A key to delivering successful services is undoubtedly staff engagement and involvement.
At CMT this week we had a first look at the summary results from the latest staff survey. The response rate at about 25% seems low to me, but is typical of this type of survey. A couple of things struck a chord with me from these summary results. Firstly, there remains a significant number of people who highlight bullying and harassment, despite our adoption of a zero tolerance approach some years ago. I’d urge people with concerns to raise them with their line manager. Or failing that you can raise concerns with HR, a trade union or a colleague. I was also concerned to see that around 30% of people reported not knowing about changes that may affect them. The survey results will be broken down by area and discussed at Leadership Team. Each Head of Service will need to show how they’re going to act on the issues arising in their area. Thanks to all who took the time to respond.
The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has a particular interest in Looked after Children (LAC). Consequently, he’s set up a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) which is tasked with reviewing services for LAC across Wales with a particular emphasis on driving down numbers and cost, whilst maintaining safeguarding as the primary aim. The MAG visited Swansea this week, the second of the 22 visits it is undertaking. The visit was to hear what we are doing locally, challenge us and seek to ensure we’re doing the best we can. Dave Howes (Director) and Julie Thomas (Head of Service) led the discussions from a Swansea perspective and were impressive in terms of their knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm. They were both totally focussed on delivering the best outcomes for children and were ably supported by their team.
When I was in the authority previously, change, innovation and improvement in these services was driven, to a significant degree, by the intervention we suffered in 2008. I was massively impressed to see that the level of innovation and change has continued at pace. It is very much driven by the team and their commitment to the task. There are of course other high performing teams across the Council and it’s important we learn from them all.
On a lighter note, I’d forgotten the extent to which the Guildhall has become a popular film set until I was reminded by Fran Jenkins this week. Some of you will know that “Dr Who” and “Keeping Faith” have used the venue recently. And Channel 4 will be here again in June. These events do of course generate income for the Council, but we also seek to minimise disruption for staff. Similarly, thank you to our Countryside Access Team and in particular Steve Parry for assisting with the filming of the BBC series Weatherman Walking which will showcase our coast when it’s aired a week today.
Whilst I was beavering away in CMT on Wednesday the official opening of Pentrehafod Comprehensive School took place. There are too many people to mention within the Council, at the school and at our contractor partners to mention individuality. So thanks to all involved. Major investment has and is being made in our schools and we hope the investment helps to deliver the improvement in outcomes for children and young people that we all desire.
When I left the Council in 2016 I was acutely aware of my passing years, since returning I am reminded of it on an almost daily basis! I joined the City Council in 1989 and met Huw Morgan around that time, some 11 years after he joined the Council. Huw leaves us this week as he retires. Huw will be missed not only as a valued colleague and friend but also due to his vast experience and expertise. He has many talents including expertise in the areas of water quality, contaminated land and health to mention but a few. He’s particularly contributed to Swansea’s role in public health research and has represented us on many national groups. I wish Huw well and I’m sure so will all those who have worked with him.
