Another aim was to get views on the Council’s leadership and important pieces of work like the new Corporate Plan and Reshaping Programme.
Under the Local Government and Elections Act, all Local Authorities are now required to have a PPA every five years, alongside annual self-assessments.
We were the third Local Authority in Wales to go through the process following on from Denbighshire and Ceredigion.
Though not a formal inspection, this was an important opportunity to benefit from the insights of experienced people from outside the organisation (and indeed, outside of Wales) and a chance to strengthen and sense check work already underway.
It was a very thorough assessment, which involved interviews with Members, colleagues and key partners, and I’d like to thank everyone that took part for the work and time they put in.
Within their findings, the Panel reported that:
- We are a values-based organisation with a good internal culture and solid external relationships.
- There is a clear commitment to delivering on the Corporate Plan, with a particular focus on prioritising the needs of vulnerable people.
- Staff are enormously proud to work for the Authority, and there is a keen sense of ambition for the future.
- Solid foundations are in place to drive future growth and development.
- There is a strong appetite for innovation and a willingness to do things differently.
- We have created a cohesive and supportive working environment.
- The Let’s Talk About Life in the Vale survey results indicate people’s satisfaction with the Vale as a place to live and work.
The report also contained four recommendations, which will be carefully considered as we look to set even higher standards.
One was to develop a narrative to effectively communicate our positive vision for the future.
Another was to further share details of our changing approach both within the organisation and across the County.
The Panel also suggested the Council builds on existing strong partnerships and looks to further develop its democratic arrangements with a particular emphasis on the effectiveness of scrutiny meetings.
Many of the positive comments related to the environment created within this organisation and every one of you has played a part in developing such a positive culture.
This feedback has provided renewed confidence in both our vision for the future and plans to realise it.
Given the financial obstacles the Council is facing, there are challenging times ahead, but the contents of this report confirm that we are very much on the right track.
- Its strategies for teaching children with ALN.
- The creation of inclusive classrooms.
- The variety of ways in which staff interact with pupils, including the use of whiteboards and visual techniques.
- The school’s life skills programme
- Its outdoor learning area, which contains a cabin, polytunnel, raised flower beds and a potting shed.
Meanwhile, Evenlode Primary School was recognised for its approach to self-evaluation.
Estyn inspectors noted that a culture of reflection is embedded in many aspects of life at the school and recent changes have been central to the school’s superb performance in this area.
These have included amalgamation with the local nursery, fresh leadership, a new curriculum and updated assessment processes.
To achieve such success with so much else going on is especially impressive.
The school has introduced various processes to help with self-evaluation, such as:
- A Community Parents’ Forum
- Moves to be actively anti-racist like changing resources, including books, used to support learning.
- New assessment processes that saw teaches and leaders meet twice a term to reflect on practice and outcomes.
- The introduction of Philosophical enquiry to allow pupils to explore big ideas and design their own questions for learning.
This comes after Llantwit Major Comprehensive was recently singled out for its use of data to improve outcomes for post-16 learners.
It is fantastic to see our schools leading the way in these areas, proving just what forward-thinking, innovative institutions they are.
This reflects the attitudes and ambitions of our Learning and Skills department and the Council as a whole.
Congratulations to Whitmore and Evenlode headteachers Innes Robinson and Ruth Foster, along with all the school staff, for helping gain such recognition. Da iawn a llongyfarchiadau.
On Wednesday, Glamorgan Voluntary Service (GVS) held its Big Volunteering Fayre, highlighting the diverse range of opportunities available in this area.
Local organisations and charities came together at the Memo Arts Centre in Barry to showcase some of the ways that we can all get involved in making a positive impact in our communities.
The event offered attendees expert support on getting started with volunteering and a chance for networking.
GVS are a leading provider of volunteering services in Wales, focusing on the Vale of Glamorgan and surrounding areas.
Volunteering offers countless benefits. Not only are you making a real difference in your chosen area, but also developing skills, gaining valuable experiences and improving health and wellbeing.
Whether you're looking for a one-off volunteering experience or a long-term commitment, there's something for everyone.
The Council also has a volunteering policy that allows staff to spend a day supporting a community initiative of their choice.
Another event at the Memo saw more than 150 people attend a series of workshops supporting babies, children, young people and families.
Staff from across Social Services, Learning and Skills and the third sector helped stage two engagement sessions to discuss a number of services - including Families First Services, Early Help, Flying Start, Youth Justice and Early Support Service, Supporting People and Communities for Work.
The event gave people the opportunity to share their experiences of engaging with these services.
It also helped spread awareness about the varied support and opportunities available to residents.
If you missed these workshops, there is another networking opportunity with Families First on 19 February at the Memo.
That will be a chance for anyone who works with children and families to learn about the services on offer.
This week saw the launch of the Council's ‘Do your Part, be RIPA smart’ campaign and its associated staffnet+ hub.
RIPA stands for the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which is a key piece of legislation, along with the Human Rights Act (HRA), connected to monitoring and surveillance.
These are activities the Council is sometimes involved with as we look to protect the public and carry out regulatory work.
RIPA governs how we can use investigatory powers to ensure that any actions we take are lawful, necessary, and proportionate, while also being respectful of individual rights and privacy.
It is important staff are aware of RIPA and how it might apply to their work.
For more information visit the RIPA hub, or if you are about to be involved in surveillance activity, contact the Information Governance Team.
The Building Security Group also launched a new hub this week, offering information on security-related issues.
This includes guidance on how to renew an ID badge, details of important security procedures and protocols, training opportunities and more.
It is important staff are up to speed on the latest updates in this area, for their and other’s safety so I’d encourage everyone to take a look.
Any suggestions for policies, procedures, or training related to security can be emailed to the group for it to consider.
Lastly, the Annual Leave Purchase Scheme has reopened for 2025/26, giving eligible employees the opportunity to buy one or two weeks’ additional leave.
Applications can be submitted until midnight on March 3, with costs deducted in equal instalments from pay between April and March next year.
Part-time staff are able to apply on a pro-rata basis, while all requests are subject to manager approval.
More information, including eligibility criteria, is available on Staffnet.
As ever, thanks to each and every one of you for your efforts this week.
They are very much appreciated and valued by myself and the rest of the Strategic Leadership Team.
For those not working this weekend, have an enjoyable and relaxing couple of days off.
Diolch yn fawr iawn,
Rob