Rob's Weekly Round-Up

10 October 2025

Hi everyone,

This week’s message will be a little different on account of the rather momentous occasion of the Director of Environment and Housing Miles Punter’s retirement today.

Miles has served the Vale for 43 years, and I thought it was only right that we acknowledge his dedication, commitment and service over the years.

Every great journey has a humble beginning, and Miles Punter’s career is no exception. 

Miles started as an apprentice in September 1982, studying Motor Vehicle Craft Studies in Barry Further Education College. But this wasn’t the path Miles had originally envisioned for himself: “I actually wanted to be a police officer, that was my first aspiration. My brother was a police officer, that's what I wanted to do.

“I was in the Cadets and I went down to Bridgend one afternoon and they did a mock medical with me and I failed because I'm colour-blind. So unfortunately, that wasn't the career for me.

“I was really interested in motorbikes and scooters at the time, and I think my father was fed up of me kicking around the house.

“I said that I wanted to go back to school and do my A-levels, and my father told me to go to the council yard on Court Road as they had some work for me. So this is what I did.

“I turned up at the council yard and there were hundreds of boys there. There were entrance exams for various disciplines like plumbing, electrical work - and I thought I didn't want to do any of that - the only thing I was remotely interested in was fixing motorbikes, so I joined the queue for the motor vehicle apprenticeship examinations.

“I sat down, did a test, bent a piece of wire into a shape, answered some quiz questions, then when I went home I had a phone call that I'd been chosen as an apprentice for the council.”

Despite his initial reservations, it wasn’t long before Miles settled into what would be the start of a long career with the Council: “I absolutely loved it, I loved it from the minute I opened the door.

“My great discipline is fixing things, so I was in my element. It's something that came so natural to me.

“Ever since I was a child, I've been fixing things. I used to infuriate my family by taking radios apart, taking washing machines apart at 14 years of age.

“Often they weren't broken. I would just take them apart just to see how they worked and sometimes I could put them back together again.

He added: “I had a motorbike when I started work on a council. It was always in bits, it was always breaking down. So learning how to fix it properly was a good opportunity for me.

“I wasn't the most reliable apprentice they've ever had though. We got paid weekly on a Thursday back then and so I missed most Fridays because I had been out with the boys and I was always getting dragged into the office.”

He completed his apprenticeship in September 1986 and started as Motor Vehicle Fitter on £2.76 per hour – and you could even choose to be paid by Cheque!

In August 1989, Miles was promoted to the role of Inspector within the Engineering and Building Services Section.

Continuing his professional development, he completed his HNC in Transport Management in 1994 and was subsequently awarded membership of the Chartered Institute of Transport.

By 1995, Miles was appointed Fleet Manager and as part of a restructure in 1997, he was promoted to the position of Grounds and Fleet Manager.

In 1999, he took on additional duties overseeing the Building and Vehicle Maintenance section within the Direct Service Organisation (DSO).

In April 2000, Miles became Head of Service (Building) as well as becoming Head of Visible Services in October 2002, and then in June 2012 he became Director of Visible Services and Housing.

Finally, in 2015, Miles was appointed to the post of Director of Environment and Housing.

I will have the pleasure of attending a leaving celebration for Miles at the Alps Depot later today, but I would also like to share some parting words to Miles with you all too.

Over the last 43 years, Miles has been an inspirational public servant. 

I have worked closely with Miles, ever since we were both appointed to Heads of Service roles over 25 years ago when we worked alongside one another in the former Directorate of Environmental and Economic Regeneration.  

We worked closely on the Best Value Review of Building Services, when I was the lead in that review and Miles was the Head of Service.  I have been fortunate to sit alongside him in the Council's Strategic Leadership team for over 13 years, during which time he has proven invaluable as we have continued to develop, change and transform as an organisation. 

He has represented this Council with pride and dedication, and his enthusiasm and expertise will be missed but at the same time fondly remembered.

There has been no shortage of well-wishes from colleagues across our organisation as Miles embarks on this next chapter.

Colin Smith, Head of Neighbourhood Services, said: “I have worked with and for Miles for over 35-years. We have over the years negotiated many challenges together, celebrated many successes and he has always been supportive, through difficult times. 

“Miles has always been an inspirational leader, and he has over his career, captured the respect of his staff and other colleagues across the Council, with the positive values, he stands up for and represents. He has always led his teams by example, and I’ve never worked with anyone so dedicated to their job and career, with the Vale. 

“Over the years, Miles was always partial to a night out, and he was particularly proud at one recycling awards night we both attended, when he was awarded “Manager of the Year”. A really nice accolade, but we didn’t have the heart to tell him he was the only applicant!!!. I think over the years though, he worked it out.

“Miles loves his football, and over the years we have had many debates about how Liverpool should perform, their many highs and lows and who they should buy, during the different transfer windows. We also went to many football games together, watching both Liverpool and Cardiff City and they were always entertaining days out.

“I will sincerely miss working with Miles, the friendship and banter we have, as well as his inspiring leadership but I can’t think of anyone more deserving for a long, happy and healthy retirement. YNWA Miles.”

Business Manager Joanna Lewis also shared this reflection: “On a professional level, Miles has always been approachable, a champion to women in the workplace and always looking at innovative ways to deliver for staff and customers. He would always be open and honest with and provide you with examples from knowledge and experience. He gave me the confidence to speak out and question, every day was a school day, always learning something.

“I would receive random calls, saying we need to get such and such implemented, knowing myself and the team had less than a week, but we always delivered – including things such as Pool Car Implementation, Residential Permits in new locations during Covid, asking for assistance the Penarth Pier Management during COVID and managing weddings.  The Dogs are Clever Campaign - even the dogs attended the office during these days.

“Being the audience for his presentation at the Staff Awards, now that was an experience. Walking into his office and seeing quote of the week and receiving the annual message - which always included a saying from the Muppets Christmas Carol.

“Being told “I am retiring” by Miles was memorable, but it is well deserved, and now it is time for Mr P to enjoy his retirement.”

If you would like to send your own well-wishes, colleagues can send them via this form here and we will make sure that each message is passed along to Miles after his final day today.

After 43 years, I can safely say that Miles has well and truly earned his retirement - may it be a long, happy and healthy one.  Diolch yn fawr Miles. 

That is all from me for this week and as always, thank you very much for your efforts - they are very much appreciated.

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

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob