Robs Weekly Round Up

05 January 2024

Dear colleagues,

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a belated Happy New Year!

While some of us have returned to work after a Christmas break this week, other staff across many of our front-line services have been on duty during the festive period to ensure important public services continue to operate. Thank you all very much for that dedication.

It has been a particularly busy period for our waste and recycling teams as they have had to cope with a big increase in the amount of material put out by residents at this time of year. 

Many have worked weekends to manage that load and will continue to do so until the situation gets back to normal.

I know a large number of residents are extremely grateful for those efforts, particularly given the very wet and stormy weather that we have experienced between Christmas and the new year.  Diolch pawb.

Reading through social media posts, there are numerous examples of our refuse workers being praised for their cheerful attitude, going above and beyond to assist, and braving those dreadful conditions. Needless to say, I wholeheartedly echo those sentiments – well done to all involved.

Colleagues in social care, highways, parks and a host of other areas have also been in work over the holiday period. Thank you very much for that commitment – I know it is appreciated both by the Senior Leadership Team and the residents you help.

Meanwhile, the Digital Team is working hard to ensure we have the right tools for the job so are keen to find out what staff need.

Building on an earlier piece of work carried out by the Telephony Project Team in 2022, they want to learn more about the hardware we use ahead of our switch to a new phone system, which will also change the way in which our laptops and desktops are supported.

A survey form will be sent out early next week and I’d be grateful if all colleagues could complete it.

This will help ensure we receive the most appropriate digital support moving forwards.

The survey will run for one week and the team is working to tight deadlines so a prompt response would also be appreciated. Many thanks for your assistance with this.

2023 was a difficult year for Local Authorities, but I’m immensely proud of the way staff in the Vale responded to that challenge and continued to produce great work.

Last year we won awards, opened new schools, regenerated buildings, helped create communities, protected the vulnerable and delivered the services relied upon by our residents.

Reflecting on those efforts gives me great optimism for the future because it proves what this devoted and hardworking group of staff can achieve in testing circumstances.

As I have mentioned in previous messages, 2024 is set to be another challenging 12 months as budgets are squeezed even tighter.  The focus at the start of the year will be setting a balanced budget for the year ahead, and I know colleagues in our Finance Team have been busy over the festive period finalising the draft budget in readiness for the consultation that will soon follow.

I would also like to reiterate the point that here in the Vale we have a strong track record of finding new and innovative ways to deliver our services.  As we start the year, we will bring a renewed focus on our Reshaping Agenda as we look to transform the way we do things rather than simply cutting services and reducing standards.

That approach will continue as will our ambition to improve even further as we quite rightly challenge our more traditional approaches and seek to transform the way in which we deliver our key services.

Though there are obstacles to overcome, I’m confident we will end the year in a stronger position, able to operate more effectively and better serve our residents.

Once again, thank you very much for your efforts this week - I hope you and your family enjoy a happy and healthy 2024.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob