I really hope you were able to take some time off over Christmas, even if you weren't able to do many of the things you normally would. And with us now being in another lockdown, it is still a very challenging time for all of us.
January was a challenging month for many and sadly lsat week we lost 15 year old Romario Opia, who was tragically murdered in Archway. I want to pay tribute to the professionalism and care with which our staff have responded to this tragic incident. So many of our colleagues in TYS, YOS, CSC and education have had some part to play in following up this tragic event and have done so sensitively and professionally. For those of you impacted by Romario's death please do speak with your manager to make sure you are getting support for your own wellbeing.
I have also asked all managers to remind staff to take plan and take leave. The current lockdown is challenging everyone's health and wellbeing and I want to ensure you all take a well-deserved break.
We know that there is light is at the end of the tunnel and we're making some excellent progress on delivering the vaccine to Islington's residents and staff. I'm delighted that all of our older residents and staff in older people's care homes have now had the opportunity to get the first vaccination. It’s an incredible achievement and I wanted to thank particularly Russell Jones and Iride Polo Alvarez in Adult Social Care who have worked tirelessly to achieve this. I also wanted to give particular thanks to Candy Holder who has done so much to ensure our special school staff have been able to take up their vaccination and Anthony Doudle who has worked tirelessly with school staff to support them with easier access to get a test.
We know that the roll out of the vaccine is one of the major ways out of the pandemic, but we must also all keep playing our part in keeping each other safe. Please do continue to work from home if you can and it has been agreed with your manager, and if you do have to work on-site, please remember to follow the Covid safety guidance, and most importantly, follow our guidelines on what to do if you develop any symptoms.
In other news, Mark Taylor, Director of Learning and Schools, retired last week. Mark has spent the last 40 years in education, with 20 of them in Islington. He has been a real supporter of schools and education settings across the borough, and a lead player in developing the Islington Community of Schools. I will miss Mark enormously but I know you'll all join me in wishing him well in his retirement. Mark leaves behind the legacy of a very strong and committed team and they will be carrying on and redoubling our efforts to achieve great educational outcomes for all our children.
A quick update on the SLT restructure - the consultation has now ended and a further update was circulated to all affected staff last week. Thank you to everyone who engaged in the process and fed back their comments and ideas. Launching a consultation process of this nature is never easy and I and the rest of CMB are really grateful for your professionalism and commitment. Please do contact me or your manager if you have any outstanding queries.
This month is LGBT+ History Month and there are plenty ways to brighten up your month and come together virtually in celebration.
Finally, I wanted to let you know that Cllr Kaya Comer Schwartz has now gone on maternity leave and Cllr Michelline Ngongo is the new Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families while Cllr Comer Schwartz is away, with Cllr Una O'Halloran taking responsibility for Mother Tongue Supplementary Schools. I am delighted also to let you know that shortly after going on maternity leave, Kaya gave birth to a beautiful baby, Ari Ezra. Congratulations to Kaya and her family.
Carmel Littleton
Corporate Director
People Directorate
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