Rob's Weekly Round Up

28 March 2025

Hi everyone,

Throughout this organisation, we have people doing incredible, innovative work.

I know because I get a chance to share examples of it every Friday through this weekly update.

Those efforts are often selfless, undertaken to benefit Vale residents and our communities, but it’s always nice to get a bit outside recognition as well.

That is why I was delighted to learn that Welsh Government First Minister Eluned Morgan would be visiting the Makerspace centre at Barry Library on Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt also came along to see the cutting-edge facilities and digital learning opportunities available within the building on King Square, with a similar space operating at Penarth Library.

The Makerspace scheme allows people to use a variety of different tools and equipment, including a 3D Printer, a Cricut Maker, a Heat Press, a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera and much more.

Trevor Baker showed the FM around the library, while Chloe Hunt and Simon Alexander, who operate the Makerspace, were able to demonstrate the range of eye-catching gadgets on offer.

Jordan Forse, Libraries and Cultural Services Manager, who was also in attendance, said: “It was an honour to welcome First Minister Eluned Morgan and Cabinet Minister Jane Hutt to Barry Library, showcasing the vital role our Libraries and Cultural Services play in supporting communities across the Vale. 

“Our libraries are more than just spaces for books — they are thriving hubs of innovation, learning, and inclusion. From our Makerspace, where people of all ages develop digital and creative skills, to our Tablet Loan Scheme, ensuring everyone has access to technology, we are breaking down barriers to digital inclusion.

“The Vale Learning Centre empowers individuals through education, while the Repair Café brings communities together through sustainability and skill-sharing. Wednesday’s visit was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the invaluable support we provide and the impact of our services in transforming lives.”

Well said, Jordan!

The Makerspaces provide access to a diverse range of creative learning opportunities right in the heart of communities in Barry and Penarth.

This project is a vital part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the Digital Inclusion Charter, helping to promote and improve the digital skills of all residents in the Vale.

Each Makerspace location offers a number of exciting workshops and events for residents throughout the year, as well as 3D Printing and Coding sessions for children and teens during school holidays.

The project to date has benefitted from £98,000 of capital funding from the Welsh Government.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the visit myself as I was involved in delivering the Spring Chief Officer briefing, an event held alongside the series of Management Development sessions that have been taking place recently.

Over the last two weeks, Managers and Team Leaders from all Council departments have been learning more about Vale 2030 - our new Corporate Plan - and the Reshaping Programme.

These discussions have been running every six months for nearly 10 years, bringing people together in person to discuss key topics, like the challenges the Council faces, but more importantly opportunities for learning and improvement.

The value of meeting face to face should never be understated, especially given the diverse and varied nature of our services.

It is always great to see the interaction that takes place when people get in the same room to consider the opportunities that lie ahead and the difference this organisation can make to our communities. Such conversations have never been more crucial as the Council looks to deliver on its vision of Strong Communities with a Bright Future.

Significant changes in circumstances, including the Authority’s financial position, mean many staff and services are operating differently and the Council is committed to evolving and transforming to keep delivering for its residents.

That is what the two key pieces of work that formed the focus of the sessions are all about. They link closely to an item of Welsh Government legislation known as the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.

Those in attendance learned about the fantastic feedback the Council received from its Panel Performance Assessment, an evaluation carried out by a group of external experts.

They also considered the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act’s five ways of working - involvement, long-term, prevention, integration, and collaboration – and how to put these into action.

There was a section on strengthening leadership practice that covered improved partnership working and smarter customer engagement by using the new Tone of Voice Guide.

Brilliant Basics was also discussed - a concept that involves getting the fundamentals right first time and every time. There was also an emphasis on the practical implementation of ideas, a point that managers will pick up with their teams.

A final Management Development Session will be held in April for those who have, to date, been unable to attend one of the recent events.

An online question and answer event with myself and Director of Corporate Resources Tom Bowring will also take place between 2pm and 3pm on April 8.

This is open to all staff and will focus on the organisation’s direction, priorities and key projects.

Anyone who would like to participate, attend or learn more can access further information on Staffnet.

On Monday, two of our schools were involved in the Young Enterprise Showcase Final for the Wales South Central region.

This was an event to celebrate the achievements of student-run enterprises and featured two entries from St Richard Gwyn and another from Ysgol Y Deri (YYD).

Held at Pencoed College and supported by a range of organisations, including the Council, it saw judges visit trade stands from each of the teams before handing out awards.

After that process, the team from YYD, known as the Crafty Nik Naks, scooped a prize for most sustainable business, and also claimed runner-up spot in the Team Programme.

Well done to those from St Richard Gwyn and Ysgol Y Deri who made the final, I hope you keep working in this area and maybe one day become part of the Vale business community!

Yesterday, I was very pleased to attend an event, alongside the Mayor, Councillor Elliot Penn, at the Civic Offices to celebrate the granting of Honorary Freemen and Freewomen status to all those volunteering within the RNLI in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The RNLI is a charity that relies on the commitment and generosity of volunteers to help keep people safe along our country’s coastline.

As a coastal county, we benefit from that dedication more than most, with RNLI volunteers helping to keep people safe at our resorts, beaches and the waters further offshore.

The Council wanted to recognise this contribution with a gesture that reflects our appreciation and admiration for the people who give up their time in this way.

It also serves to illustrate the power of volunteering, and it was great to be able to spend some time with those individuals and hear of their work during the evening.

Lastly, the final three Biodiversity Workshops take place next week.

Two will be held in the Dock Office Board Room on Tuesday (April 1) from 10.00am until 12.15pm, and between 2pm and 4.15pm.

There will also be one held online between 10am and 12.15pm on Friday (April 4).

These sessions will help participants learn more about nature, the threats it is facing and how to help overcome them.

I would encourage anyone interested to attend if possible.

Once again, thank you all very much for your efforts this week, they are always very much appreciated by myself and the rest of the Strategic Leadership Team.

For those not in work, have a restful and relaxing couple of days off.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob.