Dear colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I am writing to you with some upsetting news.

Earlier today, Phil Southard, the Council’s Culture and Community Manager, passed away unexpectedly at home.

It is an understatement to say that this news will have come as a huge shock to all that knew and worked with Phil over the years.

Paula Ham, our Director of Learning and Skills, has already informed colleagues from her Directorate, paying tribute to a long-serving and popular member of staff.

As Paula said in her message, Phil was a hugely supportive work colleague and was extremely dedicated to his role.

He leaves a lasting legacy having improved the lives of a great many people, enriching communities within the Vale and throughout Wales.

Phil’s commitment and enthusiasm for his work across Adult and Community Learning, Libraries, Arts and Culture was plain for all to see. He will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with his wife Martine, our Learning Links Manager, and their families at this extremely difficult time.

Support is available to anyone who needs it, with anyone affected encouraged to seek help. Our counselling service, Care First, can be contacted on 0800 174 319. Occupational Health colleagues are also on hand to assist.

Should you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to contact your manager or Head of Service.

I will share details of funeral arrangements as soon as they become available.

Kind regards,

Rob