Dear colleagues,

As I mentioned in my message on Wednesday, we have all responded quickly again to the new restrictions that will come into effect this evening. I would like to thank everyone for working at pace to ensure we are able to continue to provide priority services to our residents in a safe way. 

As another busy week draws to a close, I wanted to focus this message on staff wellbeing and some positive news stories that have come to my attention this week.

I met yesterday with all Heads of Service and the Strategic Leadership Team where we agreed to introduce a further range of wellbeing initiatives for all colleagues. 

Starting very soon, we will be offering a series of activities for staff to take part in, either during the day or in the evening, to support their health and wellbeing. There will be a range of activities offered at no cost to employees including:

• Yoga and stretching sessions;
• A book club;
• Hiit sessions;
• Nutritionist talks;
• A ‘We Make Good Happen’ workshop; and
• A monthly quiz.

Colleagues in HR will also be refreshing some of the resources we have on Staffnet+ and iDev to support those staff who are working from home. 

Keep an eye on Staffnet+ for more details and I will also keep you regularly updated. 

Continuing with the theme of health and wellbeing, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With fewer screenings taking place this year due to Covid-19, it is more important than ever to check your breasts. If you notice anything unusual or have any concerns about symptoms, please contact your GP straight away. The western shelter at Barry Island has been lit in pink this week to support and raise awareness of this important cause.

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our colleagues in Legal Services who have recently been re-accredited with the Lexcel practice quality standard for client care, compliance and practice management. The in-house service succeeded in achieving the accreditation despite difficult circumstances and an intense 3 day assessment by the Law Society. A very big well done to everyone involved. 

I am really pleased, too, that the team behind the Vale Parenting Service have been shortlisted for a Social Care Wales Accolade Award. They will be competing against two other local authorities in the Building Bright Futures with children and families category. The event will take place virtually on the 10th of November. I wish you the best of luck at the awards, my congratulations on being shortlisted and I hope it’s a successful event for the Vale of Glamorgan Council.  

I know the next two weeks will be challenging for many reasons, but if we are successful in slowing the spread of Coronavirus throughout Wales, we could see the introduction of less stringent national measures in the coming weeks. 

Please continue to be role models for our communities and observe the firebreak lockdown rules as an important step in our battle against coronavirus. 

The Leader has issued a statement this afternoon to our residents setting out what the restrictions mean and how the Council will again step-up to help those who need our support. We will also continue to step-up to support our colleagues. 

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and importantly for looking out for one another. 

Diolch yn fawr. Stay safe.

Rob