6.10 — weeknotes — Lots of London— HMS Belfast!

A week of trains this week as in the office or in London for four days. One in the office and three in London for various things.

I know I always say this but this week has been hectic and lots going on. Being out and about a bit has actually been great but has been a challenge to stay on top of things.

Did a brief update to CLT on the Digital Portfolio on Tuesday, main focus was on cyber security and some increased awareness and training for colleagues.

Also had the final two sessions on the Team Charter this week — did these face to face to ensure that we gave colleagues opportunity to come together on this. Now all we need to do it turn it into a final version!

Wednesday — met with Granicus as part of our regular catch ups. Good to have these in the diary as they really want to understand what we are doing and how they can help get things done and expedite things. Felt like a bit of a tourist at times — the variety of the old and the new is the city is crazy!

Thursday — at the Oracle event in Excel centre, massive event for all things Oracle. I’d agreed to do a panel discussion in the afternoon on AI in the Public Sector… from the three panelists there was a real mix on stage of Police, Health and Local Government. Really enjoyed the session and a few people came up after for a conversation so that was good!

Friday was a day at home catching up on the rest of the week, although still managed to have a number of 30 minute meetings — never fun. Friday evening was the highlight of the week. I was lucky enough to be invited to the annual President’s Dinner for the Society of London’s Treasurers. Clive is the President this year — and he was kind enough to invite a number of Hounslow colleagues.

Was on board the HMS Belfast in London — so not a bad location. Was an opportunity to catch up with colleagues from across London including someone I’d not seen for about 15 years! Was great to catch up.

It was also an opportunity for a photo shoot with the Socitm chain — given Rachel who is Presdent of Lawyers in Local Government and Clive — all had theirs! We also had Jonathan Van-Tam as guest speak after dinner — he was brilliant at telling us tales and thoughts of his life and career especially over Covid and his time in the covid briefings.

Was such an amazing night — great to catch up with colleagues — Clive’s speech was great — London looked incredible.

Tune of the week: Hues Corporation — Rock The Boat • TopPop