word SUMMER 2010
The
The magazine for TCBC employees
AWS - YOUR FLEXIBLE FRIEND
PAGE 4
WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP
PAGES 6 & 7
DEPOSIT YOUR BRIGHT IDEAS PAGE 10
MEET THE OTHER GREEN TEAM PAGE 12
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Contents
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Greetings!
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YOUR FLEXIBLE FRIEND AWS rolls out
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READ ALL ABOUT IT new rules on copying newspapers
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP summer tourism treasures
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OFFICE RECYCLING practice what we preach
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HOME OFFICE SAVINGS get bargain Microsoft software
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STAFF NOTICEBOARD snippets
10&11 IDEAS BANK deposit your bright ideas 12
THE OTHER GREEN TEAM out and about with the ecology team
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Welcome to the summer edition of The Word. In this edition we’re taking a look at some of the superb days out that are ‘on your doorstep’, a detailed look at Torfaen when County Hall is but a distant memory and there’s a great bargain for staff on Microsoft software. Don’t forget, if you’ve got any bright ideas on how we can work more efficiently and effectively you can deposit them in the Ideas Bank! And finally if you’re off on your holidays over the next few weeks, have a great time and we’ll be back in the autumn. Best wishes Neil Jones Editor 01495 742151
Smart move to stop thefts Burglars beware! Torfaen schools, council buildings, vehicles and machinery are about to be protected by a pioneering crime prevention product as part of a crackdown on thefts from local authority premises. The council is working with a company called SmartWater, who have created a unique ‘chemical-coding’ product that makes it easy to detect stolen property and trace it back to its owners. SmartWater is a colourless liquid that is dabbed on to the surfaces of items. Each bottle has a unique chemical code which is registered and provides proof of ownership. The liquid is invisible to the naked eye but glows under UV light for police to detect and is almost impossible to remove. Over the next few weeks the product will be applied to 180 significant buildings as well as the council’s 150 vehicles. Last year, goods totalling more than £55,260 thousand pounds were stolen, with lead from building roofs being a particular problem area making up £16,275 of the total. Samuel Anstee, insurance manager, said:
supportive, fair, effective
Designed and compiled by the Communications Team
Design 6494 Editorial 2152 Photography 2154 © 2010 Communications Design, TCBC
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“Smartwater is a proven deterrent and there is clear evidence that its presence in an area reduces the chances of items being stolen or properties broken into. If we can deliver similar reductions in crime against council property as has been seen in other parts of the country, Smartwater will generate substantial savings.” You can also benefit by purchasing a discount home protection kits for £17.62 one off fees to protect your property for as long as the Torfaen license runs. The usual private cover free is £59.98 a year.
Challenging Times These are uncertain times for local government, but we will face each issue as it arises and be as honest and transparent as possible. How quickly things change. In the last edition of The Word, we were waiting for the outcome of the general election. Now we’re looking at a unique political landscape – a Conservative/Lib Dem coalition that has put rapid public spending cuts at the very top of their agenda. The headlines that are dominating the news agenda virtually every day since the election have made for some pretty stark reading for both the providers and receivers of public services. While we don’t know yet what kind of an impact this will have on Torfaen, prior to the Chancellor’s speech the Welsh Assembly was already preparing for reductions of 3 per cent of revenue and 10 per cent of capital projects for the next three years – that’s a reduction of £1billion. It’s now been told to save £187m straight away, either taking cuts in this year or by adding it on to next year’s budget reductions. The Chancellor has talked of a 25% cut in public expenditure over 4 years, but we don’t have clarity yet on how this will translate to Wales.
close relationship with Trade Union colleagues looking to find shared solutions to the issues that we face. We will also increase our efforts to attract private sector employers into Torfaen to increase the overall number of local employment opportunities. There are many imponderables at present and we will have to face each new issue as it arises.
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“... I fully understand how worrying these times are for everyone who works in the Council... ”
Whilst we will do everything that we can to protect services and jobs, and to support people through difficult times, it is inevitable that at the end of this period of public sector cost reductions we will be a smaller organisation employing fewer people. I promise to be as honest and transparent with you as I possibly can about what is happening and to do everything that I can to maintain a
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It won’t be easy, but I’m confident that Torfaen is in better shape than many organisations to meet the challenge of change – as I meet other chief executives, civil servants and politicians, it’s fair to say that everyone wants to see what we are doing and how we are doing it.
