End of Week Message from Nickki
30 October 2026
Hi everyone,
This week has been a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork, adaptability and resilience.
Many of you will be aware of the significant disruption caused by the PHP cyber incident, which resulted in major outages affecting Granicus and Tascomi services delivered by a third-party provider. While the incident sat outside the Council's direct control, the response certainly did not. Teams from across the organisation came together quickly, sharing information, adapting processes and supporting services to minimise disruption for residents.
I'd also like to recognise members of the Digital Team who worked through evenings, overnight and across the weekend to implement precautionary security updates, monitor systems and ensure our own environment remained protected. Their efforts, alongside those of colleagues across services, demonstrate the professionalism and commitment that is often unseen but essential to keeping Council services running.
A special mention should also go to our Telecare Team following an issue at one of our sheltered accommodation complexes recently which generated an exceptionally high volume of alarms and calls. Faced with hundreds of calls in the queue at 9pm, George raised concerns early and colleagues immediately rallied around to help. Rebecca, Ashton, Jake, Semina, Rochelle and Tony all stepped in to support, despite many already having completed full shifts or not being on call. Together they reassured residents, managed the incident and cleared the backlog in a matter of hours.
What stands out to me about both of these situations is that they are not isolated examples. Across the Council, every day, colleagues step forward when challenges arise. People work together, support one another and remain focused on what matters most: protecting services and supporting residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
As cyber incidents continue to increase across all sectors, these events also serve as a timely reminder that cyber security is everyone's responsibility.
Always remain vigilant when using email and digital systems, even when messages appear to come from trusted sources. Be cautious with unexpected links and attachments, never enter login details via email links, and report suspicious activity to the IT Service Desk. Keep passwords secure and never share them, and always lock your screen when leaving your workstation unattended.
Before clicking on a link, opening an attachment, or responding to a message, stop and think. Be extra cautious if a message seems:
- Too good to be true
- Urgent or demanding an immediate response
- From an unusual or unknown sender
- Written in strange or unexpected language
- Different from what you’d normally receive from that person or organisation
- Asking you to “do a favour” or share sensitive details
- Just making you feel unsure
Over the coming months we'll be introducing additional awareness and training opportunities to help all of us stay safer online, both at work and at home. In the meantime, please continue to remain vigilant, challenge anything that doesn't look right, and report concerns promptly.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed this week. Your collective response demonstrates the best of what we do as an organisation and the value of working together when it matters most.
For those who are not working, I hope you all have a relaxing break over the weekend.
Thanks,
Nickki