Regular blog readers will know that rewarding and recognising your achievements is really important to me. There’s a lot of really great work being done across services every day and I know this because I’m often tipped off about it so I can highlight it in my blog. That’s why I’m really pleased we’re now launching our reward and recognition initiative. You can find out more about it here. But its key point is that anyone in the council can now nominate a colleague or a team to be recognised for their commitment or achievements that reflect our values. Please get nominating now.
On Monday I was privileged to be at the Swansea Cenotaph with the Lord Mayor, Leader and many others for this year’s Armistice Day commemorations. My thanks to all our teams who work behind the scenes supporting the Royal British Legion and others, ensuring that in Remembrance Week our focus is on veterans, our armed forces and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Yesterday I attended the Pathways to Work celebration event at Swansea.com stadium. The scheme makes a real difference in people’s lives, providing critical support to long-term unemployed or economically inactive people looking to take steps back into the world of work. When they don’t know where to turn for help, they come to us and our team offer them hope, dignity and opportunities to make the most of their futures. My thanks to everyone involved in making it a success.
At the Brangwyn Hall this week our Lifelong Learning Service was also celebrating the achievements of adult learners. The day included an exhibition showcasing the energy, enthusiasm and success stories of hundreds of local residents who had the chance to learn new skills, thanks to the Adult Learning Partnership Swansea (ALPS). These two events in the same week highlight how our teams are making a real difference to people’s lives in our communities. My thanks to all involved for their commitment.
Last night at Brangwyn Hall the local tourism industry was out in force to celebrate another year of achievements at the Swansea Bay Tourism Awards. Tourism businesses, events and organisations generate £600m for the local economy and support almost 5,500 jobs, so they have a lot to be proud of. It was great to see our own Wales Airshow team pick up the award for the best event and Glynn Vivian Art Gallery secure the best attraction accolade. Congratulations to all the winners and my thanks to the tourism team for laying on such a great event.
Another great event coming this weekend is Sunday’s Christmas Parade, the traditional festive curtain-raiser that attracts tens of thousands of people to the city centre from all over South Wales. Apart from being a brilliant spectacle for all the family, it’s a vital shop window for our retail and hospitality businesses at their busiest time of year. Thank you to the Special Events team, our highways staff and other council staff for getting the Christmas countdown underway.
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