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We have known for some time that this situation was coming, and have planned carefully to give ourselves the best chance of making the Council as lean and efficient as possible. In particular, our budget for this year made provision to set money aside, whilst we still had some capacity to do so, to fund innovative projects that will cut costs whilst preserving, or even enhancing, services and service standards. These initiatives are being managed through an efficiency and innovation board set up within the Council. Please be assured that I fully understand how worrying these times are for everyone who works in the Council. We are all here because we care deeply about providing good public services and we are all in this together.
Alison Ward Chief Executive
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AWS – your flexible friend! March 2012 – that’s the final date when Torfaen council and County Hall will go their separate ways. It means we’re going to have to find space for up to 625 staff which, on a ratio of 7 desks to 10 staff means a requirement for 438 desks. We have identified space for 400500 desks although it’s too early to say who is going where at this stage. Those discussions will start over the next year and we’ll keep you informed as these progress.
Key to the strategy’s success is the expansion of the council’s Alternative Workplace Strategy which uses mobile technology to enable staff to work anytime, any place, anywhere. The cabinet has approved a detailed methodology for introducing AWS across services based on the lessons learned during the successful roll
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We want to keep an administrative presence in Cwmbran and are looking at sharing some accommodation in Gwent police headquarters in the first instance. There will be space in the Civic Centre while a refurbished Pearl House (the building opposite the civic centre) could also be part of the proposals subject to satisfactory agreement with the property’s landlord.
out in a number of pilot areas across the council. There is now a great new site on Torfnet intranet which shows you how to implement AWS in your area. It includes a guide for managers, engaging with staff, planning the roll out, communication materials.
There is also a detailed frequently asked question section which gives details on the range of issues, from ensuring a work/life balance, hot desking, office equipment to storing information. If working on a laptop for more than an hour always ensure that you use a separate screen and keyboard and fully adjustable chair.
An AWS view Claire Burt is the corporate health and safety manager. “I have been an alternative worker since August 2007 and the ICT support systems weren’t as advanced as they are today. The support staff were really good but it usually resulted in them either having to come to my home or me taking my laptop to the back office. Things are much better now which enables me to plan for homeworking sessions which are not interrupted. It took a bit of time for others to get past the fact that if I wasn’t sitting at a desk in the office then I wasn’t working – but as the project moves forward it’s becoming more of an accepted way of working. As the structure of my team has changed a few times in the last couple of years, alternative working has given more options for all of us in the way that we work. We regularly touch base via team meetings and sometimes all end up in the office at the same time but generally all have the capability to work alternatively so can be really flexible. I think the benefit of being able to hotdesk in a number of venues enables us to be much more effective in planning our diaries. Also I am really committed to being paper free so being able to input notes directly into the laptop both cuts down on paper and time in terms of writing things up. The most beneficial element is being able to decide when and how I work – it definitely reduces my stress levels as I don’t have to confine my working day to traditional hours and traditional places – I can work when and where I like to balance a hectic family and busy work life. I once heard the phrase ‘work is an activity not a place’ and I think that describes alternative working to a tee and is definitely the mantra that we all need to be working to!”
Read all about it
Don’t copy it
Any organisation that wants to photocopy or scan a newspaper article has to pay an annual license fee to the Newspaper Licensing Agency. This year the communications team has taken the decision not to renew this license and will instead just cut out and retain the original newspaper article. This cost saving move will save up to £2000. If you or anyone in your area photocopies newspaper articles, you must now just retain the originals and not make photocopies.
Are you sitting Money Matters comfortably? If you have concerns over your A new online training programme is being launched to ensure that staff are aware of the potential health problems caused by incorrect use of display screen equipment (laptops, monitors etc). We should all ensure that we set up our work stations to suit our individual needs, even when hot desking. The training will give you advice on correct posture, reducing eye strain, and stressing the importance of regular breaks and exercise with a section on where to go for further advice. The training will be piloted with 50 staff in Resources who will receive an email over the next few weeks asking them to undertake the Workstation Safety Plus training and carry out their own workstation assessment. It will take between 20 and 30 minutes to complete. Once completed, staff will have a detailed action plan that can be discussed and implemented with the manager. This will be rolled out to all DSE users by the end of the year. DSE is a legal requirement for the council but more importantly allows staff to take ownership for reducing long term health risks.
finances, or know of colleagues who have worries about money matters, a new service for staff could help. A new Money Guidance Service is being introduced to Torfaen by the Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB) who can advise you on coping with changing circumstances; getting the most out of a budget; saving; borrowing wisely; planning for retirement; understanding tax and welfare benefits and explaining financial jargon. The service is available either, • By calling 0300 500 5000 • Online at www. moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk, or • Face-to-face with a Money Guide All face-to-face appointments with a Money Guide are free and discussions confidential. If you would like an appointment with a Money Guide this can be arranged in a private workplace setting. Contact Deyolden Stroud on WorkingWellTogether@torfaen. gov.uk to express an interest.
