Acts of kindness

It’s 2018 and a new year that will inevitably bring a host of opportunities and challenges. I have no idea where 2017 went - it totally flew by, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but do the years seem to get shorter the older you get?

Last year certainly had its ups and downs. There were dreadful and devastating terrorist attacks that stole the lives of so many innocent and young people, and in London there was the tragic impact of the Grenfell Tower fire that affected young and old and so many families that lived in, and close to, the now infamous tower block. Such sad events and Grenfell for me in particular, acted as a reminder of just how volatile and precious life is.

In the face of such events and at the start of a new year, we often reflect on what matters to us and it helps us to gain perspective and focus on where we live and the lives that we lead. 

To me Wiltshire is a sanctuary – it’s a place that offers community spirit, support, calm and kindness. In a troubled world with its unpredictability there is something extremely grounding that this beautiful county provides.

Last year thousands of individuals and community groups across Wiltshire volunteered and gave their time to improve local areas and the wellbeing of others; from litter picks, to walking, cycling and many other activity groups, to sewing, singing, knitting and yarn bombing to cheer us all, to helping provide so many invaluable services including local transport schemes and libraries. Wiltshire is good at volunteering, and its local residents are proud – of the place they live, and themselves.

It’s well known that we all need to feel part of something and to have a sense of belonging to help avoid social isolation and loneliness, and to improve our overall wellbeing. The impact of loneliness often results in mental ill-health and poor wellbeing, which is one of the largest costs in today’s health system.

Wiltshire is a place that provides support to those who need it most, and we cannot allow anyone to become lonely or isolated. If we all did something – even the smallest act or commitment – to help those who need support, just think of the impact we could have. 
It’s being aware of those who are on their own and could benefit from some human kindness, interaction and conversation. It’s a fact that people are living longer and as a result the aging population is growing, and in today’s society, it’s highly likely that many older residents won’t have immediate family to wrap around them and provide the support that they need. 

This is a role that we can all do; small acts that could make a huge difference. Just checking on someone, or picking up some basic shopping items, collecting library books or prescriptions, or inviting them to a local club, activity, or offering a seat at our table to have Sunday lunch maybe? These acts, amongst many others, will help to improve the quality of life for those who need some support.

 And what’s in it for us?

Well they do say that a small act of kindness is hugely beneficial for our mental wellbeing and releases those positive endorphins that really do make us feel good – surely, that’s a good reason?

Inevitably this year will be another busy one reflecting the reality of life in public service. We need to be strong and hold true to our vision and priorities and to continue to help our communities be strong and to support those who are most vulnerable.

I propose that 2018 is a year for acts of kindness, helping in our communities, supporting our neighbours, and to making a positive difference that’s of benefit all round.

Jane

A look back at what you've achieved in 2017

Christmas is now only a week away and I know I say this every year – but, where has 2017 gone? 

It has totally flown by. As well as a busy year in Wiltshire and the House of Lords, I’ve spent some time on the independent taskforce set up following the Grenfell Tower fire, which has been both emotional and enlightening.  Like many of you, I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to recharging my batteries and indulging in some family time.

Looking back at 2017 it really has been another year of delivery and achievement and that’s down to all of you. We are an organisation that delivers, even in the most challenging of times. As I said in my last blog our success is our people. 

It’s sometimes hard to reflect and remember all the highlights of the past 12 months; particularly as life moves forward at such a pace, but for me this year has been about the election of a new council – publishing a forward thinking 10 year business plan that stays true to our vision and priorities – and, it’s been about appointing a new leadership team to manage and drive the delivery of our ambitions and plans. 

In a climate when we hear that so many councils across the country are stopping services, I am so pleased that we are an exception and that we continue to invest, This year we opened state of the art community facilities across the county with others underway due for completion in 2018 and beyond – and, we’ve improved the roads and we’re helping to regenerate Salisbury City and other market towns, continually improving the local economy and the place we live and work in.

Next year for me will be a year of opportunity. It’s the time that we push forward our digital agenda and we become even more business-like and grasp commercialism so that we can generate more income in ways that we haven’t tried previously. To protect our front services – particularly for those most vulnerable – we have to try new and different things. That’s what we’re good at – we embrace change and we take risks – we will make the most of every opportunity that we can.

