Your copy of One Charnwood is here!
Planning underway to open Southfields in a very gradual and safe way
The council is working towards allowing a limited number of additional staff to attend the Southfields office, where for personal or operational reasons this is considered beneficial or necessary.
We are also looking at how we might re-open the reception area to customers. However, it is important to state that this will be on a restricted basis and subject to adequate protection for staff and customers being in place, including measures such as protective screens and other PPE in place to ensure maximum safety.
We are looking towards implementing this on or around June 1 but this is a provisional date and subject to change, dependent on national guidance.
To be very clear, this doesn’t mean that we are all, or even many of us, are going to be back at our desks from June 1.
Our general approach remains that where possible, all employees who have been able to work from home, will continue to work from home.
The only people returning have already been identified by their managers.
As part of our planning, the Health and Safety Team are carrying out the required Covid-19 risk assessments and working with Facilities Management to change the flow and layout of the building where necessary to ensure social distancing is maintained.
You may be aware that desks at Southfields are been marked. This is a mapping exercise to figure out the best social distancing measures when staff begin to return. This will be an interim short-term approach until a more sustainable longer term solution can be developed.
Once in place, Heads of service and managers will be closely monitoring the amount of staff in the building and, as described above, we will not be looking to increase occupation of our offices in any significant way at this time.
We will be producing an FAQ (frequently asked questions) page shortly, with the aim to answer any questions you may have about upcoming plans and what they will mean to you, your service and your workspace.
Please be patient – we will keep you informed over the next few issues of One Charnwood and other channels.
If you have any concerns or questions, please raise them via the communications team: communications@charnwood.gov.uk.
We may not be able to provide answers to all questions as this is still very much the early situation and we are still working out many details. The situation, with regards to how as a country we are battling the virus, means things can change very rapidly and plans can be moved forward or put back quite quickly.
Simon Jackson Strategic director of corporate services
Thank you for taking part in the staff wellbeing survey
A huge thank you to the 243 staff members who filled in our wellbeing survey. The responses are now being examined and will go a long way to shape the future of how CBC ensures the mental and physical wellbeing of all staff is being looked after. Look out for future developments in future issues of One Charnwood.
Active Charnwood weekly update
The latest from the Active Charnwood team:
#NationalWalkingMonth
With the change in the Government guidelines on exercise and access to Green Spaces there are more options now to enjoy on foot.
For information on which of the Council’s facilities have reopened please visit this news story on the website.
For a wealth of route ideas in Charnwood and beyond take a look at our walking pages.
Whilst enjoying the outdoors please keep safe, and be mindful of the updated Government guidelines on outdoor exercise.
Sports Club and organisation funding deadlines approaching
Deadlines are fast approaching for some sources of funding providing essential support to sport and physical activity clubs:
* Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport, Physical Activity & Wellbeing Sports Organisation Support Fund closes 21st May
* Football Foundation Pitch Preparation fund closes on 25th May
To find out more information and guidance on these funds visit our business, organisation and club support pages.
International Day of Families
Today (May 15) marks the UN International Day of Families. Keep an eye out on our YouTube channel and social media accounts for family activities for all ages.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year is kindness. The team and colleagues across the Council will be getting involved. For information on how you can get involved, and get support visit the mental health foundation webpages.
Keep active, stay safe, and enjoy your weekend.
The Active Charnwood Team.
Active Charnwood's Roy Porter getting his steps in
Covid-19 recognition nominations wanted
the LRF Recovery Co-ordinating Group wants to capture information on individuals and organisations who have made/continue to make an exceptional contribution to the response to COVID-19.
Whilst recognising that local organisations might want to acknowledge their own local heroes (e.g. Charnwood Community Action Stars), the LRF would like to collectively recognise the efforts of those who have gone the extra mile in the response. To capture these details, as we all continue to respond to the pandemic, please fill out this survey whenever you need to submit a nomination. As a starting point please submit the details of people/organisations who have already made a significant contribution.
It’s a very short online form and will only take a few moments to complete. You can find it here.
No actions will be taken with the data at present. At an appropriate point the submissions will be reviewed and appropriate actions to formally thank people will be agreed.
Gov.uk launches domestic abuse campaign
The Government has launched a campaign designed to raise awareness and provide support for victims of domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.
The government acknowledges that the order to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are.
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse by visiting gov.uk/domestic-abuse.
More FREE online Yoga and Mindfulness classes
Sessions will be taking place on:
YOGA
Wednesday May 20 from 1pm
Thursday May 21 from 4.30pm
MINDFULNESS:
Tuesday May 19 from 1pm
Friday May 22 from 4.30pm
If you’re interested in any of these please use this link to book. To access the classes, you will be emailed a link and a password to enter.
Look out for your neighbours
Do you have a neighbour, friend or family member who signs up to our garden waste service but does not have the internet?
Could you let them know when their next brown bin collection is so they don't miss it?
Info about collection dates and locations is available on the website.
REMINDER: Record your working status on iTrent
The number of staff members updating iTrent with their working status has dropped again. Please try to get into the habit of block-booking your working week on a Monday to save time doing it every day. Alternatively, you can also ask your manager to do so for you or ask Jenny / Julie in HR (email hr@charnwood.gov.uk) or Claire Richards (email Claire.Richards@charnwood.gov.uk), if you are struggling with access. The list of categories can be found in this document.
Staff compliments and feedback
We have received some lovely messages from customers. You can view them on this webpage.
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