Future planning

Thanks again
Just in case the message hasn't got through, I would like to give my profound thanks to everyone who worked on the election. In particular, can I thank, Claire Wardle (Elections Manager) the 'controlling mind'. I'm also grateful to my senior team and the Communications team who gave such energetic and sterling support.

At the local election count on Saturday

Welcoming the new councillors
After a one day weekend on Sunday it was back to work on Monday to meet the newly elected councillors. As you will know, 23 Labour councillors were elected, 20 Conservatives and 11 for the Green party. We held a welcome and induction meeting on Monday morning and by the end of the day I am pleased to say that 53 of the 54 councillors had signed up for their office - the 54th was unavoidably detained by the birth of a healthy and welcome grandson. She signs up today.

Today continues with the induction programme for Members where I, and the Executive Leadership Team, will be running sessions this morning and this afternoon.

Geoff Raw and Rachel Musson with some of the new councillors

Pinaki Ghoshal meeting our new councillors

Happily the sun is shining this morning and this is welcome after a rather tumultuous week of weather.

Sunny Hove

King's Esplanade

Much of the week has been taken up with the necessary discussions with Group Leaders to agree the formation of the Administration of the council, and arrangements for places and chairs of committees which will be confirmed at Annual Council on Thursday 21 May. The transitional period that we’re in now is one that we have planned for and is an important time, particularly for a council with no overall control, which is something that we have good experience of.

An ambassador for social work
I have found time this week to do some other things though and one of those was meeting with Kate Metcalf on Tuesday. Kate is a senior social worker with adults, who recently completed a secondment with the College of Social Work. While there Kate was working on the development of a curriculum guide for working with people with autism, and practice guides for social workers working with people with autism and dementia and their carers. Kate’s enthusiasm for undertaking work with academics and practitioners across the country to improve the quality of learning and practice for people with autism and dementia is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and was struck by Kate’s appreciation of the opportunity she has been given. Her determination to bring back valuable experience and practical guidance for Brighton & Hove is great. I am always heartened to meet our practitioners and managers and to hear about their 'lived' experience in work. And Kate is both a fantastic ambassador for social work, for Brighton & Hove and, indeed now, for the College of Social Work.

Senior Social Worker Kate Metcalf

International Hummus Day
To lighten the week with its important discussions I learnt on Wednesday that it was “International Hummus Day”. Yes, I am sure you think I’m making it up, but just look it up on the web if you don’t believe me! As some of you know I tend to have hummus for my lunch anyway, and Wednesday was no exception. A working lunch with Paula Murray, Assistant Chief Executive, on International Hummus Day was captured for posterity.

Paula Murray and I on International Hummus Day

Doctors in the house
In a week focused on future planning, it was encouraging and a real pleasure to meet our two new doctors in the house. They are Doctor Katie Cuming and Doctor Emma Robinson. They are sharing the consultant in Public Health role with a particular emphasis on health improvement, health protection and managing public health services commissioned by the Clinical Commissioning Group. They join a strong and enthusiastic team led by Doctor Tom Scanlon, our Director of Public Health. They are already meeting colleagues and looking to develop their contribution to delivering our plans for this council to provide great civic leadership for wellbeing and aspiration in the city, and to build on the positive public health work already under way.



Dr Katie Cuming and Dr Emma Robinson

Communications changes
As well as welcoming new councillors and new senior staff I have also had the job of making a leaving speech this week for Corinna Allen who has left the authority as Head of Communications. Corinna has moved on to a fantastic new role in Southern Water as Head of Communications and Engagement and we wish her all the best for a glittering future. Corinna has made a real difference to the work and reputation of the council and I am really grateful for that. I am delighted to welcome Ali Rigby into the position of Acting Head of Communications, and know that we will build on our excellent working relationship and that she will continue the active leadership that Corinna has given.

In the festival spirit
Finally, just a reminder to everybody that the Brighton Festival is in full swing, as is the Brighton Fringe. There are wonderful productions, readings and events on every day and although I have only been able to attend a few I can thoroughly recommend having a look at the programme and taking advantage of the marvellous cultural events on offer to us all.

All the best
Penny

PS And a final final reminder that the 64 Million Artists initiative to help with everyone's wellbeing at the council. Links with Brighton Festival now kicked in so there are some great offers for staff taking part. Have a look at it on the Wave.