This week CMT had an update on our continuing review of our HR policies. There’s a lot of them and they influence our working lives every day. They’re there to support you in your work and they need to comply with current legislation, reflect our values and behaviours and support our corporate objectives, including wellbeing, equality and effective delivery of services. The policies provide a robust framework for managing key aspects of employment, including recruitment, performance, and employee relations. They ensure clarity for managers and employees, promoting best practice across all service areas. CMT’s briefing included a schedule of what’s coming up over the next six months or so. It includes a refresh of policies ranging from capability and secondary employment to family friendly and early retirement and redundancy. It was really good to hear about the momentum behind the overall review and the positive engagement there is with trade unions on these issues through the joint consultative committee. My thanks to all involved, particularly Amy Hutchings and the HR team. This is valuable work demonstrating our determination to be a modern, forward-looking organisation people want to be part of that’s fair and consistent with its workforce. I’ll keep you posted on progress.
Homelessness is a major issue for communities right across the UK, and it’s no different in Swansea. However, alongside our partners, we are helping lead the way with innovative approaches that support homeless people taking steps towards a more secure, hopeful future and a permanent home. The latest example is the opening this week of Llys Glas, a 68-room temporary accommodation on Orchard Street that offers a real chance for change, compared to dispiriting bed-and-breakfast places. Read more about it here. We’re also working with Codi (formerly Pobl) on developing the former Sun Alliance building on St Helen’s Road into similar accommodation in the future. As a council, we should be proud of our commitment and expertise supporting vulnerable people to make the most of their lives. My thanks go to our housing and homelessness teams for their work in this challenging environment.
On Monday evening I attended the Swansea Area Committee of One Voice Wales. I presented an overview about our priorities and how they link with the valuable work committee members do at the heart of their communities. It was a very good session and an opportunity for me to understand a little more about their priorities too. I was also very pleased to hear direct such positive feedback about our frontline services and the support we provide to our communities. My thanks to all involved.
Later this month our climate change and nature recovery teams are launching a recruitment drive for staff to join our growing band of Climate and Nature Champions. You can be part of it by going along to an information event on January 28 in Committee Room 3A at Guildhall between 10am and noon. Email Jane Richmond, our Project Manager for Strategic Climate Change for more information.
Congratulations to the hard-working team at the Grand Theatre for another brilliant effort with the festive panto that took its final curtain-call on January 4. The panto attracted more than 34,000 theatre-goers, which is a great result. If you are into forward planning, tickets for next year’s show are already on sale!
Finally, don’t forget our budget consultation has started. As a resident or a member of staff, please take time out to have your say. Thanks.
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