4.24 — weeknotes — LOTI turns 4
Well a lovely couple of weeks off. I actually managed to switch off as well, very much so during the first week in Sitges, and fairly well when I was sitting in a field in a campervan the week after. Luckily flights and airports were OK, not the scenes seen on TV, so was all plain sailing. Luckily I have more time off over the next few weeks with odd days off, I could definitely get used to shorter weeks.
Tried to catch up with emails before I got back to the office on Tuesday, which mostly worked so there wasn’t any surprises. Always reassuring that I wasn’t missed and things progressed in my absence.
This week has been back to it and lots of being out and about. Tuesday, in Hounslow house, went to board with an update on Information Governance, Information Management and Cyber Security. Loads of work taking place around all different elements but further work needed.
We have changed the guidance for colleagues about coming into the Borough and now expect everyone to be in at least once a fortnight. Also to come in with a planned purpose. This will ensure we continue to be connected to the Borough and I think, listening to other councils, is a very positive approach.
Wednesday was fortunate enough to be invited to the TechUK annual dinner. We have done some work with them through Socitm and Hounslow so was pleased to be able to attend. Although Black Tie in 30 degrees wasn’t fun. Some great speakers including the outgoing and incoming Presidents and then Clive Myrie.
I’ve nearly been at Hounslow for three years now, where has that time gone. In that time I’ve not done a huge amount in the West London Region, we are actively involved with West London Alliance, WLA, but I hadn’t met my peers in London regularly. So we changed that this week and I organised getting the west London CIOs together for a chat. Going to do on a more regular basis!
Thursday back into Hounslow House for a number of meetings, again good to see people face to face. Although the joys of the train home was not so nice!
Friday back into London for the LOTI afternoon workshop and celebration of year 3. Another I can’t believe it’s gone so quickly moment. We spent some time in the afternoon reflecting on year 3, what has gone well and what could be improved and then thinking about the work plan for year 4. This time together is so important for so many reasons, so much is learnt and connections made with colleagues during the time together — the breaks (or fluid readjustment time as Eddie called them) — are almost more important that the formal parts of the agenda.
We then celebrated year 3 at the Globe and colleagues and supporters came together to toast year 4. Was great to see people coming together.
As we are about to enter another period of potential crisis, with the extremely high temperatures that we have set to hit the UK. Local Government again springs into action to take action, to communicate and to keep residents and communities safe. Let’s hope that the temperatures aren’t as bad as forecast and people stay safe.
Tune of the week: Kate Bush — Running Up That Hill — Official Music Video and you know I like a remix Kate Bush — Running Up That Hill (Craig Knight Remix)
