4.20 — weeknotes — Met lots of ‘Teams Only’ people this week (Member Marketplace and Socitm London and South East)

I know I say this every week, but it has been another hectic week, with lots going on, home, in the office and around London. Also something I say every week recently but it has been really good to get out and about. Although that tube line from Hounslow into Central London feels like it takes forever…

Monday we went live with the network connection into our Heston Leisure Centre — getting our Leisure Centres live has been rather challenging for a number of reasons so ticking another one off is great, only two to go!

Tuesday had the Socitm Board meeting and went through a range of really exciting things that are coming up and preparations for Presidents Conference in a couple of weeks — what a great agenda that looks — actually booked my train tickets as well! Really looking forward to that!

Went into the office on Wednesday and stayed over — had the customary run! Wednesday morning I had no meetings so actually managed to plough through so much stuff. It felt like I managed to achieve much more than at home — although I properly turned off email and really focussed for the morning. Apart from the fact that I accidently booked the desk for the wrong day it was a great morning. Having that time to focus is so important.

Thursday was the Socitm London and South East regional meeting in London at the LGfL offices — was really nice to see everyone and even meet some of the Socitm colleagues for the first time. It was a great session and got to hear about all sorts of great work that partners and councils have been doing. Across such a wide range of subjects. Adrian is the new Chair of the Region and made such a great point that the conversations have moved from ‘IT and technology’ to outcomes and community — and it was so noticeable! Great session.

Then back to Hounslow House where we had a Member Marketplace — all the Councillors came to the 6th floor and each area of the council and our partners had a stall, staffed by officers to chat about their areas. There was such energy in the room and was really well attended. Met not only the Councillors but colleagues that I haven’t seen for ages and again in some cases not met in real life before — great session.

This Friday, once a month, we have a coffee catch up with Digital colleagues and just have an opportunity to have a natter over a virtual cup of coffee. We started just as an opportunity to spend some time together and check in with our mental health. Really nice to get the opportunity to chat to colleagues about nothing in particular and nothing about work.

Looking forward to a three day week next week.

Tune of the week: You know how much I like a remix! (although I am really not sure about the video!) Mr. Belt & Wezol — Homeless (Official Music Video)