Dear Colleagues,

As we near the end of the Autumn season, we are approaching possibly the most challenging winter months in recent memory.  I wanted to use my message this week to keep you informed of our continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to share some of our more positive news stories from the past week. 

Whilst we continue to hear encouraging news about the availability of Coronavirus vaccines, there is a lot of work to be done to make arrangements for the vaccine to be available to the most vulnerable in our communities and key frontline workers. It is hoped that Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan University Health Board may be in a position to roll out a vaccine to the first people who would be eligible before Christmas. I will keep you informed as this rapidly changing situation develops and am grateful to colleagues both in the Council and the Health Board for their work in this arena. 

Whilst news of an effective vaccine is very positive, we must bear in mind that for the majority of the population this is a long way off. In the meantime, we must continue to think carefully about our actions and adhere to the current restrictions in place. 

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus within our schools, care homes and communities are still at higher levels than we would like to see, and we all have a part to play in protecting one another and keeping our communities safe. 

This year has been extremely challenging for all of us in a number of ways. It is with this in mind that my Senior Leadership Colleagues and I are always looking for ways to recognise and thank our staff. I’m pleased, therefore, to be able to share a new appreciation page that has been developed on Staffnet+. This page not only allows managers to thank our staff but also gives our workforce an opportunity to pay tribute to each other. Anyone with access to Staffnet+ can submit a message of thanks or a ‘shout out’ to a colleague and I would encourage you all to do so. I know from the replies that I regularly receive to this message that a simple acknowledgement, thank you or ‘shout-out’ goes a long way and is always appreciated.

This week We Care Wales are celebrating colleagues working in all areas of social services. The examples that they have shared highlight the rewarding nature of a career in social care. We have submitted some examples of our own to be featured on their website and social media feeds, so please keep an eye out for some familiar faces. 

I’m pleased also to hear that the Your Wellbeing/ Eich Iechyd initiative is progressing well, with some of the sessions held this week at full capacity. This programme will continue to develop over the coming months so please keep visiting the Your Wellbeing / Eich Iechyd hub on Staffnet+ for the latest news. Next week a financial wellbeing session will be hosted through the Learning Café. This will take place on Thursday 26 November at 11am. Participants are asked to book their place prior to the session and also fill in a quick confidential survey to inform the topics covered in the session. For anyone who is unable to make this session, one to one consultations are also available on the 3rd, 4th and 7th of December. I’d like to thank the wellbeing champions and project team for their work in pulling this initiative together and keeping the project moving forward. 

Thank you all for your continued efforts in difficult circumstances. I know it has been a long 8 months and I appreciate all the work you have done to keep this organisation moving forward and delivering vital services. 

Stay safe. 

Diolch yn fawr.

Rob