Welcome to the Vale sessions are back with a bang

Welcome to the Vale sessions are back in full swing, with a bumper number of staff attending the most recent event.

Part of the induction process, these half-day sessions paused during Covid, but are now firmly up and running again.

They offer new starters the opportunity to meet the Leader, Chief Executive and other members of the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team face-to-face.

This can help break down the barriers that sometimes exist between staff and senior management.

The sessions also help to create connections between colleagues, which are vital to the organisation operating effectively, and offer an opportunity to set out some of the Authority’s key values.

All staff that have joined the Council after January 1 this year are enrolled on a new introduction program, which includes an opportunity to sign up to a Welcome to the Vale event.

They run monthly with the most recent, and exceptionally well-attended session, taking place on Wednesday (March 8).

Employees get to meet people from different Directorates, understand what they do and how our individual roles impact the overall delivery of organisational goals.

This is achieved through topic-based group activities and discussions, while there is also information provided on support and development opportunities.

Chief Executive Rob Thomas said: “I’m delighted that after a hiatus because of Covid the Welcome to the Vale sessions are very much back in business.

“They are an important way to welcome new staff to the organisation and allow myself and others to properly introduce ourselves, and the Council, in a more sociable setting.

“We talk a little about what the Authority stands for and stress how highly regarded each and every employee is.

“If you’ve joined the Council this year and haven’t already attended one, I hope to see you at a session soon.”