Election planning in full swing and a visit from Pudsey

Election means a busy build up to Christmas

We all knew it was going to happen sooner rather than later and indeed, the starting gun for the general election was formally fired, and that sound you heard a week or so ago was hundreds of election teams across the country springing into action.

Since September we have been seriously discussing planning for a possible election, but we were only able to do so much when we didn’t have (the little matter of) the confirmed date. Logistically speaking, holding an election of this scale in December is far from ideal but our team is working round the clock to get everything in place. This means arranging polling station venues, sending out more than 360,000 ballot cards, promoting the election and key dates, arranging postal and proxy votes and ensuring we have enough staff covering the many jobs on the day itself. It’s a mammoth task but actually enjoyable at the same time as it creates a great team spirit with everyone in it together.

As election planning involves a lot of people from across the organisation we’re working hard to ensure business as usual isn’t affected too much. As you will know by now, we thought it sensible to postpone the staff forums and we’re looking forward to them taking place in the new year. The council certainly won’t be easing into the Christmas break this year, but we are really grateful for everyone’s support during this very busy time. If you want to help at the count or at a polling station please email your interest to elections@wiltshire.gov.uk. You will be paid for your time.

Massive milestone for Melksham

The Melksham Community Campus project has had a few ups and downs over the years but this week it was unanimously granted formal planning approval, and construction is set to get underway next year. This is positive news for the town and surrounding area as the campus will be providing a variety of leisure and community facilities.

The team behind the scenes has worked tirelessly to get to this stage and they are now looking to secure a lead contractor. Progress on this project has really ramped up over the last year or so and to see the council’s long-held vision become a reality will be testament to the perseverance and commitment of everyone involved - all to the benefit of residents.

Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference

This week our young people took centre stage at a conference to address mental health and wellbeing issues. We had professionals and young people talking about the help available and how we can work closer together in the future.  This was a great event and it was also very timely as it was held during Anti Bullying Week which this year has the theme #ChangeStartsWithUs.

Managers challenging themselves and working on the budget 

We had a good Managers’ Forum session earlier this week. Simon Tyler, a business coach and public speaker, joined us for the session too. At a previous session he asked everyone to commit to making one change and it was insightful to hear the progress that had been made by many.

We also held a directors budget planning day. The budget is planned and discussed all year round but comes into particular sharp focus at this time of year.. It was a positive session and vital as we look to address the budget challenges. 

Stuffing the Bustard for Children in Need

For those who are regular visitors to County Hall you will have likely noticed we have a couple of bustards proudly on display in the building. On Monday another version of this icon of Wiltshire visited County Hall – this time in the form of a giant inflatable. As strange as that may sound it was all for a great cause, in aid of BBC Wiltshire’s efforts to raise money for Children in Need. They are pushing it on a trailer throughout the county and people are being invited to ‘Stuff the Bustard’ with money. We popped down to see the team on Monday at the start of their journey still looking relatively fresh faced – probably not quite the case now though. Pudsey himself also made an appearance. 

We are once again supporting Children in Need with a dress down day and the charity helps fund lots of projects in Wiltshire so please donate what you can.  Thanks for your support.

Alistair, Carlton, and Terence.