Rob's Weekly Round-Up

26 September 2025

Helo Bawb,

I’d like to begin this week’s update with a reminder about the Let’s Talk About Life in the Vale survey, which launched earlier this month.

The survey gives residents a chance to share their experiences of living in the Vale of Glamorgan and their views on public services, priorities, and local decision-making.

Many of you live in the Vale, and we value your contributions as residents, but also as colleagues who work within your communities.

This year’s survey builds on the success of last year’s, where the results of which informed our Vale 2030 Corporate Plan following responses from over 4,000 residents. The survey is live now here.

The Let’s Talk About Life in the Vale survey is just one of the many ways we’re working to listen to and support our residents. But it’s also the everyday actions of our staff that truly reflect our values as a council.

At the heart of what we do is the care, compassion, and dedication shown by colleagues right across our services.

Those values were clearly demonstrated recently by two members of our refuse team, Craig Baston and Daniel John, who recently went above and beyond to support a resident in need. The pair came to the aid of a gentleman who had fallen in his garden. Drawing on previous first aid training, they calmy treated and dressed the resident’s wounds with care.

Thanks to their quick thinking and kindness, the gentleman made a full recovery and later publicly thanked Craig and Daniel for their help that day.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to you both - your actions are a credit to our organisation and a reflection of the values we’re all proud to uphold.

As we seek to help those who need us, I’d also like to share an urgent appeal for unused/new toiletries for the Vale Domestic Abuse Service based in Barry.

They are collecting essential toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) for women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse. VDAS provides 18 safe accommodation units for families in crisis - many arrive with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing.

Your donations can help provide comfort, dignity and care during an incredibly difficult time.

If you’d like to contribute, please leave items at the main reception desk in the Civic Offices by Wednesday 1st October. Lynne Clarke from C1V will be delivering them to VDAS on Thursday 2nd October.

Building on the theme of community, this week saw the launch of our new partnership with Cardiff Council and housing developer Lovell - marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality, affordable homes in communities across the region.

This innovative partnership aims to deliver around 2,500 homes over the coming years, including approximately 1,600 new council homes spread across 25 sites in Cardiff and the Vale.

Importantly, the partnership focuses not only on building more homes, but also on creating sustainable, inclusive neighbourhoods. Many of the new homes will be energy efficient and designed with our shared commitment to environmental goals, including the Vale’s Project Zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

As we continue to make strides to better our communities, I also had the opportunity to attend the official unveiling of the Penarth Placemaking Plan last week.

The launch event at Turner House in Penarth marked the next phase of the Placemaking process, with the implementation phase set to begin in October when the Penarth Town Board meets for the first time.

It was fantastic to see such a high turnout from residents and the wider community in Penarth to hear about the plan, and aligns perfectly with our ambitions as a Council to make the Vale more enjoyable for everyone.

Similarly, it’s also important to recognise the incredible work that is happening here in the Vale to keep our communities safe too.

Colleagues in Shared Regulatory Services, working with the wider Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit, recently received a Special Commendation from the prestigious Keith Hughes Award following groundbreaking work on Operation Usk.

Operation Usk is a multi-agency investigation that uncovered a sophisticated organised crime group involved in illicit tobacco distribution and large-scale money laundering across South Wales.

It led to the successful prosecution of 11 defendants after a 15-week contested trial.

In total, the case resulted in more than 31 years of immediate custodial sentences and a further 7 years and 6 months in suspended sentences for fraud and money laundering offences.

The investigation, which exposed the laundering of more than £3.4 million through a web of cash-based businesses, third-party bank accounts, and international transfers, also led to the recovery of £600,000 in illegal tobacco products.

The Keith Hughes Award is given annually to a team or individual demonstrating outstanding innovation and effectiveness in tackling financial crime through investigation and legal enforcement.

Llongyfarchiadau mawr to all who were involved for their exceptional teamwork and dedication in achieving this national recognition. Gwaith arbennig!

As you may recall, a few weeks ago I mentioned that BBC Wales News visited our Waste Transfer Station in Barry to film a piece about the soft plastics recycling system that we are trialling.

The final news report was broadcast this week across all BBC Wales News channels, including bilingual TV and Radio reports featuring Waste Project Officer Bethan Thomas and Hollie Smith from the Communications Team.

Over 70 per cent of material collected in the Vale was recycled during 2023/24, meaning we are among the top performing Welsh Local Authority areas, with Wales itself a world leader in this field.

The article highlights the important contribution we’re making to recycling efforts both locally and nationally, and in their piece, the BBC even referred to the Vale, quite rightly and accurately as “one of the country’s top performing local authorities” for recycling.

This is excellent news coverage for the Vale - the BBC Wales News homepage is the most-read news source in Wales - and highlights our position as industry leaders on a national stage.

You can read the full news report here.

The positive momentum around recycling reflects a wider shift towards greener choices as an organisation - and there’s never been a better time for each and every one of us to get involved.

As we continue to find new ways to reduce waste and rethink our everyday habits, it’s fitting that this week marks UNISON Green Week.

UNISON is the UK’s largest union, serving more than 1.3 million members, representing full-time and part-time staff who provide public services.

The union recognises the importance of the green agenda and the urgent impact climate change will have on our working environments, our communities, our families and our global family.

Here in the Vale, we share this commitment through Project Zero - our plan to tackle climate change, cut carbon emissions and work more sustainably. You can explore resources, training and updates via the Project Zero Portal.

Whether you’re a UNISON member or not, there is a call for everyone to pledge one (or more) green actions big or small to mark Green Week. For example, walking, cycling or use of public transport for a journey, or making changes at home or work to reduce energy consumption.

If you made any green changes this week, let us know here.

In other news, colleagues gathered at Palmerston Primary School on Thursday for the unveiling of the brand-new memorial garden in memory of Shirley Curnick, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Shirley, a cherished kitchen assistant at the school, was known for her tireless commitment and care for the pupils she fed over a career spanning more than 45 years.

Graeme Jones, Deputy Head at Palmerston, had a vision for an unused area of grass at the side of the school building, and with the help of grant funding through Keep Wales Tidy, the school was able to purchase materials and set up a Gardening Club for learners to transform the area.

Following Shirley’s passing, it was decided that the new garden would be dedicated in her memory with the addition of some purple plants – Shirley’s favourite colour – and a plaque on a new garden bench.

Diolch yn fawr to Graeme and the group of learners at Palmerston Primary School who worked hard to make this beautiful new memorial garden possible.

Finally, following the success of May’s event, the Vale of Glamorgan Council Jobs Fair returns on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025, from 10am–1pm at The POD, Broad Street, Barry.

This is a great opportunity for departments to:

• Promote current and upcoming vacancies
• Meet potential candidates face-to-face
• Share insights about working for the Council

There will also be a quiet hour from 12–1pm to offer a calmer environment for those who need it.

This is fantastic opportunity to showcase the work we do as an organisation – as one of the Vale’s largest employers - to potential candidates who might not have considered a career in public service previously.

To take part, you can secure your place at the Jobs Fair here.

Thank you all very much for your efforts this week.

They are, as ever, very much appreciated.

Diolch yn fawr iawn,

Rob