Issue #95, Tuesday 12 March 2024
In this week's Your News, have you signed up for one of our Mission Workshops yet? Reminder of dates for the Business Efficiency and Voluntary Redundancy Scheme, information on misuse of Blue Badges and events and training to sign up for.
Mission Waltham Forest sets out the Council’s plan for a more equal borough by 2030.
The role YOU play in both shaping and driving Mission Waltham Forest is paramount. We can only achieve our goals if we amplify the voice of every staff member.
Our six Borough Missions and four Council Missions are designed as challenges for ourselves as an organisation and serve as our commitments to our residents.
Running in locations across the borough (March to May), Mission Workshops will open a space for staff to explore how a missions-based approach will differ to what we are used to.
We invite all colleagues from across the organisation to have their say on how staff voices can be strengthened, whether that be in changes to our culture, leadership and recognition, or ways of working.
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Applications are going through the processing stage and each request for the Business Efficiency and Voluntary Redundancy Scheme will be considered individually with the interests of the Council and an effective and efficient service to its customers being paramount. Acceptance for staff under the scheme is not guaranteed.
- Notification of outcomes will be on week commencing Monday 25 March 2024.
- Successful staff have until midnight on Monday 8 April 2024 to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the offer.
- If staff do not respond to the offer by Monday 8 April, the offer will be withdrawn.
- If staff do accept the offer, they will be notified of their last day of service and will continue to work their contractual notice period (which varies from 1 month to 12 weeks).
- You can change your mind at any time up to your notice letter being issued. You must email voluntaryredundancy@walthamforest.gov.uk and clearly state that you want to withdraw your application form and no longer wish to leave the council.
Please see the wellbeing section below for a range of initiatives and support available for staff.
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There is a growing number of reported cases where Waltham Forest Council employees have been misusing Blue Badges when parking in and around the Town Hall campus. Parking illegally impacts individuals who genuinely require these spaces.
The Town Hall car park is patrolled by parking attendants and staff found to be committing Blue Badge fraud will be subject to management disciplinary action and may face a criminal action.
The Council works closely with external partners to prevent, detect, and investigate instances of Blue Badge fraud and misuse, taking appropriate sanction action where necessary and the following results have been achieved during the period 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023:
- 308 Blue Badges have been seized/returned to the Council.
- 8 successful prosecutions.
- 76 cases awaiting court date for possible prosecution.
- 164 cases with Legal Team.
- 7 cases being prepared for prosecution.
- 58 cases awaiting interview under caution.
- 47 warning letters issued.
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The Young Cares Programme is recognising Young Carers Action Day, which this year is focusing on “Fair Futures for Young Carers”.
We have a virtual workshop tomorrow Wednesday 13 March, 10am to midday, for professionals to help better understand the needs, support and services available for young carers and families in Waltham Forest.
The national awareness day is organised and led by Carers Trust, who encourage as many organisations, communities and individuals as possible to take part in the day by taking action, supporting and raising awareness of young carers. More information on what you can do in your service can be found at Young Carers Action Day 2024
If you or your colleagues would like to register to attend the workshop, email Young Carers.
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Join us tomorrow Wednesday 13 March between 10am to 3pm in the Town Hall foyer for our Staff Climate Network Repair Event!
Leather Specialists: Eco Forest Repairs from Walthamstow will be here to revive your handbags and shoes. Saj offers professional advice and can repair on the spot or take items to his Walthamstow shop for pickup next week.
Clothing Mending Services: Rusty Bec from Queercrafters will mend torn jeans, knits, and woven pieces using her needle and thread. Plus, try the Japanese sashiko technique with her templates!
- We'll be promoting the Staff Climate Network
- Trialing out a new Sustainable Events Guide
- Promoting Repair Week
Let’s promote reuse, repair, and sustainability together!
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Join us tomorrow Wednesday 13 March from 2pm to 3pm for a tour hosted by the current Waltham Forest Mayor, Cllr Roy Berg. The tour will start with a briefing on the Chamber, here you will learn the history of the Waltham Forest Crest and find out about the famous residents from the borough! This will be followed by a visit to the history room and a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour for some tea and coffee (and cake!).
Please note places are limited, to book your place email the Mayor's office.
Ahead of Neurodiversity Awareness week we are delighted to invite all staff to a conversation with Sophie Trotman who will be talking about Eating for ADHD. This virtual session taking place on Thursday 14 March, 1pm to 2pm, will explore:
- ADHD and nutrition - the bi-directional relationship
- Key nutrients for those with ADHD
- The impact of food additives and preservatives
- Meal planning and reparation Strategies
- Snacking for sustained energy and focus
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As part of our commitment to supporting allyship and Inclusive behaviours, we are delighted to invite all staff to two sessions that support Neurodiversity Awareness.
- Neurodiversity Awareness on Monday 18 March, 11am to 12.15pm.
- Autism Awareness on Monday 25 March, 11am to 12.15pm.
To sign up for either session please visit the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) SharePoint page.
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Your wellbeing
Afternoon team with a Wellbeing Buddy
Tomorrow Wednesday 13 March 2pm to 4pm
Wellbeing Buddies Afternoon Tea – come for a tea, stay for a chat! Modern life can sometimes be isolating. You are invited to join us for tea and spend some time with your colleagues.
- Time: Second Wednesday of every month, 2pm to 4pm.
- Location: Jane, William & May room, Town Hall Basement
No need to book, simply drop in and say hello! We look forward to seeing you there.
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Mental Health in Focus Webinar for Waltham Forrest Council
Wednesday 20 March 11am to 11:30am
Join Beth Kimberley to hear about the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. The session will include:
- Overview of the service and customer journey
- Eligibility and referral process
- Support interventions offered
This session will also include a live Q&A. Please note this session will be recorded to be used for future reference.
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Free Art Courses – Inspired by Nature
Join our free five week art courses at the inspiring Walthamstow Wetlands.
- Printing – Inspired by Nature (Ref: AC0462C2) Thursday 25 April to 23 May, 10am to midday
- Watercolours – Inspired by Nature (AC0377C2) Thursday 6 June to 4 July, 10am to midday
To book, please call: 0208 496 2974
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Jobs
To access internal roles, log into Oracle Cloud click on the ‘me’ tab and then click on ‘current jobs’.
Current opportunities include:
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Project Manager
Salary: P04 to P06 £46,041 to £54,129
Closing date: Wednesday 27 March
Violence Reduction Coordinator
Salary: P03 £42,840 to £46,041
Closing date: Friday 29 March
Business Architect
Salary: P07 £54,129 to £57,201
Closing date: Friday 29 March
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Got an item for staff news?
The next issue of Your News will be on Tuesday 19 March 2024.
If you would like to share news in the next edition, please send no more than 100 words (and an image) to yournews@walthamforest.gov.uk by 12noon on Monday 18 March 2024.
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