Robs Weekly Round Up

22 December 2023

Dear Colleagues,  

Only a few more days until Christmas and the excitement is growing. I called into the Pavilion café last weekend and bumped into the big man himself. He assured me he’s bringing us all kindness and good fortune on Sunday night.  

This is an important time of year for many reasons.   

The festive period is a time for giving to those that may be struggling in the current climate. We have seen selfless examples of generosity from colleagues and partners throughout the organisation over recent weeks.  

The annual Christmas Raffle Fund Raiser at the Alps has this year raised a total of £490 to help those working on the front line within the Neighbourhood Services and Transport Management departments.   

Emma Reed got in touch to say: 

“The amazing acts of kindness will be so appreciated by staff who may be struggling to just pay for the essentials in life.” And I totally agree.   

Da iawn to everyone involved and we hope you enjoy your Christmas hampers.  

Following on from last week’s message, I would like to again congratulate the Santas Cause team that have worked very hard arranging and organising thousands of presents for children across the Vale. Your devotion and dedication will bring a smile to those that otherwise have very little on Christmas day. Everyone who contributed should all be proud of your tremendous and commendable efforts. Ardderchog  

You will all, I hope, have seen the message from the Leader and myself earlier in the week. I won’t revisit that topic other than to say that despite the financial challenges, I am certain we will find new and innovative ways to deliver our services and will continue to help communities where needed.   

I would like to reiterate to all staff that we will do our very best to overcome this tough situation and would like to personally thank everyone for their ongoing efforts throughout the last 12 months.  

Next year will be a challenging one for all of us but we remain ambitious and recognise the strength of our staff. Our Annual Delivery Plan details the work that will be undertaken over the next year to deliver on our key Corporate Plan objectives and all staff are able to give their feedback and opinions on it over the next few weeks, even in-between mince pies if you so wish! As with all of our work, it can only be enhanced by more contributions so if not next week then perhaps in the new year take the time to have a look.   

I have a few final shout outs for 2023. Firstly, to colleagues in our Housing team who on Monday a supported a visit to the drop-in service aimed at Afghan families by the Leader and Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt. The informal drop-in service held on a weekly basis at The Gathering Place, St Athan gives families access to support and advice and just as importantly a space to get to know their new neighbours.  

This is very much a partnership project with members of the St Athan Community, the Taff Housing Support team, our own Communities for Work team, Citizens Advice and other Into Work partners all playing a role. Diolch to everyone involved. 

The second is to our team from the Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre who successfully made it to the Ocean Hackathon 2023 Grand Final in Brest, France. The Grand Final took place on Tuesday where our team competed against 13 other international competitors. Whilst the team didn’t finish on the podium, the position puts them among the leading innovators in their field. Llongyfarchiadau i chi i gyd. 

And not forgetting all our colleagues who work across all our schools and have had an extremely busy term but have continued to work with dedication and enthusiasm – diolch i chi i gyd, and enjoy the well-earned break.    

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Colette Rees for all her hard work, support, and dedication and to wish her a very happy retirement. Colette who is the manager of Southway Residential Home which cares for older people living with dementia in Cowbridge is retiring after 35 years of service to local government. Under her leadership Southway was deemed by Care Standards Inspectorate to be a place where people were content, happy, and felt safe. Something that will have brough immeasurable benefits to them and their families. Colette will be sorely missed by her colleagues and those under her care and we wish her the very best for the future.   

Before I sign off for 2023, I would like to thank everyone once more for their hard work. Your professionalism and ambitious approach have enabled us to meet public demands, deliver valued services, and make a very real difference.   

Thanks as always and I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas.  

Nadolig Llawen a Diolch pawb!  

Rob