On behalf of my deputy John and all the cabinet members, I would like to say a very big thank you for everything you have done for Wiltshire this year. We are all appreciative and proud of your hard work and continued commitment to making our county even better.

Whatever your plans are over the festive period, please have a well-earned break and my special thanks goes to those of you who will be working, or on call, during this time so that our services can continue. 

Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Jane 

Positive recognition from our peers

I am often asked what makes a good organisation great. It’s an interesting question and one which I have had the opportunity to consider as I gain an insight into how other authorities carry out their business. One thing I’ve realised is that it’s often easier to find fault and be a critic than it is to highlight the positives. In most cases when looking at others and how they do things, you can find examples of good practice – but, what defines good, and when does good become great?

In my view and experience – achieving great comes down to one overriding factor – people.

Its people with energy, vision, passion and those who care that make an organisation stand out from the others and deliver great outcomes.

The recent staff engagement forums and peer review visit brought this home to me and reaffirmed just how great this council is.

The video, shown at the forums, which looked back at the past twelve months featuring our vast range of achievements was both inspirational and overwhelming, highlighting the scale and diversity of what we do and what we deliver.

This film, combined with the recognition Achieving Excellence awards video, demonstrated that being great is without doubt about people.

All the individuals and teams nominated for an award and those who received one are undeniably exceptional – and, to have their work recognised by their peers is surely the greatest accolade.

It was, therefore, so good to receive positive recognition from the external peers following their recent visit to look at how we do things in Wiltshire.  The peers who come from different local authorities with a wide range of skills and experience spent around 260 hours assessing us.

Their full findings will be published in due course, but I can reveal that they found us to have strong leadership, a clear direction, and an ambitious business plan. But, most importantly, they stated that we have a great team and that you said this a great place to work, where you feel valued.

For me, this is what makes us great – the people that work here and go over and above every day to improve the lives of people in Wiltshire.

In our busy day to day work we can overlook what we’ve achieved and how far we’ve come. It’s only when others visit us and are wowed by the buildings, the staff, the attitude and the enthusiasm to continually improve and do things in new and different ways, do we realise just how good – or should I say how great – we really are.

We are often invited to share our experiences and learning with others. Recently I was asked to discuss our unitary journey on Gloucestershire radio. To us it’s a journey that we completed almost a decade ago - but for others it’s just the start of their journey to change and improve their offer. We have got used to welcoming visiting authorities to talk through what and how we do things, so that they can take away our insight and expertise and use this to instigate their own change – the change that we now take for granted.

We are highly regarded as a vanguard council, and we’ve worked hard for this endorsement. Our continual quest for quality, for improvement, and for ways to do things even better is what’s at our core and what defines us.

I am extremely proud to be the leader of Wiltshire Council and my pride is in all of you – the people that make our organisation what it is. Thank you for what you do and for making Wiltshire a better place – you are truly great!

Jane

We will remember them

November is always a particularly poignant time of year. It’s a time when the nation falls silent to remember those who gave their lives so that we have our freedom.

Remembrance services took place across the country and I attended services in Tidworth and Malmesbury. I joined these two local communities as they reflected and paid their respects for the role that our Armed Forces do to protect the country. I never fail to be moved at the huge sacrifice made by so many in the World Wars and other conflicts; particularly here in Wiltshire which is steeped in military history.

Last Saturday, it was 11 November – which marked the 99 year anniversary marking the end of the First World War. Next year - 2018 - will mark the centenary of the Armistice; a significant milestone.

To mark such an historical and special date it’s only right and fitting that Wiltshire considers and creates an appropriate and long-lasting legacy. We cannot forget the hundreds of thousands who served and those who died during the four years of this Great War.

Wall of Remembrance

In 2014, we invited Wiltshire’s communities and children to help commemorate the anniversary of the start of the war. A remembrance service, held at Tidworth Cemetery, brought together the military and civilian communities and a striking Wall of Remembrance – made up of 10,000 crosses, one for each soldier who lost their life – was a significant and memorable feature at this event.  School children across the county made the crosses and researched the soldiers who had died in service from their local communities so that each cross bears the name of a soldier and a personal message. This research and participation in creating the Wall is helping to keep the legacy and memories alive.

