Looking around at the city in spring reminds me what a fantastic place this is, and how much our talented staff in the in economy, environment and culture (EEC) directorate contribute to its success.
In the film about the city’s new economic strategy, businesses reflect on the city’s brilliant sense of community, and the creative talent and openness they find here. The strategy came about from a collaboration between city’s Economic Partnership, our economic development teams and the city’s businesses.
Rising to the challenge
These are challenging times and many of you are involved with making sure the council is in a good position to support the city’s economy, keep our infrastructure running well and moving us towards a more sustainable city.
Our staff are central to raising the awareness of how we can do more to reduce, reuse and recycle, whether that be through our refuse and recycling crews and park rangers, or seafront and events teams.
The City Environment service has put together a new A-Z guide to help residents reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose of waste in the most environmentally-friendly way. If you have ideas about materials not listed, or things you have tried which you would like to include, please email webcontent@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
As part of the Great British Spring Clean the parks teams have organised more than 20 activities for hundreds of people all over the city.
I’m also grateful for the positive response from Cityclean teams who are working quickly and collaboratively to improve safety and service reliability as we work to ensure that we are fully compliant with our fleet operator’s licence. We’re making good progress on this thanks to staff and trade unions coming together to make sure the service fully meets the standards set out by the Traffic Commissioner.
It’s great to see our services supporting residents to take action in their communities through organising popular events, such as the recent free days at the Royal Pavilion & Museums – to celebrate International Women’s Day in March, LGBTQ History Day in February and the annual Royal Pavilion free day.
The workforce at Royal Pavilion & Museums work extremely hard to make these days a success and they are very popular.
Talented teams
Museums’ staff also celebrated the opening of the Elaine Evans Archaeology Gallery at the end of January, a collaboration with local archaeologists, teachers, scientists and residents.
Royal Pavilion & Museums offer employees a workforce development programme where people can try out different jobs and discover new talents. Read about Visitor Services Officer Sue Winkett’s experience of curating and installing an exhibition.
I was thrilled and proud that the council’s two teams came first and second in the recent local authority challenge competition, winning best overall team, and the best partnership and best presentation categories. It shows what talented, passionate and committed staff we have that we are able to sweep the board against so many other local authorities.
The council’s ‘Our People Promise’ has a commitment to making the council a good place to work by providing more opportunities like this for you to develop and demonstrate your talents. To find out more, visit the ‘Wave’ or talk to your manager.
In April all our staff will have the opportunity to say how they feel about working for the council through the staff survey. It’s important that we hear from everyone, so look out for the flyers with details about how to take part. You will be able to do the survey on your Smartphone or on a printed version, as well as online.
Best wishes
Nick
Leadership Blog 