking at because it highlights how improvements you have delivered have made a real difference to the people we serve. For example, our teams in social care have made real strides to cut waiting times for people needing domiciliary care and social workers in children’s services have changed working practices to spend even more time with children and families who need them. If you know of friends or families who might one day need that kind of support, it’s reassuring news. The report spotlights other similar transformation stories from across the council as we also stay on track to make essential budget savings in a difficult financial environment.
I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that a key part of my appraisal is about reputation and my role to help deliver positive stories that promote our reputation to existing and new audiences. That’s why I was really pleased to be at a South Wales Constructing Excellence event earlier this week with the leader, raising the profile of our achievements in supporting local development so far and highlighting future opportunities for construction businesses from across the region.
I was very pleased that yesterday Full Council agreed to name a courtyard at 71/72 Kingsway ‘Mowbray’s Yard’ after our friend and colleague Huw Mowbray, who sadly passed away last year. You can find out more here. I’m sure you’ll agree it is a fitting tribute to someone who did so much to create the city centre skyline we see around us today that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come. Further details will be confirmed once the development is completed.
Earlier this week myself and our director of Place Mark Wade paid a visit to see manager Darren Cox and the team responsible for our award-winning indoor market. I witnessed how busy and buoyant the market is and was updated about plans for the future. My thanks to Darren and the city centre team for looking after the market so well. If you’d like me to visit your workplace, do get in touch.
Today I will be attending new Lord Mayor Cllr Paxton Hood-Williams’ inauguration at the Brangwyn Hall in front of an audience of councillors, their families, friends and guests. Cllr Wendy Fitzgerald will also be inaugurated as deputy Lord Mayor for the coming year. My congratulations to them both. My thanks also to Cllr Graham Thomas for his service as our city’s Lord Mayor and civic ambassador over the last 12 months. If you want to watch the event click on this link at 2pm and follow the instructions to the Ceremonial Council.
Finally I want to congratulate Keith Morris, one of our highways supervisors, who has been recognised for his bravery following the Morriston gas explosion last year. I and senior leaders thanked Keith at the time, but he has now received the South Wales Police Chief Superintendent’s Divisional Commendation for Bravery in its annual local policing awards. The citation says the award is in recognition of his bravery, selflessness and quick-thinking in entering the scene of the explosion on three separate occasions to rescue a female and protect lives. Well done Keith, you are a credit to us all.
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