Our local communities want to mark next year’s centenary and create a lasting legacy. The aim is to plant 10,000 trees across Wiltshire – one for each soldier. The response so far has been overwhelming, with groups and organisations across the length and breadth of our county already identifying sites locally where trees can be planted next November.

Working with the Woodland Trust, we will assist school children in all the communities to plant the trees and mark each one with the name of a soldier.

Across the county memorial woodlands and copses will be created to remember, to reflect, and to never forget.

Wiltshire Assembly

Having a strong military that protects us from future conflict and keeps us safe is vital and we are proud that Wiltshire will be home to 4,000 more troops and their families by 2020.

Last week Wiltshire Assembly focused on this and how we continue to work with the military to make sure that we are doing all we can to welcome the Armed Forces.  

You may have seen the recent Channel 4 broadcast that showed the 999 What’s Your Emergency programme with the theme of military, which focused on the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that can affect soldiers returning from war zones. It also highlighted civilian and military communities and the issues that can occur when they come together; particularly on a Saturday night.

For me it reinforced the need to continue to bring these communities together for mutual support and benefit.

Wiltshire’s Military Civilian Integration Partnership has gone from strength to strength since it was formally established in 2006. We will continue to work together to focus on what’s needed to provide support; particularly those leaving the Armed Forces and wishing to make their home and secure employment in Wiltshire.

Together we are building truly integrated communities. We are proud to be a military county and we must never forget the sacrifice of so many.

We will remember them.

Jane

My trip to India and recognition for our work with the Armed Forces

As some of you may know I recently took a trip with a colleague from the House of Lords to India. It was a late summer holiday and a break away to see the country and its famous landmarks and attractions.

Jane and Baroness Liz Redfern

But the trip also gave me a real insight into a very different culture and way of living and yet in so many ways what I saw and experienced resonated so much with Wiltshire. They have a very strong ethos around building communities that look after their own and support those most vulnerable. They take volunteering and helping others as part of their everyday life and for me one of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Golden Temple. Every day, all day hundreds of volunteers welcome and feed tens of thousands of people who otherwise would not have a meal or sustenance, or time with other people. Seeing humanity on this scale was both humbling and encouraging. I have shared some of the pictures from my trip to highlight these awesome sights and people.

Outside the Golden Temple

Inside the Golden Temple

Taj Mahal

Wiltshire embraces volunteering and we have always prioritised looking after those who are most vulnerable and I am often overwhelmed by people’s generosity and kindness and their tenacity to help others and make a difference. My visit to India was a reminder that across the world volunteers are helping to make life so much better for others.

On returning from India, this week’s full council meeting highlighted for me our humanity to others in Wiltshire. A family of Syrian refugees spoke to us about their experience two years on since after being relocated in the county. In fluent English they told us their delight to be part of a community where they now work and study and have expanded their family with a new 2 month old baby daughter. Their gratitude shone through and they are thankful for the opportunity to have a future that provides security and support. Everyone at the meeting was humbled and united in their support for the family and the many other refugees we have housed and continue to offer a home to. 

We do communities well in Wiltshire and I’m very proud that we do…

I was so delighted that our work to help integrate military and civilian communities in Wiltshire was recognised at the highest level. Alistair Cunningham and Kevin Ladner – who have worked tirelessly to bring these communities together - joined me to receive, on behalf of Wiltshire Council, the MOD's Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from HRH Price Harry at a ceremony in London last week. This is the highest badge of honour for organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated their outstanding support for those who serve and have served. It recognises the work we do to support the military community and our ex-service personnel who have made their home in our county. 

We know that to have strong and able communities we need to help them to integrate and provide the support and facilities needed to do this. Whilst we could show India a thing or two, I did learn a lot from my time there. What I do know is that when we unite together and pool our talent and energy we can achieve so much and really go some way to help improve the lives of others and ourselves…

Finally, after 11 years we are saying farewell to Carolyn Godfrey, and I can honestly say that we wouldn’t be as strong as we are now without her incredible service and giving. Carolyn, thank you for all you have done - you will be so missed.

Jane

Consulting on the challenges ahead

Hello,

If you’ve had the chance to get away over the summer, I hope you enjoyed the break and welcome back!

