Rob's Weekly Round Up - 06 January 2023

 

Dear colleagues.

I’d like to begin this message by wishing you all a very Happy New Year. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.

I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing break with your families and have returned to work refreshed at the start of 2023.

Of course, not everyone had an extended period away from the day job, and I’d like to again pay tribute to those who worked throughout the festive period to maintain our vital frontline services. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

As I have mentioned before, this year will pose challenges as we work to manage some significant budgetary pressures.

However, I’m confident that these are obstacles we can overcome and we will continue to provide first-rate services for residents of the Vale of Glamorgan.

As we enter January, many of us will be looking to make positive changes to improve health and wellbeing.

With that in mind, I’d like to offer a reminder that the Council’s Cycle to Work scheme remains open until the end of the month.

The scheme is aimed at individuals eager to get involved in cycling as a sustainable form of travel, along with those who are keen cyclists already. It offers staff the opportunity to buy a bike through monthly deductions from their pay and gain tax and National Insurance benefits.

There are a range of bikes and accessories available through Cycle Solutions, with information on how to sign up for the scheme on Staffnet+.

The Council’s Wellbeing Champions are also arranging further sessions at Cosmeston and Porthkerry country parks.

After those that attended in November were involved in wood clearing, this time there will be an opportunity to plant trees.

Events such as these are great learning and bonding experiences and help support local green spaces.

They also provide a glimpse at the hard work put in by park rangers to keep our outdoor locations in such superb condition.

The session at Cosmeston will take place on Thursday, January 12 between 10am and midday, with those attending asked to meet outside reception.

Friday, January 27 is the date for the event at Porthkerry, which will take place from 10am until 2pm.

Volunteers will meet outside the café in the car park where they will be provided with parking vouchers.

The Wellbeing team can be emailed for more information.

Colleagues may also be interested in committing themselves to another enriching experience, one that can make a huge difference to someone in need.

If fostering appeals to you, I recommend reading Muriel’s Story on Staffnet, which provides an insight into how rewarding it can be.

Foster Wales is always looking for new carers to come forward and can be contacted for an informal chat if this is something of interest.

There’s also still a chance to get involved in the new Staff Disability Network.

This group met for the first time last month and will get together again in a few weeks’ time.

Colleagues with experience of disability, mental ill health and neurodiversity are encouraged to attend to share their thoughts on how the Authority can better cater for their needs.

People may have ideas on how the workplace could be improved so that everyone feels fully included and supported.

The establishment of this group follows in the footsteps of Glam, a network for LGBTQ+ staff and allies, and Diverse, which represents those of a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background.

It will meet for the second time on Tues January 24 at 1pm in Committee Room 2 (now called Cosmeston Room) in the Civic Offices.

I and my Senior Leadership Team colleagues are committed to making the Council an inclusive working environment for all, so I would encourage anyone interested to attend.

Those with questions or access needs are asked to contact organiser Colin Davies.

Lastly, I wanted to draw you attention to the 2023/24 Annual Leave Purchase Scheme.

This offers staff the opportunity to purchase either one or two additional weeks of annual leave (pro rata for those who work part-time).

It is paid for in equal instalments over the remaining months, between 01 April 2023 and 31 March 2024.

Once again, let me pass on my warmest wishes to every one of you at the start of the new year. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi i gyd.

Thanks again for your continued efforts.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob