4.18 — weeknotes — new Councillors — new phone system — what a week!
Well, what a jam packed week. Managed to squeeze in so much this week, post election. Was always going to be one of the busiest weeks for the team with the new administration and welcoming the new Councillors to get their new equipment and access to email etc, but we also went live with the final phase of our new phone system as well with 8x8.
I stayed in Hounslow for two nights this week as there was so much going on with the new Councillors and it was just easier to save the commuting. It was really nice to stay over actually, managed to get a bit of exercise as well, had a run around the area as well , to get some exercise— nice to see the parks and high street so busy.
Tuesday was our usual day together with Mission Management, my direct reports, where we come together to think and plan what is going on. We had a great morning, mainly focussed around the elections, had a great lunch together locally which is always a highlight and then spent the afternoon with Councillors.
In between this we gave our presentation to the judging panel for the MJ Awards Digital Transformation Award that we finalist for in June. We had a number of colleagues talking about our work against each of our values and at different locations across the Borough — Hounslow House; Cranford Library; Meadow Bank Centre and, because the technology works, from Home! I think it went well and we will wait and see the result in June — everything crossed!
The afternoon was the leaving presentation for the former Leader of the Council, was great to see so much life on the 6th floor with guests from across the Borough coming to wish him well. Lots of great speeches and a great video showing how much has been accomplished over the past 8 years. He will certainly be missed. Nice for the service desk team to get a mention as well — a sign of the high quality support they provide!
Attention then to the Councillors — focussing on the new ones, 22 of them and the team meeting them all to talk about their options, hand out kit and undertake cyber and Information Governance awareness. Good progress being made already.
Wednesday, a great chat with Jo from LOTI on recruitment and how LOTI can assist us in the work we are doing to recruit — was great to chat and think about what can be done in this area. Lots to think about as we move forwards in our next recruitment campaign.
On Thursday we did a retro on the Election from an IT viewpoint, which was really good. Colleagues contributed to the board beforehand and a great conversation walking through all elements of the preparation, the election day and the count. On balance all went really well but always things that we can learn. Going to address a few things now rather than wait until the next election.
Friday. Actually nice to have a day at home and catch up from the week.
Looking forward to the cheesy-camp-fest that is Eurovision at the weekend — always entertaining and more than a bit bonkers. Let’s hope that Ukraine will win!
Tune of the Week: Sam Ryder — SPACE MAN — United Kingdom 🇬🇧 — Official Music Video — Eurovision 2022