There used to be a time when the council seemed to noticeably slow down in the summer months, but I don’t think that is quite the case anymore. Whilst there were less meetings, there was still lots going on.

I’m really pleased that we interviewed and appointed the new senior leadership team; Alistair, Carlton, Carolyn (until she retires) and Terence. The corporate director role for health and social care is being progressed. I think it’s great that we had had the talent and skills within the organisation and that we are now in a strong position to deliver the business plans and the big programmes that will make a real difference to the people of Wiltshire. The new areas of digitisation and commercialism will be a key focus and drivers for change in how we do business over the next few years and save the money we need and protect our front line services.

This week saw the first of our public meetings, in Salisbury, to raise awareness of the challenges we face; including the need to find £45m over the next three years and how we are going to do this.

Along with the need to save money, we also face other challenges: the impact of an ageing population, the need to safeguard the most vulnerable, how we drive forward economic growth, providing enough quality housing, and maintaining our vast network of roads – to name just a few!

It is important to spend time in the local communities engaging with residents to raise awareness of the position we are in, but more importantly, to explore how we continue to work together to manage these challenges.

Working with communities has always been key to what we do here in Wiltshire, and the importance of that work, and the huge amount we’ve achieved as a result, has really been brought home to me this summer when I started work on the Grenfell Tower independent taskforce, set up to support the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council to develop a long-term recovery plan. That work continues and I will continue to keep you updated.


Jane

Grenfell Independent Taskforce Group

In my last blog I talked about freedom of speech and the right to have your voice heard and your views expressed in an open and laudable way. This is something that we as British citizens see as normal, and in many places across the country it is the voice of the people that has helped things to change and improve, and to build a place that is theirs; a place where people can live and work and choose as their home.

I know I’ve said it many times, but we really are fortunate in Wiltshire, to live in a place that has strong and supportive communities; a place where people do come together consistently to take action, make positive things happen, and to help one another. I could provide countless examples of this, but you will already be aware of the many events and activities that take place; from local events and festivals, to litter picking to target those awful hot spots, to participation in group activities such as walking or cycling, or joining one of the hundreds of clubs that offer companionship, the sharing of hobbies, and the time and opportunity to build relationships, make friends, establish contacts and be part of a thriving local community.

It takes years to build these communities. These are places that can, and do, embrace new people and change and opportunities. It usually involves the drive and energy of those people that naturally galvanise community spirit and they organise what’s needed. They’re the people that make things happen, they get things done, and we all know someone where we live, or work, that is such a person.

It is these communities that can cope and can continue to thrive, even in the worst of times. Just recently the whole country was both shocked and affected by the dreadful event of the Grenfell Tower incident. It was sad beyond belief and I cannot begin to imagine the impact on those directly involved in this tragedy. The community of North Kensington was devastated by its loss and by the impact of what happened to their people and their place, and its spirit was visibly broken.

There is no doubt that it needs to rebuild and recover. Inevitably this will take time, and plans and actions have to be discussed and agreed. The local community needs to come together; to talk, to share stories, to grieve and most importantly to be heard and supported in focusing on its future.

I am pleased to have been asked by Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid to be on a new independent taskforce to support the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council to work with the local community to develop a long term recovery plan.

Wiltshire’s track record and reputation for effectively engaging and working with diverse local communities was, in part, the reason why I was asked to take on this important role.

In difficult and adverse times often one of two things can happen; either people retrench and disconnect, or they fight to make things better.

There is no doubt that the North Kensington community needs to come together to discuss and decide on the actions that are needed to rebuild their homes, their place and to shape a community that will be a legacy to those who lost their lives and to those that are suffering from the life changes they now face.

I hope that in Wiltshire we never see such an event, and that we won’t ever suffer the scale of devastation and loss that they have. What happened affected the very heart of their community; and I hope that those people who do motivate and encourage that unique spirit will be at the forefront in helping with the rebuilding and recovery process.

As I’ve said before we live in an unpredictable world, and events that happen can take us by surprise. In my view, now is the time to become stronger, to help each other and to support both those who need it most. 

I hope that what we have established and learnt in Wiltshire over many years of working with our communities will go some way towards helping the North Kensington community to become even stronger and to talk about what it needs, and most importantly to build a positive future out of such a tragedy. 

Jane