Hello,
With 2018 drawing to a close, I wanted to use our last blog of the year to reflect before many of us take a break ahead of 2019.
On Tuesday 18 December I attended our annual Big Difference Award event to celebrate with winners who have made a positive impact on the city. Cllr Daniel Yates, Leader of the Council, was on hand to welcome everyone to the event before Cllr Dee Simson, Mayor of Brighton & Hove, presented prizes certificates to our deserving winners
We received a record 48 nominations this year, which made the task of selecting winners more difficult than ever, yet more enjoyable – it was a huge pleasure to read through such a long list of glowing testimonials.
A huge thank you to everyone who nominated individuals and teams, and especially those of you who spoke at the event to tell us why you thought your colleagues deserved an award.
One of the five commitments we’ve made with the launch of our People Promise this year is to reward you and say ‘well done’ for your great work. I can’t think of a more appropriate and heartening occasion than the Big Difference Award celebration to have seen this promise put into practice, and doing so made me prouder than ever to be a part of this council.
The full details of the Big Difference Awards 2018 winners are available on the wave. Congratulations again to all who received awards.
Of course, it’s not just our winners who should receive recognition for their hard work. Every member of council staff deserves a huge amount of credit for the big difference they make to the city every day across each of our services.
Our successes this year include
- Start of first phase of Valley Gardens construction, work at Stanmer woodland and Shelter Hall brought closer to completion
- Joining an elite group of local authorities across the country where all children can attend a Ofsted ‘good’ rated secondary school
- Making a difference to rough sleepers
- Won a gold award for Woodvale burial grounds
- Welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
- Launched Field Officers team
- Maintained strong tourism despite national downturn
- Portslade service for your people rated outstanding
- Rolled out Electric Vehicle charging points
- Celebrated the 110th of Hove library
- Signed up to Cleaner Air Charter
These achievements simply wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Looking ahead slightly, we’ve already got a few opportunities in place for a positive and healthy start to the new year. I’d really encourage anyone looking for a new challenge to consider an apprenticeship, which allows you to earn a qualification while you work in your current role without any changes to pay and contract. The next deadline to submit your applications is 31 January.
Taking part in Staying Active at Work Week, which runs from 14-18 January, is a great way to make sure you’re looking after your health and wellbeing after the party season. Expect to hear more about this from the Healthy Lifestyles team early on in the New Year.
With budget proposals decided in February and the local election period only a few months away, it’s important we take the time to recharge and recuperate over the Christmas period wherever possible.
Of course, while many of us are looking forward to some well-earned rest, it’s important to remember that not everyone gets a break. Several essential services keep going 365 days a year to keep the city ticking – my sincere thanks to everyone in these teams who continues to work hard during the holidays.
All the best for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – see you in 2019.
Geoff Raw
Chief Executive
Leadership Blog 