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From Sajida Bijle:
I am already in discussions with senior managers about what adjustments will need to be made to support an appropriately phased return to the workplace as and when the government guidance changes. I am asking them to review their own service areas, to assess service needs, identify any key barriers and develop plans in consultation with you. It is recognised that government decisions around schooling, the restarting of services and reopening of facilities will have a significant bearing on how we move forward.
In addition, and to help us identify the specific actions we will need to take, Human Resources is developing an ongoing Covid 19 risk assessment, using the Government Guidance for Employers and feedback from staff consultation.
The overarching aim is to do everything reasonably practicable to minimise the risks of Covid 19 by identifying sensible measures and adjustments.
We are following current Government advice to continue to enable staff to work from home wherever possible. Where certain jobs cannot be done from home and are essential to the work of the council, we will continue to take all reasonable measures to comply fully with social distancing. In the majority of work areas, we anticipate being able to achieve full compliance with social distancing but where this cannot be followed in full we will take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of transmission between staff.
We would like you to consider what Covid 19 risks may be involved in your role, your work environment and your usual working arrangements and to think about practical ways these risks can be minimised.
Please email: hr-consultation@hertsmere.gov.uk with your views and suggestions in relation to:
- Hygiene
- Social distancing measures
- Minimising contact with others
- Adjustments to the workplace
Local Joint Committee staff representatives will be asked to attend a virtual meeting to review some of these suggestions so you can also raise any suggestions with them so that they can bring those ideas to the meeting. Listed below are the LJC representatives:
LJC Staff Representatives: Andy Chittenden; Yvette Statham; John Robinson; Pam Cousins; Emily Dillon
Human Resources will be holding meetings with the Corporate Health and Safety Group and representatives from the Local Joint Committee staff side in the last week of May to develop the risk assessment, therefore please provide your feedback no later than midday on Friday 22 May 2020.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your creative side active during lockdown then Hertfordshire Year of Culture (HYOC2020) can help. There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that doing something creative can improve your own wellbeing and sharing your interests and creations is a great way to stay connected even in isolation.
This month’s theme is ‘The Big Outdoors’ and you can find plenty of ideas to get creative in your own back garden with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s #WildAtHome project. It’s also National Walking Month, so visit the Countryside Management Service website to find a new walk near you and take a picture or draw what you see. Don’t forget to adhere to social distancing guidelines. If you’re interested in topping up your knowledge of local flora and fauna or just need some gardening tips, don’t forget that you can borrow free online books, newspapers and magazines via Hertfordshire Libraries. If you’re unable to leave the house, Visit Herts have teamed up with Martha Lytton Cobbold at historic Knebworth House to offer a very special virtual private tour of the glorious gardens all from the comfort of your front room. Don’t forget to visit the What’s ONLINE section on Creative Hertfordshire to find a whole range of other activities taking place online, or suggestions for things that you can do at home.
We’d love to see what you and your family have been creating during lockdown – anyone who sends in a submission will receive a free HYOC2020 t-shirt and badge and be featured on the intranet! If you’re interested in the HYOC2020 campaign, follow @HYOC2020 on social media and use the #HertsMyCreativeCounty.
The government is now advising the public to wear a face covering when in an enclosed space where social distancing is not always possible, such as on public transport or in some shops, where you may be more likely to come into contact with others.
Find out more about what this means, how to make a face mask and other general advice on the Hertfordshire County Council website.
Over the past few days, Corporate Communications has started to publish some graphics showing the great work going on across the council. They feature staff either dealing with an extraordinarily high volume of work in their 'normal' jobs at this time, or colleagues who have temporarily taken on other roles to assist our residents and businesses across Hertsmere.
The intention is to continue with this campaign for some time, so keep your eyes peeled for your colleagues on our social media channels!
If you want to feature in the campaign or know someone who should, please contact Corporate Communications.
 If you can't see the pictures on this bulletin, follow the instructions of right clicking on the X at the top of the photo box and pressing download pic and the pics should appear within about five seconds.
 Lots of fun photos and tips for working from home are floating around, along with pics of colleagues finding ways to adjust to the temporary change of lifestyle. If you have anything you are happy to share for a feature on the intranet hub, please email Corporate Communications
A new, fun round-up has just been added to the Hub. Hope you find some time to check it out!
Picture of the week is Simon Pascal in IDS's moggy, Barney who, it seems is a very corporate cat!
If you can't see the pictures on this bulletin, follow the instructions of right clicking on the X at the top of the photo box and pressing download pic and the pics should appear within about five seconds.
All Costco locations are OPEN as usual or you can shop online at: www.costco.co.uk.
If you want to become a member of Costco you can join online or at their local Costco location. You can also add a friend or family member to your account at the cost of £16.40. Visit www.costco.co.uk for info.
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