14 May 2021

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well as another busy week in the Vale of Glamorgan draws to a close. 

Over the past couple of weeks, I have talked about the work involved in preparing for and running an election. Whilst the dust has settled following a busy weekend of counting votes, I have one more round of thanks to share on behalf of Debbie Marles, Returning Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan, the South Wales Central Region and South Wales Police Area. This year there were a lot of added complexities to consider when running three simultaneous elections during the pandemic. In an email written earlier this week, Debbie thanked a number of staff for their ‘phenomenal support over the last few months’. Debbie added ‘all in all I was hugely impressed, grateful, proud and felt, when reflecting, a little emotional to be part of such a great Team, Team Vale.’  All those involved did us proud, despite significant challenges.  Da iawn a diolch yn fawr.  

Some of you may also have heard the sad news that we lost another colleague last week. Martin Garrett worked as one of our valued porters at the Civic Offices until early 2020, when he retired to continue to focus on his health and spend some precious time with his family. I’m very sorry to have to say that Martin passed away last Friday morning. Colleagues have written a tribute to him, which can be seen on Staffnet+ . Martin loved his role in the Council, and I don’t think it’s too strong to say that all of us in the Council loved him for his dedication, commitment and sense of pride in all he did. Martin was a true ambassador for the Vale of Glamorgan and will be sorely missed. At the request of his family, Martin’s funeral cortege will pass the Civic offices around 10:20am on 26 May. Staff who’d like to pay their respects are invited to stand at the Civic Offices forecourt. 

Cabinet Members, Cllr Lis Burnett and Cllr Peter King were delighted to be able to visit Oakfield Primary School this week. Oakfield pupils recently wrote to Cabinet to inform them of some problems that they had identified within their local community whilst out on a recent walk. Lis and Peter were treated to a tour of the school yesterday morning, followed by a snack prepared by pupils and presentations by pupils from years 4, 5 and 6, which were by all accounts, brilliant.  

Officers have taken on board the pupils' ideas and suggestions and we hope to be able to work together over the coming months to find solutions to the issues identified. Cllrs Burnett and King were also very impressed by the Big Bocs Bwyd and Cadfield initiatives – where local families can access a fresh and healthy range of foods whilst ‘paying what they can manage’. I look forward to hearing more about your project over the coming weeks. On behalf of our Cabinet members and officers, diolch yn fawr for your hospitality.  

Next week will see a further easing of restrictions across Wales, as the hospitality sector opens its doors to patrons dining indoors for the first time since last December. From Monday, up to six people will be able to meet at a café, bar or restaurant and sit inside. The hospitality sector has been gearing up for this change for the past few weeks and I’m certain our Joint Enforcement Team will be visiting indoor venues to support the safe reopening of these venues, ensure all guidelines are adhered to, to safeguard the safety of patrons and staff. If you plan on eating out over the next few weeks, please ensure you also adhere to the safety requirements. 

Finally, there are a number of national campaigns that we have been supporting this month, including Foster Care Fortnight, Mental Health Awareness Week, IDAHOBIT and Black Inclusion Week. You can find out more about all of these initiatives on Staffnet or by following the Council’s social media channels.  

I hope you all enjoy your weekends. Take care and stay safe. 

Diolch yn fawr,

Rob.