End of Week Message from Rob

22 May 2026

Hi Everyone, 

I wanted to take the opportunity this week to share some positive stories that celebrate the work we do as a Council ahead of the upcoming bank holiday weekend. 

Over the past few weeks, directors and management teams from across the Council have come together for the latest Management Development Sessions. 

These events have been running every six months for more than 10 years and this time focused on how the work we do supports our shared Vale 2030 ambitions and wellbeing objectives: Being the Best Council We Can Be, Creating Great Places to Live, Work and Visit, Giving Everyone a Good Start in Life, Supporting and Protecting Those Who Need Us and Respecting and Celebrating the Environment. 

There have been plenty of examples of that work in action recently, particularly through the efforts of our Street Scene teams across the Vale. 

The Llantwit Major team received lovely feedback from residents following work to remove weeds from pavements in the town, while the Barry team were praised for their refurbishment of the pedestrian subways under Severn Avenue. Da iawn i chi i gyd.  

That same commitment has also been evident in Penarth town centre, where work to remove the old parklets has drawn to a close. Following the removal of these structures, our Street Scene teams ensured that additional cleansing also took place across the town centre.  

The works in Penarth was carried out both quickly and professionally, with teams working hard to minimise disruption while improving the appearance of the town centre. Gwaith ardderchog! 

These improvements may seem simple on the surface, but they make a real difference to how people experience our towns and communities every day.  

Our communities are shaped not only by the places we create, but also by the support we provide to people when they need it most. 

With that in mind, I wanted to share an update regarding the use of the Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose, which had been selected by the Ministry of Defence as temporary accommodation for Entitled Persons and their families from Afghanistan. 

I am pleased to say that all families who had been staying at the hotel have now been successfully resettled into homes across the UK, with the hotel now returning to public use. 

Throughout this period, our Resettlement Team provided invaluable support to help families adapt to their new lives in Wales. I would particularly like to recognise the fantastic work of Kate Hollinshead, Kath Partridge and the wider team, who worked tirelessly to support residents through a hugely significant period of transition. 

While their time in the Vale may only have been temporary, these families became part of our communities during their stay here. Although this was not a Vale of Glamorgan Council scheme, it was one we were proud to support as it reflects the values we hold as a Council and community - supporting and protecting those who need us. 

Supporting people and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive is something that runs through so much of the work we do as a Council.

With that in mind, I was delighted to hear that the Vale of Glamorgan Council was recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ in the Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year category at the Wales Business Awards 2026. 

This is an important piece of recognition for the progress we are making around apprenticeships, alternative recruitment routes and funded development opportunities for both new recruits and existing colleagues. 

It also reflects the kind of organisation we want to be - one that is committed to giving everyone a good start in life by creating opportunities for people to grow, develop confidence and build fulfilling careers. 

I am particularly proud of the work that has gone into this over recent years, with special thanks to Delyth Miller and Gabby Thorne for the huge contribution they have made in helping move this work forward. 

That same sense of community and support for people at every stage of life was also reflected this week in the fantastic ITV Wales coverage featuring the Barry Dementia Friendly group. 

The feature highlighted local work supporting people living with dementia and their families, including a collaborative song written by Mark Collard alongside Billericay Dementia Friendly. Some colleagues will know Mark as the voice of the Vale 50+ Forum’s Bro Radio show, and it was wonderful to see that work recognised. 

Diolch o galon to Miles Utting, Joanna Beynon and Sian Clemett-Davies for their continued work supporting and curating our Age Friendly Vale activity across communities throughout the county, including the important Dementia Friendly Vale work. 

And finally, I wanted to thank everyone involved in ensuring that two major events ran seamlessly last weekend. 

Gŵyl Fach y Fro returned once again to Barry Island to deliver the Vale’s biggest free Welsh language celebration, while the Barry Island 10K brought runners, spectators and volunteers together in another brilliant community event along the seafront and surrounding areas. 

Events of this scale rely on close coordination across the Council, from events teams coordinating with the organisers to highways colleagues supporting road closures and operational planning to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. 

It was also fantastic to see schoolchildren from across the Vale performing at Gŵyl Fach y Fro - a celebration of young talent and a glimpse of what is to come as many prepare for the Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2026 in Ynys Môn during half term. Pob lwc to everyone competing in Ynys Môn over the coming week! 

Thank you all for your efforts this week - they are always very much appreciated. Diolch yn fawr iawn.  

For those not in work over the bank holiday weekend, have a relaxing and enjoyable few days off. 

Rob