Safeguarding is our top priority

We all know safeguarding is the council’s top priority and it is everyone’s responsibility. Of course that goes especially for our social services teams, and is why the latest CIW (Care Inspectorate Wales) in-depth review of our adult services is a reassuring one. Inspections of this kind are very challenging – as they should be – so it was good to see CIW recognising so many examples of positive practice and commitment by our staff. I was able to hear first-hand the initial feedback from the Inspectors who have said they could see benefits emerging from the adult services’ transformation plan that focuses on prevention, early help, enabling independence and prioritising resources. As always, there are important learning points arising from the report, and these are already being addressed by our teams. My thanks to Dave Howes, Amy Hawkins, Helen St John and all the teams in adult services for going the extra mile every day for the people they support. Your work enhances the council’s reputation in our communities and also demonstrates the importance of effective transformation programmes. Well done to everyone.

One part of my appraisal is about supporting regeneration, job creation and employment. So I was pleased to catch up with colleagues in the Swansea Skills Partnership group earlier this week. Supporting skills, vocational opportunities and apprenticeships among young people so they can benefit from all the regeneration and wider employment opportunities going on in Swansea has always been of particular interest to me. It was a really good session and it was great to see the progress we’re making alongside our partners, including the two universities, the Careers Service and Gower College Swansea. On the subject of appraisals, don’t forget they’re mandatory and everyone should have had one by now. If you’ve not had yours, please speak to your manager right away.

On Tuesday I went on a visit to meet the trust that looks after Penllergare Valley Woods with joint deputy leader Andrea Lewis to hear about their plans and see the progress on their current project of bringing back into use the historic walled garden. It’s a popular attraction and well worth a visit. On our visit, we were told the trust is really grateful for support from our teams in areas like technical advice, tourism, highways and parks to improve the look and feel of the place and natural environment. It’s a good example of how your work enables groups to deliver on our nature and climate change priorities that benefit all our communities. Thank you to all those involved.

Another great example of joint working that supports our priorities in areas like safeguarding, enabling communities and education was the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the National Waterfront Museum on Wednesday. It’s a collaboration between the museum and our Early Years, Early Help team and other community organisations. Around 1,000 local children and their families came along to pick up ideas and advice while also having a grand day out. My thanks to the teams involved– the energy and enthusiasm among your young guests was great to see.

Consultation has opened on our regional transport plan, a collaboration with our neighbouring councils, looking at bus, rail and road transport in our area as well as improvements for walking and cycling routes. It will affect all our futures, so please take the opportunity to have your say here.

Thank you again to our Special Events team, highways, our cleansing teams and everyone else involved for a fantastic effort at last weekend’s Ironman 70.3 event, just a week after the airshow. Yesterday, tonight and tomorrow they’re busy again supporting some great nights of music at Singleton Park. These occasions put Swansea on the map, generate millions of pounds for businesses, support jobs and continue to promote the council’s reputation for brilliant event management.