Good week engaging with staff and the public

Last week and this week the council is hosting a number of engagement events focusing on supporting people in Wiltshire.

FACT event involving partners and families

On Friday we hosted a Families and Children’s Transformation (FACT) Programme event in Devizes. The event focused on how we work with partners and families to improve the future for children and young people. We discussed ideas with the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Wiltshire Police amongst others, and heard from families, as their input will help influence how we work in the future.  FACT is a huge programme of change with many elements – but, one common goal – how we work together for the benefit of families in Wiltshire. The programme is bringing agencies closer to families so that potential issues or problems can be identified and addressed early. There will be more about the FACT programme as it’s progressed and implemented. It will impact on many areas of the council and as far as we’re concerned, that will be positive. 

                                         Terence addresses the attendees at the FACT Programme Event

Technology helping with dyslexia

We also hosted and facilitated an event (Monday evening) to provide support of a different kind. Dyslexia is a common learning disability but great strides have been taken in recent years to ensure those with Dyslexia have the same opportunities. Three speakers shared information on the latest technology available to help people overcome any problems they may have with their reading, writing and spelling. The event coincided with Dyslexia Awareness Week (which takes place this week) and those in attending found it extremely useful.

Employment opportunities for all

Yesterday (Tuesday) we hosted an EmployAbility Fair in the Atrium at County Hall. This was the second time we’ve hosted the fair and that’s testament to the success of last year’s event. The fair was extremely well attended with more than 160 people coming along, and it focused on employment options and opportunities for local people with a disability.  Around 30 organisations attended including telecommunications providers such as BT Openreach. The event was an opportunity for businesses to tap potential talent just waiting to be discovered. An inclusive workforce provides real value and these types of events help to remove barriers that preclude those with disabilities finding employment.

                                          A packed Atrium at the EmployAbility Fair

Working together to improve health and social care

Yesterday (Tuesday) we held a workshop with partners to assess progress following a CQC review of Wiltshire’s health and social care system.  The review highlighted areas for development, many of which we were already working on.  With our partners we have developed the Wiltshire Integration Programme, which will strengthen links across social and health care and make a big difference to how people journey through the health and social care system.  It was good to reflect on the positive work we’ve done so far and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and how these will be best managed.

Adult social care teams come together

Last week we mentioned our adult social care transformation team was running staff engagement sessions. The first session in Salisbury was attended by 120 staff and was a good opportunity to reflect on the new reablement model introduced in May and its success in helping local residents to live better lives and saving £1m so far. There was lots of interaction and some great questions from a clearly committed workforce. Our thanks go to everyone for their valuable contribution.

Out and about with our social workers

Terence is spending Wednesday shadowing social workers in Salisbury to observe the vital and challenging work they do to support and protect children and young people. Our role requires us to spend a lot of time in meetings, so to have some space to go out with the teams and see front line service delivery is invaluable and definitely time well spent.

Two teams take on the South West Challenge

We’re pleased that Wiltshire Council will be represented at this year’s South West Challenge in Exeter, which takes place this week. This event offers aspiring managers the opportunity to experience issues outside their normal work roles and gain an insight into senior management responsibilities. We’ve entered two teams that will spend the day as management leaders of a fictional local authority tackling tasks that a real corporate team would face.
Good luck to those involved and we’re sure they will enjoy the experience and learn loads.

Council management leaders meet in Taunton

On Friday senior managers across the south west will attend the regular SW Councils’ Chief Executive meeting. Terence will represent us to discuss matters including economic growth in the region. It’s always useful to share experiences and challenges with local authority peers, and exchange ideas that can be implemented.

Back to normal

Last week we announced that free parking after 3pm would be implemented in all our car parks in Salisbury and Amesbury and in all the city’s park and ride sites all day Monday to Saturday. This will help to support local businesses and traders in the run up to Christmas and will hopefully encourage visitors and shoppers to come to Salisbury and enjoy the Christmas Market, and this year the added attraction - an ice rink. Salisbury and Amesbury are getting back to normal and the focus is shifting to the long term economic plan to regenerate the Maltings and promote the city to national and international visitors.

                                          Bustling Salisbury during the recent food and drink festival

And, finally – appraisals all round

All three of us recently had our appraisal with the leader and deputy leader of the council to discuss our performance, priorities and objectives for the next six months. Everyone needs an appraisal to help clarify expectations and discuss their job role and how you can be supported to develop and grow if that’s what you are seeking. All managers will be asked to schedule appraisals over the next few months. 

Alistair, Carlton and Terrence