Rob's Weekly Round Up

14 November 2025

Hi everyone,

This week I have been in North Wales helping to carry out a Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) for Ynys Môn - Isle of Anglesey County Council.

We were one of the first Local Authorities in Wales to undergo this evaluation, in November last year, resulting in extremely positive feedback. Our values and commitment to Vale 2030, our new Corporate Plan, singled out for praise.

Over the last few days, I have been on the other side of the fence, joining peers from different sectors and an Elected Member from another Council to explore operations at Ynys Môn.

It has been a really beneficial experience as there are always things to learn from the way in which another Authority operates. It was a particularly exciting end to the week for colleagues in Ynys Môn as they learnt of the decision to invest in the Wylfa site, which will be developed for nuclear energy production.

I leave with much food for thought and plenty of ideas ready to take back to the Vale.

While away, I’ve been keeping up to date with news from home so have plenty to update you on in this Friday’s round-up.

First up, all will be aware of the heavy rain today and that this is set to continue into the weekend with the Met Office naming the storm ‘Claudia’. I’d like to thank all the teams and staff who are on standby to deal with the impacts of this extreme weather, including our own Emergency Planning team led by Debbie Spargo. She has already been involved in planning our response, should the situation be serious enough to require it. 

We also recognise that the impact of these storms can be significant on our residents and that this can lead to increased calls to our contact centre at a time when we have capacity issues within the team. I was particularly struck and proud yesterday when I heard that a number of colleagues and teams from across the whole Council expressed their willingness and desire to help out in handling any upsurge in calls to our contact centre as a consequence of the storm. 

This demonstrates the readiness of our colleagues to help and work flexibly and shows a commitment to work as a single team for the benefit of all who use our services. Da iawn pawb a diolch.

Recently, we received exciting confirmation that Penarth Library had staged a successful world record attempt in May.

Max Baker is now officially the planet’s youngest male videogame developer, achieving that status in the library’s Makerspace.

The 11-year-old spent four hours in that area creating a platformer game with five unique levels.

He started coding in primary school and has since made a number of his own games on the indie videogame platform – Itch.io – under the name CrowStoleIt Studios.

Max was part of a coding club held at the Makerspace so this was the ideal setting for his record attempt.

Jordan Forse, Libraries and Cultural Services Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate Max’s incredible achievement and to have supported his journey through the Penarth Makerspace.

“Becoming a Guinness World Record Holder at just 11 years old is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it showcases exactly what our libraries and cultural spaces are all about - creativity, learning, and community. The Makerspace, as part of our wider Libraries and Cultural Services offer, gives people of all ages the chance to explore new skills and bring their ideas to life. Max’s success is a brilliant example of that in action.”

Well said Jordan. This is a brilliant example of what a 21st century, vibrant library looks like and how it can be used.

We have invested in state-of-the art technology that allow people to excel in a range of modern, creative pursuits.

Speaking of creativity, the Richard Taylor Memorial Skatepark at the Knap Gardens will get a bold, fresh look when a new mural is installed in the very near future.

The project, which marks the second anniversary of the skatepark’s opening, has been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery secured by the Richard Taylor Memorial Trust.

Richard, from Barry, tragically died in a skating accident in 2004.

Following the original skatepark design consultation, local residents and skaters suggested that a street art mural would be a fitting tribute to Richard and the thriving skate community the park has inspired.

After discussions with CADW and a successful planning application, residents were invited to share their thoughts on the proposed designs, which feature silhouettes of Richard and landmarks from across Barry.

Taking on board that community feedback, the final design has been refined to ensure it complements the natural surroundings of the Knap Gardens.

Specialist street art company Hurts So Good will begin work on the mural from 14 November, with installation expected to take around five weeks.

For safety reasons, the skatepark will be temporarily closed during this period while scaffolding is in place and is expected to reopen in time for the Christmas holidays.

Adam Sargent and Team have worked hard to deliver artwork that Richard’s family and the wider community can be proud of. Well done all concerned – I can’t wait to see the finished product.

While away this week, it was lovely to read a feature on the fantastic – and sometimes unsung - work carried out by our Registrar Service.

That team is involved in logging new births, presiding over weddings and organising death notifications.

And, though that sounds like a fairly regimented workload, there is plenty of room for the unusual – from Star Wars-themed ceremonies, to pink and yellow-spotted wedding guests.

Over the past year, the Team has gone above and beyond - adapting to changing legislation, embracing digital transformation, and maintaining the highest standards of service. From the front desk to the ceremony room, every member plays a vital role in making life’s most significant milestones both memorable and meaningful.

Their teamwork, resilience, and commitment to the public are a credit to the service and the wider Council.

Hayley Jefferies is Superintendent Registrar and Registration Service Manager, ably supported and assisted by first-class colleagues.

I’d like to thank each and every member of that team for their efforts.

You share some of our residents most cherished and chastening moments, treating them all with the celebration and significance they deserve. Da iawn pawb.

Congratulations also to the Healthy Living Team after the Open Access Play Provision it delivers was rated excellent across the board by Care Inspectorate Wales.

The service received the highest grade in all four areas under assessment – Wellbeing, Care and Development, Environment, and Leadership and Management.

The Team’s school holiday provision was reviewed as part of the process, which includes opportunities for disabled children who require additional support.

These evaluations are unannounced as inspectors attend an event without notice.

They spend the day speaking to staff and children, observing how they interact, rating the activities available, scrutinising policies and procedures and asking parents for their views.

Joanne Jones and Julia Sky lead on this area of work, ensuring the provision is safe, inclusive and fun for all.

These ratings prove they are very much succeeding with that goal.

Well done everyone – this is a truly exceptional result.

Finally, I’d like to remind you that the Council’s gift-giving and fundraising campaign, Santa’s Cause, has returned for a fourth year.

It aims to provide a gift for every child supported by Social Services who might otherwise go without.

Since it began in 2022, Santa’s Cause has delivered thousands of presents to children and young people across the Vale, providing much-needed relief for families.

This has only been possible thanks to the generosity of local residents, businesses and Council staff.

Those who wish to support the 2025 campaign can do so by making a financial donation.

This allows the project team to shop for the specific items on each child’s Christmas list, ensuring every gift is personal and meaningful.

For those unable to donate financially, please spread the word among friends, family and on social media.

Businesses and organisations that would like to be part of Santa’s Cause 2025 can contact also santascause@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk for more information.

There is also a fundraising fun run taking place on Saturday, November 29, starting from Barry Island, with the exact location to be shared with participants nearer the time.

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, any support will help bring joy to families who need it most this Christmas.

Every pound goes directly to Santa's Cause to buy presents for children who might otherwise have nothing. This is another example of our work as a community leader, championing the cause of those who live in our towns and villages but are less fortunate than ourselves and in need of support. The reach and impact of this work should never be understated, and everyone involved should be immensely proud.

I’d encourage anyone interested to sign-up.

Thank you all very much for your efforts this week.

They are always very much appreciated.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob