Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well at the end of another busy week.

This week marked the second Covid-19 National Day of Reflection. At dusk, the Western and Eastern shelters were lit at Barry Island, and I’m sure you will have all been able to spend some time reflecting on the challenges that we have all faced, both professionally and personally over the last 2 years.

Not only is the memorial day an opportunity to remember those no longer with us, but it’s also an opportunity to remember and be grateful to the phenomenal efforts of all our staff and colleagues over the last two years. I’d like to use this message to again  pay tribute to all your efforts during what has been an unprecedented period with significant challenges. 

The dedication and commitment of our workforce has been obvious for all to see and the way different teams have stepped up to support those that needed our help has been remarkable.  You should all be very proud of what you have achieved, individually and collectively. Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi i gyd.  Thank you to everyone.

Today Welsh Government has announced that although restrictions are due to ease once again on Monday, the virus remains prevalent.  With this in mind, there will be no significant change to our approach in so far as our workplaces are concerned. 

It remains advisable to wear a face covering when moving about communal areas, such as corridors, stairwells, kitchen areas and toilet facilities.  As always, my advice is to remain cautious and sensible around others and also be aware that some of us will be more anxious than others when attending workplaces.

I’m also very proud to once again see team Vale stepping up to offer their support, this time for those affected by the war in Ukraine. This week and over the last weekend, we’ve seen many teams and individuals out and about - trekking up Pen-y-Fan, around Barry Island and Cosmeston to clock up their Miles for Ukraine. 

So far, we’ve covered over 700 miles and raised over £883 for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The forecast for the coming weekend and next week looks glorious, so I’d encourage you to get out and clock up your miles - whether for your own wellbeing or with colleagues. Don’t forget to log your miles and share your pictures via the Staffnet+ Hub.

If you’d like to encourage friends and family to get involved, you can download the social media asset pack and share these on your personal Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also add a link to the Just Giving page.

Focusing on something a little closer to home - preparations are underway for the local elections on 05 May. The pre-election period means that there are some changes to the way that the Council communicates the work of our elected members. Guidance is available on Staffnet and on our website and I’d like to thank those who are involved in the preparation.

Finally, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank not one, but two senior members of staff who will be leaving us within the next couple of weeks.

Head of Shared Regulatory Services, Dave Holland has been at the helm of the service since its inception. He has proven himself to be an adept professional, coordinating a service that works across three separate organisations and nurturing what is now a fantastic relationship. Dave has also been at the centre of the Council’s efforts and indeed the region’s efforts against coronavirus and has worked tirelessly with partners across the health sector and the police force to ensure the safety of our communities and residents.  He will be missed by all organisations, as well as the rest of the public sector. Enjoy your next chapter, Dave.

Miles Punter, Director of Environment and Housing said, “I want to personally thank Dave for his contribution to local government and protecting residents and visitors to the region. This year, Dave would have completed 39 years of service, every one of which has been carried out with professionalism, good humour and candour.

"Dave was responsible for setting up and leading one of the exemplar local authority partnerships in Wales, and he leaves public protection services in Cardiff, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan in a much stronger position than they were as individual services when he took on the Head of SRS role over 6 years ago. An absolute gentleman who will be sadly missed, I wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

I’d also like to pay tribute to Carolyn Michael, who has worked in our Finance team  for a number of years. Carolyn has been a long-standing Deputy Section 151 officer and has put off her retirement, putting the organisation first and stepping up to take on the role of Head of Finance and Section 151 officer on an interim basis to ensure that there is a seamless transition for the arrival of our new Head of Finance, Matt Bowmer on 4 April. 

Carolyn has stayed on far longer than anticipated, ensuring that the Council’s budget has been approved and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Carolyn for her professionalism, dedication and commitment.

Wishing you all a wonderful, sunny weekend. Diolch yn fawr.

Rob