On Monday we held our second Smart & Connected Cities conference to engage some key partners. Around 50 delegates attended from private, public and academic sectors including seven of our digital leaders from schools. The aim was to:
- Raise awareness of developing digital technologies, what 5G will mean and what the Internet of Things (IoT) applications might be.
- Develop an outline vision for a Smart City.
- Start discussions with businesses on their needs and aspirations for digital connectivity, business support, skills and infrastructure.
The Leader, Councillor Rob Stewart opened the conference and reminded the audience that Swansea played a central role in the industrial revolution and now stands on the brink of a new age of technology where we can once again lead the world in innovation and creativity. Julie James AM set out the Welsh Government’s ambition to work with councils to deliver the City Deal and the digital projects that underpin it. Mike Galvin, who’s working for the City Region on the development of a digital strategy, explained what 5G technology is and how we’re preparing to install the infrastructure to enable it.
This was followed by a fascinating presentation from Professor Matt Jones, Head of the College of Science at Swansea University. Matt focussed on the human aspects of these new technologies and the Internet of Things. It’s important to recognise the impacts of technology on citizens and the risks and benefits arising from it. Finally, Infosys, our technology partners, delivered their presentation on what the Smart City might look like and how it might support our citizens.
The presentations were well received and the conference, organised excellently once again by Rhys Curtis, was a great success. We must now await the response to our bid to DCMS for the 5G connected cities fund which will enable us to connect the city and region with a state of the art fibre network.
Senior Management Review
My report on the review of our senior management structure is now published and will be considered by Council on June 21. It’s important we reduce senior management costs to invest in front-line services whilst retaining resilience to deal with the growing challenges of regional collaboration and austerity. If Council approves the report then, subject to consultation, I’ll progress the proposals as quickly as possible to minimise disruption and ensure organisational stability.
Scrutiny
On Monday evening I gave my presentation to the annual scrutiny work planning conference chaired by Councillor Mary Jones. The conference then considered what topics would be most appropriate for scrutiny this year, facilitated by Brij Madahar and our scrutiny team who did an excellent job. Scrutiny is a critical process in local government so thanks to all involved.
Inspection time
I mentioned recently the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will undertake an inspection of our Children’s Services in July. This week CMT received its regular report on performance in Children’s Services and updates on staff communication from the Head of Service, Julie Thomas, and Gemma Whyley, project manager. Safeguarding is our most important priority and despite the major challenges facing our social work teams we continue to make progress and I’m grateful to all staff who deliver this essential service. I, along with other colleagues and councillors, will be interviewed as part of this process in the coming weeks and I‘ll say more about this.I was particularly impressed by the staff communication work undertaken in the past year and I’ve asked Gemma to come to our next Leadership Team meeting to see whether there are lessons for other areas in ensuring staff communication is consistent and effective.
Lagoon
Well it‘s been another week of to-ing and fro-ing on the lagoon with the UK Government planning and cancelling announcements and unfortunately creating more confusion than clarity. Interestingly, the Welsh Pension Panel considered the lagoon as an infrastructure investment earlier this week and were supportive in principle, providing agreement can be reached on the strike price. We anticipate there’ll be an announcement next week so thanks to all who’ve expressed their support for the project to date.
Successful futures
More than 30 schools and 1,000 pupils have been taking part in a creative-thinking project where they design and make their own product. And today pupils will set up a stall in Castle Gardens to sell their products. There’ll then be Grand Final held at National Waterfront Museum on July 9 where pupils will present their business plans, profit/loss figures and evaluations and receive awards. Well done to all the pupils and staff involved.
All that Jazz
Yesterday evening I attended the launch of the 5th Swansea International Jazz Festival which is supported by our events team. This event goes from strength to strength and kicked-off with Laurence Cottle’s Big Band. Lawrence, Swansea born and bred, is one of the world’s top bass guitarists and a great example of the cultural talent produced and developed here. It was an amazing evening and I hope many of you will come down to the marina area this weekend to enjoy the programme, much of which is free.
Congratulations
Janet Waldron, headteacher at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. This honour follows last month’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru ceremony where Janet was named Headteacher of the Year in Wales.