Robs Weekly Round Up

31 May 2024

Dear colleagues,

I hope you all enjoyed the bank holiday break and are now looking forward to some lighter nights and warmer weather (fingers crossed) with June approaching.

Of course, after the Prime Minister’s recent announcement, this summer will also mean a General Election, a topic I touched on in last week’s round-up.

As the Country gears up for July 4, I also wanted to remind everyone about the extra care that must be taken when carrying out work in this pre-election period.

I appreciate the implications of a General Election will be familiar to many and are only an extension of the normal parameters we must operate within as Council officers when carrying out our roles.

But these restrictions are important, so I’ll to start this update by quickly running through a few housekeeping rules.

Council staff must always remain politically neutral in their professional lives, but this requirement is even more critical at times like this.

It is vital not to generate any publicity that appears to support or undermine any political party, policy or candidate or do anything that could influence public opinion and voting decisions.

Colleagues should always act fairly and impartially towards all candidates, treating them the same and ensuring one does not receive favouritism or gain advantage over another.

No political posters or similar election material should be displayed in any Council premises, on cars in office car parks or vehicles used by staff for official business.

The same applies to any contractor or volunteer working on behalf of the Council.

Likewise, Council buildings should not be used to promote any political party or candidate, although spaces available for hire by the general public can be used for meetings related to a political party provided the appropriate fee is paid.

A list of such rooms is maintained by the electoral team and a senior member of that department must approve a booking of this type before it is confirmed.

Finally, employees whose posts have been identified as ‘politically restricted’ are not permitted to engage in any political activity, either during or outside work, at all times, not only inside the pre-election period.

A list of roles that fall into this category is available from Human Resources.

Switching focus, I’m delighted to announce that Duygu Dee Karakus from the Big Fresh Catering Company has been named the Local Authority Catering Association Welsh School Chef of the Year.

Duygu, who works at Cogan Primary School, emerged victorious in the final after a cook-off with two other chefs.

Incredibly, one of those was Tracey Smart, another member of Big Fresh from Palmerston Primary, with the other representing Chartwells Catering in Newport.

For her main course, Duygu cooked wholesome lentil lasagne infused with Mediterranean flavours and crispy garlic bread, served with beetroot and greens.

That was followed by a Turkish delight-inspired desert featuring carrot balls and custard.

The competition aims to demonstrate the importance of high-quality cooking in school meals, with judges looking for innovative and creative approaches.

Duygu received £100 for winning the Welsh event and will now face competitors from 10 other UK regions in the national final early in July.

It’s great to see Big Fresh, and by association the Vale of Glamorgan Council, represented twice in the Welsh final and brilliant news that they will be represented in the UK ‘cook-off.’

Elsewhere, Natasha Davies has recently featured on the educ8trainiing website after completing a Carbon Management Apprenticeship with them.

Natasha learned about decarbonisation and sustainability in the workplace during the course, which was fully funded by the Council, information that will help as she sets about implementing our Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP).

With Project Zero, the Council’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2030, an important priority, gaining knowledge in this area is critical for the organisation.

Well done Natasha for completing your apprenticeship and becoming a shining example for others to follow. Diolch a da iawn.

There are a range of other development and educational opportunities available to employees.

A number of these are financed by the Council and some can be completed during work hours. More information is available on Staffnet.

Recently an event was held at Sully Sports Club to acknowledge every carer that fosters through the Vale.

Organised by the Vale’s Foster Wales team as part of Foster Care Fortnight, it saw these much-deserving individuals receive a bouquet of flowers and certificate for their dedication.

Megan Parry and colleagues in Children and Young People Services organised the occasion, which, based on feedback, clearly meant a lot to people.

One young person who attended the event said: “My foster carers are amazing and look after so many different types of children. They have helped them and me personally to find my confidence and achieve many things in a small amount of time. We are so lucky to have people like them in our life. Ever since I have moved to them, I have experienced so many new things and got the help I needed in school. My foster carers help me with maths for two hours every week and also swimming and running. Thank you for everything you have done for me, I am so happy and grateful to live with people like you.”

Foster carer Jo McCabe added: “It's been a really lovely day. It is nice to meet up with other carers and staff.”

Well done to all involved in organising the event, it’s clear from the pictures and those comments that it was a huge success and very much worthwhile.

As we start to enjoy milder, longer days, I thought I’d remind everyone that the Council’s Cycle to Work Scheme opens again from Monday until July 19.

Run in partnership with Cyclesolutions and supported by UK Government, it offers staff the opportunity to save on a new bike and cycling equipment, keep fit and protect the environment.

This is a hire arrangement, with the cost of the bike and equipment taken from a person’s monthly salary before National Insurance and income tax contributions are deducted.

Further details about costs and purchase options can be found on staffnet.

Lastly, before I finish (and she does!), I wanted to wish Julia Ritter a very happy retirement.

Julia has been at the Council for more than 30 years, specialising in dealing with school transport for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALNs).

She will vacate her position as Passenger Transport Manager soon, leaving a big hole in the team and the wider organisation.

Operational Manager Kyle Phillips said: “Julia will be sadly missed. She has been a dedicated and hugely valued member of the passenger transport team and the work she has carried out, particularly on ALN school transport, has been outstanding. I wish her all the best in her retirement – she thoroughly deserves it.”

I’d like to wholeheartedly echo those sentiments.

Julia, thank you for those years of service. Enjoy your retirement, it is richly deserved.

To everyone else, have a pleasant and relaxing weekend.

Thank you for your efforts this week – they are always very much appreciated.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob