5.33 — weeknotes — Some reflections of 2023…

Episode 33, can you believe there has been 33 of these this year. I’m really pleased with that actually, ok not once a week but not a bad result.

I think everyone is really ready for the break at Christmas — myself included!

Some reflections of 2023….

Local Government: Local Government really is at the sharp end of delivery, we see it every day and we genuinely care. It’s been a tough year for communities with the cost of living crisis and beyond but Local Gov continues to be there for people and I see that every day at Hounslow.

Hounslow: Is really connected with it’s community. Had great feedback from someone who came and spoke at an event the other week and I think worth sharing here:

Thanks for giving us a seat at your event. What stood out for me is the authentic connection you have with the people in your community. This is not common and to be treasured.

At any given point, especially in these times, you have tough choices to make and this event, the organisation, the stalls, which included blue light services and community representation, showed to me that you value your community.

Socitm: I’m so incredibly proud to be Socitm President this year, and what a year! The society goes from strength to strength and we have so many plans over the next year. Kansas was a highlight and was amazing to represent Hounslow and the UK in an international arena. Bringing some rainbow in the form of Ophelia Payne, to the Annual Presidents Dinner was a particular highlight.

Delivery: Sometimes when you are in the thick of it, you forget just all the things that have been achieved. Digital folk are not very good at stopping and celebrating successes, as we tick a thing off the list we immediately move on to the next one. One of the team said to me yesterday that he was really pleased with the amount of ‘stuff’ that has been delivered this year, making a real difference to the organisation, getting rid of a load of old tech, upgrading a load of systems etc! (He was also ready for Christmas!)

Housing: For a number of reasons Housing has been an area that I have spent a lot of time on over the last year. This week we have gone live with the first group of services with the new system. A massive achievement for the team, loads of work over the weekend to get everything migrated. These things are complex with many moving parts so never 100% but the team have been amazing!

The Team: Just awesome!

Looking forward to 2024!!!!

Tune of the week: Cher — DJ Play a Christmas Song (The Graham Norton Show)