Local Digital Strategy

The Epping Forest District Council says that society is going through a period of profound change. Smartphones, computers and digital devices have transformed lives. Almost anything can now be done online.

While big companies like Amazon and Google grab the headlines, the council says that the adoption of technology has also proceeded at pace in the public sector.

There are many different factors driving the change including faster and more efficient services delivered at lower cost to Council Tax payers.

Climate change has played a part as the council reduces traffic congestion and its carbon footprint. There have been unforeseen benefits. The early adoption of the digital strategy allowed many staff to maintain services by home working throughout the Covid pandemic. There was no need to come to the office or meet in person.

The consultation of focusing on the first of the council’s key digital strategy themes – digital access to services. The full list is • Digital access to services – available online 24/7 for connected residents and visitors who use the internet every day. • Digital People - Giving our people the tools to do the job and develop digitally for the future. • Smart Data – Using the information we gather in ‘smart’ ways to create and maintain better services for you. • Secure and Modern Systems - Keeping you and your information safe and secure with automated systems designed to deliver services to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.

More information is contained within a Digital Strategy summary on the council website—www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk

If you need help with getting online, the council is emphasising that traditional forms of contact are not being taken away. It says staff are still available when residents need to talk - on the phone, face to face or through the post. Not everyone has adopted or adapted to the new technology at the same speed. Any local resident who is struggling to use a digital device at home during the pandemic, can request a home visit and support from the Voluntary Action Epping Forest Community Responder team. Email - communityhub@vaef.org.uk or call: 01992 910 701.

Don’t forget to visit our website: www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Or sign up to the Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/ Northwealdvillagelife

If you’re not sure what you want the next step of your career to be, the Epping Forest District Council DevelopMe Hub can help.

To register for free visit the www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/community/ developme/

DevelopMe can help with job searches, updating your CV; it has online courses to help develop your skills and knowledge and gives advice for interview techniques.

07926987207

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Based in North Weald. Essex CM16

National Apprenticeship Week

The beginning of the recent National Apprenticeship Week 2022 started on Monday 7th February 2022.

This week bought together businesses and apprentices across the country and focused on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has over exceeded the national apprenticeship target for 3 years running; creating a skilled workforce to help improve council services and processes.

Ellie Stone, HR Support Officer, is studying for a Level 3 HR Support qualification. This apprenticeship looks at handling day-to-day queries and providing human resources advice on anything from recruitment to retirement. Ellie is also completing a maths qualification through this apprenticeship.

Ellie, she said: "It has taught me so much in terms of what actually goes on within the HR environment. I feel incredibly lucky to be working within the People Team; it has been such a great experience being surrounded by such a great team. I have been able to expand my skills so much in the past 6 months I’ve been here. I’m really enjoying it. It’s a new experience and experiences are always learning opportunities."

Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) councillors met and agreed a balanced district council budget for 2022 / 2023, before accepting the county council, police, fire, town and parish council precepts for collection in the next financial year.

Before the overall Council Tax was agreed, John Philip recommended the district council budget. Looking back, Councillor Philip considered the position in 2019 before the pandemic, asking who would have thought of the impact of COVID on car parking, leisure centres and all our other budget income.

Recognising the pressures of the cost of living crisis on local families, Councillor Whitbread welcomed the government funded Council Tax rebate of £150 for residents in Band A to D properties.

He reflected on the challenges for residents and the importance of a budget to protect frontline services for the coming year. In future years, he said that further tough choices would be necessary. The council would require further transformation and change – all the things the council has been good at over the last 20 years.

Following the approval of the district council budget, councillors moved on to approval of the overall Council Tax. The small increase of £5 a year (for an average Band D property) equivalent to 2 pence per day, to cover the EFDC budget was met with approval across the chamber.

Councillor Philip reminded fellow councillors that although the district council collects Council Tax, it has no control over the level of county council, police, fire, town and parish council precepts.

The Affinity Water Tower abseil is back!

If you are in need of an adrenaline rush maybe the Harlow Affinity Water Tower Abseil, organised by the Rotary Club of Harlow Tye, on 14 & 15 May 2022 is perfect for you. National charity Dogs for Good is looking for people to sign up for this iconic event and raise much needed funds to help with our work. For over 30 years Dogs for Good has been supporting adults and children with various disabilities and autism lead a more independent life through the power of a specially trained dog. It takes around two years and £14,000 to train a puppy and match them with someone on our waiting list so your support is needed to help us continue our vital work in the community www.dogsforgood.org For details how to get involved please get in touch. Lydia Martin, Regional Fundraiser, Dogs for Good 01295 759811 lydia.martin@dogsforgood.org

Stay safe while cooking

This month, Essex County Fire & Rescue Services have been sharing cooking safety advice to help you all stay safe while cooking - especially busy parents and carers who are often juggling more than one job at once! You may not be aware that each year, almost half of all accidental house fires are caused by cooking. These types of fires result in the most injuries and, in some cases, these can be fatal.

Cooking fires generally start when people are distracted or careless in the kitchen. They can be easily avoided by taking simple precautions. We know that having children at home can make cooking a busy task but please follow our safety advice to keep your family safe: • Keep a close eye on your cooking and take pans off the heat or turn them down if you need to leave the kitchen • If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – Get Out, Stay Out, and Call 999 • Double check the hob is off when you’ve finished cooking and keep it clear in case it gets turned on accidentally • Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service