16 October 2020

Dear colleagues,

I’m sure you will have heard an increasing amount about discussions around a possible “circuit break” being introduced in Wales by Welsh Government in response to continued rises in coronavirus cases in the country. It is our understanding that the Welsh Government is considering whether this is required and may provide further information about the approach during today’s lunch time briefing or during the course of the day. 

The Leader and I met with the First Minister and other Ministers yesterday alongside other local authority Leaders and Chief Executives to consider and discuss the current position in Wales and the options open to the Welsh Government in attempting to arrest the growth in the spread of covid-19.  It is clear that one of the options receiving very serious consideration is a so called ‘circuit break’ and a return to national restrictions for a period of time, potentially 2 to 3 weeks. Immediately following the meeting with the First Minister, we met as a Strategic Leadership Team to consider the implications for the organisation and also our communities and residents that rely on our services. Much will depend on the path that is followed nationally, and I will update you further once we have more information. 

For now, and until you hear otherwise, please remember that local restrictions introduced in September remain in place in the Vale of Glamorgan and in our neighbouring authority areas. Please, therefore, continue to adhere to them by not travelling outside of your home county unless essential, and only meeting people from outside of your immediate household when outdoors. We all have responsibility to take these actions and by doing so we are helping each other, our families and our communities to stay safe. 

It is essential that whilst we are working in such unusual circumstances, we must prioritise our wellbeing. Please remember to take regular breaks throughout the day. As the evenings get darker please remember that it is acceptable and very important to make time during the day to take a break and exercise. Staffnet+ contains a host of information on wellbeing and I would encourage all colleagues to take a look.  

As half term approaches, I am mindful that parents will again be balancing the demands of childcare with work. Please remember that when working from home, you can work flexibly around your family’s needs.  

As a local authority we have responded extremely well to the challenges that this pandemic has presented over the past seven months and I have every faith that we will continue to do so for as long as responsive action is required.  

You will have seen news this week that four of our colleagues have been recognised for their service during the pandemic. School Administration Officer Deborah Crow, Social Worker Louise Jones, Social Services Regional Coordinator Sharon Miller and School Caretaker Adam Clode all received the recognition as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and I would again like to take the opportunity to congratulate them for their tremendous work. These honours show the very real difference and value our work makes to our communities.

In the same way, it is incredibly pleasing to see our Parks team again being recognised for their excellent work with the Council’s parks attracting ten green flag awards again this year. The Vale of Glamorgan is known for our excellent outdoor spaces and the importance of these is particularly important during the current time. 

I would like to thank you all sincerely for continuing to work as efficiently as you do and for balancing the demands of everyday service delivery with the challenges that Covid-19 presents. We must continue to work together to keep our communities safe.  

I will keep you informed, as always, as the situation develops and it is extremely likely that you will hear from me again in a matter of days on the next steps as we continue to deal with this pandemic. Stay safe. 

Diolch yn fawr, 
Rob Thomas