Welcome to Team Brief

Over the last 12 months we have carried out extensive research and engagement around the concept of 15-minute neighbourhoods.

Our new Corporate Framework is our response to what residents have said is most important to them.

We want our communities to be more empowered, to lead and self-organise, and have the confidence to make the positive change they want to see. 

We are underway with plans to invest £533million throughout the borough in a wide range of services such as libraries, schools, health hubs, sports facilities, transport, parks, cultural spaces and more - and this include plans to build 3,770 high-quality new homes.

We are already piloting our new approach in different parts of the borough, working closely with residents and partners. This includes initiatives like our welcoming Warm Spaces network, two new pilot Youth Hubs that give our young people safe spaces to spend time in, and our Safe Streets pilot, which provides a new approach to testing how we can help communities to be and feel safe.

It’s been great to see how different services are working together as we all have a role to play in delivering our priorities.

I reported last week that we are making changes to our structure to help us deliver the 15-minute neighbourhoods and environment approach and will bring together key services in these areas as a temporary directorate, increasing leadership support with a new Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment. We are working to get this in place this month and will keep you informed as it develops.

In the summer, we will have the opportunity to come together to share our vision and really understand our new neighbourhood approach.

Our Staff Expo Event will be for you and your teams to find out more and learn from your colleagues, who will be demonstrating how they are already working towards this approach - more information will be available soon.

You can read the full strategy document and please remember to encourage your teams download our new email signature and PowerPoint.

Martin

Annual appraisals

It’s that time of year again! Appraisal forms for 2022-23 is ready in Clear review for managers to start conducting.

Please note the deadline for completing appraisals is Friday 31 March. Please take this opportunity to ensure your structures are correct on SAP, if there are any errors please raise a hornbill request with HRA to rectify this.

Use the link below for further guidance on Clear Review or how to complete appraisals.

Appraisal guidance

Fire Evacuation at Fellowship Square

With the new working routines of staff at Fellowship Square, we no longer operate with named fire wardens to sweep the building in the event of an emergency.  Staff are required to work together to check their office neighbourhood space including toilets and meeting rooms to support the FSQ Marshall on site.

This a reminder that Fire safety is a legal requirement and must be adhered to. For more details on our evacuation procedures, please see our Emergency Egress Plan.

Cost of Living toolkit

Our staff, particularly in frontline services, play a vital role in supporting residents struggling with the cost of living crisis. We have developed a toolkit to help keep staff informed of the range of support available and signpost residents to the help they need.

We have listed support services that are available across the following key areas: support in our local neighbourhoods and family hubs, money and debt advice, food support, lowering energy bills, managing health and wellbeing, and accessing skills and employment.

Please use this in team meetings to brief your staff so we can help residents access the support they need.

Cost of Living toolkit

Women's Week at Waltham Forest

Our staff network the Women of Waltham Forest has planned a great variety of events for the week.

• Friday 10 March 12-2pm you can join them for a picnic outside the Town Hall (inside the Foyer if it’s raining)
• Saturday 11 March you can visit the all-female Creatives Market at the Town Hall, 10.30am to 4.30pm

Neurodiversity Awareness Training

There is a Tea and Talk taking place during on Tuesday 14 March 1 – 2pm, in celebration of Neurodiversity celebration week. Please encourage staff to sign up if they could benefit.

Neurodiversity Awareness Training

In-Person Counselling and Support

To reserve an appointment on the following dates or be placed on the waiting list for free in-person counselling please email Jennifer Legg.

• Wednesday 22 March - Rowan House
• Thursday 23 March - Access to Work

Mayor of Waltham Forest Charity Soul Extravaganza

On Saturday 25 March, 3-11pm the Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Karen Bellamy, will host a Soul Extravaganza night at Leyton Great Hall to raise money for the Mayor's charities, Solace Women's Aid and the Breast Cancer team at Whipps Cross Hospital.

Book tickets £12

Further info on the Facebook event page