|
 At West Berkshire Council, we’re dedicated to building a vibrant, inclusive workforce that supports both our residents and the environment. Our approach focuses on five key themes that make us a fantastic place to work:
- Reward and Recognition
- Learning and Development
- People and Culture
- Community Focus
- Environmental Sustainability
Interested in joining us? Visit our new careers site to explore our latest job openings and become part of a team that’s driving positive change in the community.
|
|
We've refreshed our Customer Charter |
|
 Our Customer Charter sets out how we will interact with you, and value your opinion to ensure we deliver great customer service, value for money and make you a priority.
We've recently refreshed the Charter, which was first introduced a couple of years ago, to make it more accessible for those wanting to understand what they can expect when they contact us - whether that’s through email, on the phone or in person.
In the Charter, we promise to:
- Be polite, open and friendly
- Listen and respect your needs
- Treat all customers fairly and equally
- Be responsive, helpful and courteous
- Make sure our teams are trained to help with your needs
- Deal with your personal data sensitively
- Use easy to understand language and provide other formats if needed
The new Charter is available to view on our website with copies displayed in our council buildings and leaflets also available.
|
|
 That’s a wrap! Northcroft Lido is now closed after its first full season.
It’s been a fantastic summer and we hope you've enjoyed using the fabulous lido. Since opening in April, over 40,000 visitors have used the lido, whether that’s for lane swimming or for family swim sessions.
The lido will reopen in Spring 2025 and we hope you're looking forward to it as much as we are.
You can still enjoy swimming in our indoor pool at Northcroft Leisure Centre, and in case you haven’t heard, the centre is currently being refurbished too!
|
|
|
With over 1,500 members of staff corporately, plus additional members of staff working across our local schools and education settings, we're one of the largest employers in the area. There are lots of reasons to consider a career with us - from the wide range of services we provide to the training and benefits we offer.
Current vacancies include:
|
|
 We’re excited to announce the launch of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points at the Kennet Centre multi storey car park in Newbury!
Drivers can now charge their EVs using two dedicated public charging bays located on the top floor. There are two 22kW sockets in the bays that sit alongside spaces for the Council's fleet vehicles and the West Berkshire Car Club’s EV, operated by Enterprise.
This installation marks the first of many EV charge points being rolled out at Council-owned sites, supporting the growing demand for electric vehicle charging across the district.
The cost for using the 22kW charge points is 44p per kWh.
Additional EV charge points have already been installed in Hungerford Church Street car park and we are now waiting on the grid connection and energy supply contract before going live.
You can keep up to date on our on-street and car park electric vehicle charging points on our website. Or if you need more information that you can’t find on our website, please contact our team via email on: ev@westberks.gov.uk.
|
 Thank you to all who braved the rain on Monday morning at the Thatcham Library drop-in session to discuss the draft Waste Management Strategy. It was a pleasure to meet those who came along and great to receive such positive and constructive feedback.
We have more sessions coming up at various libraries across West Berkshire. Please do come along and meet a member of the Waste team to find out more on what the potential changes in the draft Strategy means for your waste and recycling services:
- Hungerford Library - Wednesday 9 October - 9:30am-Midday
- Burghfield Library - Monday 14 October - 2pm-5m
- Theale Library - Friday 18 October - 2pm-5pm
- Lambourne Library - Friday 25 October - 10am-11:30am
- Mortimer Library - Monday 28 October - 2pm-5pm
- Pangbourne Library - Thursday 31 October - 9:30am-Midday
- Newbury Library - Monday 4 November - 9am-Midday
Unable to make it? No problem, you can find more information and have your say by taking part in on our survey here.
Your views can help shape the future of waste management in West Berkshire.
Don't forget you can check for flood alerts and sign up to receive flood warnings for your area by visiting the gov.uk website.
|
|
|
We value your views on the decisions we take. There are several areas we are currently holding consultations on, including:
|
|
 West Berkshire Libraries are celebrating Libraries Week 2024, with special events throughout the month of October.
Libraries Week, which runs from 7 to 13 October, is a week-long celebration of the nation’s much-loved libraries, and this year the theme is ‘Green Libraries’, encouraging communities to continue working towards being more sustainable and support the climate action cause.
During Green Libraries Week, West Berkshire Libraries will be extending its celebrations throughout the month, encouraging users to never stop learning through a variety of activities for all ages from children’s shows, craft activities to themed talks. We will also be running a drop-in session on Wednesday 9 October at Hungerford Library providing the opportunity to find our more, and ask questions about, our Draft Waste Management Strategy (see earlier article) and promoting our free real nappy trial packs for eligible residents of West Berkshire.
For more information on what’s on near you, or to become a member and access the e-library, visit your local library or visit the West Berkshire Libraries website.
Sunday was the last day of public opening at Shaw House for 2024. Thank you so much to everyone who has visited, it's always a delight to see friends and families having fun and enjoying the house and grounds.
For those that have been unable to visit the open air sculpture exhibition, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home here.
You can download the Shaw House brochure to see what events they have coming up over the autumn months here. We very much look forward to welcoming you again soon.
|
|
Do you know what a bulla is? Find out from the historical re-enactors of Butser IX Legion. Dressed in historical costume, they will show you what life in Roman Britain was like, demonstrating skills that you can have a go at.
There will be an opportunity to take part in Roman-inspired crafts as well as to complete a themed trail.
West Berkshire Museum | Saturday 5 October | 10am - 3pm | Free, just drop-in
|
And finally...
-
The new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination programme for older adults is expected to prevent up to 500 deaths, 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and 60,000 cases of RSV illness, in the first season alone. Find out how the RSV vaccination can protect you here.
|
|
|
|
|
