Robs Weekly Round Up

11 August 2023

Dear colleagues,

As another week draws to a close, I wanted to share the latest news from across the Council as colleagues continue to do outstanding work. 

But first, I have another update on the funeral arrangements for popular former member of staff Graham Conibear, who sadly passed away recently.

As I shared last week, there will be a service at Barry Crematorium at 12 noon on Tuesday 22 August followed by a wake at Bryn Hill Golf club, and Graham’s family have said that all who are able to attend are welcome.

For those that can’t, the funeral procession will drive past the Civic at 11.40 that day, offering staff another opportunity to pay their respects.

On a happier note, I’d like to pass on congratulations to Palmerston Adult Learning Centre, which became the first organisation of its type to be Digital Communities Wales Digital Inclusion Charter accredited.

The charter, established by Welsh Government, exists to support and champion organisations working in the public, private and third sectors in Wales who are willing to promote basic digital skills and help people get online.

It includes six pledges and is a way for organisations to show their commitment to helping digitally excluded people enjoy the benefits of being online – particularly older people, people with disabilities, unemployed people, social housing tenants, families in poverty and those from ethnic minority communities.

A lot of hard work has gone in behind the scenes to achieve this recognition. Well done to Sian Lloyd, Deborah Lewis and Phil Southard in particular for their efforts, which will no doubt make a big difference to a large number of residents.

The centre’s move to make laptops, Mifi and Wifi devices available to loan made a particular impression on assessors, as did to the commitment to provide equipment to refugees and those experiencing homelessness.

Elsewhere, Rachel Starr-Wood and the Council’s Elections Team have been working hard canvassing local communities to make sure household details are up to date.

The Annual Canvass is a legal requirement for Local Authorities to contact all residential addresses in the Vale of Glamorgan to establish if the information held on the Electoral Register is complete and accurate.

This year the process is being managed by the Council and UK Government Cabinet Office for the first time.

Letters were posted to all Vale households on June 30, with a deadline to respond of August 7

This week reminder letters were sent to those that hadn’t replied with telephone calls and house visits to follow if no response is received by September 11.

I would appreciate staff’s help in sharing how important it is that we gather this information promptly and accurately.

Collecting it for an entire County is a huge undertaking so any assistance in spreading the word is greatly appreciated.

The Project Zero Reserve Board met this week to consider a fresh collection of funding applications.

Financial support is available for projects put forward by staff that contribute to our Project Zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

A range of different proposals were approved, from those submitted by schools to others put forward by specific departments.

Since the fund was launched, a range of applications, including energy saving schemes, food projects and cycle to work initiatives have been awarded money.

Applications for up to £5,000 can be made at any time, while proposals for larger amounts must be made by October 2 to be considered at the next board meeting three weeks later.

I would encourage everyone to think about whether there is anything they could put before the panel as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint.

Meanwhile, colleagues in Human Resources have been working hard on the staff Rewards and Benefits Programme.

A forum was launched recently to review what the Council currently offers in this area and explore what more could be provided.

We very much value our employees at this organisation and believe a comprehensive set of rewards and benefits is essential to fostering a positive work environment and maintaining wellbeing.

These can include pensions, learning and development opportunities, flexible working as well as private health insurance, gym memberships and childcare vouchers.

I know a lot of great work has already been done in this area and I’d like to thank those involved for their efforts.

There is still an opportunity to join the forum, get involved in the discussion and help shape the type of rewards available.

This is the last day of National Allotment Week so it seems like a good time to celebrate all our Community Investment Officers do to support growing projects in the Vale.

There are a number of these schemes around the County, specifically: Penarth Food Pod, Grange Gardens and Crawshay Community Garden in Llantwit Major and Gwenog Court Community Garden in Barry.

Mark Ellis and colleagues work with volunteers and community groups to maintain such spaces, which help benefit health wellbeing and the environment. Well done.

Sticking with the subject of wellbeing, the Sports Development Team has recently launched a programme of youth activity events.

Operated in conjunction with Legacy Leisure, the company that manages the Council’s leisure centres, some of these sessions run during the summer holidays, with others extending much further into this year and the next.

Karen Davies and colleagues have worked tirelessly to pull these sessions together and they should have a really positive impact on a large number of young people in the Vale.

The aim is to increase health and wellbeing among this section of our community, especially children aged between 14 and 18, who have been identified as particularly adversely affected by the pandemic.

Sessions available include fitness, swimming, basketball, golf, boxing football, dance and more, and are targeted at a range of age groups over 11.

They will take place at Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major leisure centres as well as a variety of other indoor and outdoor locations across the Vale.

Supporting healthy living and wellbeing is a top priority for the Council so this is really worthwhile work. Thanks to all involved.

The rainbow flag was raised outside the Civic this morning to mark Barry Pride, which takes place tomorrow, and members of GLAM will be joining those marching through the town.

This annual event is an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to show their support for the movement and celebrate diversity in a fun, friendly and colourful way.

Glam is a staff group that works to have a positive impact for LGBT+ colleagues in the workplace, raises awareness and visibility of its work, and provides a social and supportive environment.

The parade will begin promptly at 11am at Parade Gardens, continuing from 12pm on the Seafront.

This is a free event with live entertainment, stalls and refreshments which all supporters are welcome to attend.

South Asian Heritage month began a few weeks ago and runs until August 17, the anniversary of the patrician between India and Pakistan.

It is designed to raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture, and commemoration.

The goal is to help people better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and celebrate the impact and contributions made by South Asian cultures, those of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

These Countries have all been impacted by their relationship with Britain, through war, colonisation and empire, while around five per cent of the population are of South Asian heritage.

There is still time for colleagues that identify as South Asian to share their stories, which we can celebrate before the month ends.

Diverse, the Council’s staff network for black, Asian and global majority colleagues is also always looking to welcome new members.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, attending Barry Pride or anything else, I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable couple of days.

Thanks for your efforts this week – they are always really appreciated.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob.