5.31 — weeknotes — Colleague Conference — 3 days in Hounslow

Three days in Hounslow this week, with the added pleasure of staying over, so the commute was a MUCH easier one. Although the 2.5 hours to get in on Tuesday probably made up for it a bit.

For the last couple of years Hounslow has had a colleague conference with a huge number of events across the Council including the opportunity of hearing from the Leader, Deputy Leader and the Chief Executive — together with the opportunity to ask any questions! Always good to get colleagues together — even better when there is coffee and a cupcake as well. Aligned with the Digital Festival as well, which organised a number of events over the week. Even managed a 4k run around Hounslow, although the curry probably then compensated for that!

I am taking on SIRO (Senior Information Risk Officer) responsibilities at Hounslow — which means that I am responsible for making sure we take the right approach to information and that we are compliant with the law. I therefore thought it a good idea to ensure that I had some training on this — so did some on Wednesday morning. What is a fairly dry subject was explained really well with some really good examples. Whilst I am not sure I learnt anything new, as such, it was really good to be reminded and gave me a few things to think about and implement.

Spent a chunk of time this week with Lamptons Group colleagues — who provide a number of services for the Borough. Monday had our Digital Board where we are reviewing all systems and approaches and working through a range of challenges — and then finished the week with the Trading Companies Project Board, where the Council is resetting the governance around the companies. So lots on!

Our Transforming Community Experience (TCE) board was on Thursday where we went through all the different workstreams. Again, so much happening but now getting to the sharp end where we are starting to implement things. Next year will really be a year of delivery.

Also went to the Dentist — so a varied week!

Tune of the week: Heard on the radio this week — classic not heard for ages- R.E.M. — Losing My Religion (Official Music Video)