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Discover What’s On Your Doorstep!
It’s easy to overlook Torfaen’s trove of tourism delights but as we hit the summer holidays and start looking for things to do and places to go, why not take a fresh look at what’s on your doorstep? Historic houses, beautiful parks, stunning countryside and a host of other tourist attractions are just a short trip away, meaning you don’t have to travel far to keep you and your family entertained this summer. We asked some of our staff to give us their Torfaen tourism gems. Amy Sullivan picked out the Boating Lake: “ I love taking my two year old to Cwmbran Boating Lake on a sunny day as we can have a leisurely stroll around the lake, feeding the ducks and then there’s a great big green area to have a picnic! Of course my little one loves the slide and swings too! With the recent renovation work there and the new boathouse about to open it’s going to be an even better place to visit this year!”
Emma Hughes, from the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, said: “With its fascinating multimedia exhibitions, dedicated staff, well stocked gift shop and excellent cafe, the centre is the ideal place to begin your exploration of the internationally renowned Blaenavon World Heritage Site. It is great to tell people from all around the world about the history of Blaenavon.”
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Ang Pocknell is Greenmeadow Farm’s longest serving member of staff with over 18 years service! “With daily activities and themed weekly event days Greenmeadow Community Farm has a wealth of things to offer throughout the summer holidays. It is a different experience every time you visit. I really love the ‘hands on’ element and so do the kids. It is wonderful to see the pleasure that people get from our animals and now, thanks to our new undercover activity spaces, even a spot of rain doesn’t stop the fun!”
Live music returns to Pontypool this September for the tenth annual jazz festival. Hundreds of music-lovers are expected to visit the town during 3-5 September for Pontypool Jazz Festival, with another diverse and highly talented line-up of artists taking to the stages. Themed as ‘Jazz from Wales’, the event will provide a tremendous number of talented Welsh-born jazz musicians with an exclusive platform to display their creative talents. The programme is currently being prepared, so further details announced in August’s Torfaen Talks. The festival will, once again, be staged at Pontypool Active Living Centre.
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improvement. Our in house recycling is currently at a pretty poor 13 per cent!
Many of you will know that we’re the best recycling authority in south Wales with an impressive 45 per cent of waste recycled last year. But while our residents are enthusiastic and passionate recyclers, we really should be practicing what we preach and there’s certainly room for
Together we want to raise it to 50 per cent and to help us achieve this there are now new bins for paper, cans, glass and plastic bottles at the Civic Centre, Pearl House, New Inn and Croesyceiliog Community Education Centre. There has already been a successful trial at New Inn. You may have noticed that the number of waste bins has dropped and there are more
desktop recyclers available, which make it easier to carry your recycling to the bins. A general waste bin will also be available at the recycling points. To avoid smells, please remember to rinse out cans, plastic bottles and jars before putting them in the recycling bins. If you have any questions about the scheme contact Roger Mills on 6745 or email roger.mills@torfaen.gov.uk
Home Office Savings Did you know that as a Torfaen council Here’s a quick step by step guide on how you can take advantage employee you can get a Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise for your home of this offer. PC or Office 2008 for the Mac for just £8.95 – the typical retail price for the latest version of Office is around £200. This great offer is available for all Torfaen council employees – strictly one licensed copy per person and it is only for the Office suite, and not other Microsoft products. Office 2007 Enterprise includes all the key programmes you use in work including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Publisher, and OneNote. Office 2008 for the Mac includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Entourage and Messenger.
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1. Visit www.microsofthup.com 2. Select ‘United Kingdom’ on the drop down menu. 3. Enter your work email address and the Home Use Program code. Your program code is A64DC8F992. 4. Microsoft will send you an email with access details to the Home Use Program store. 5. Click on the link provided to access the Home Use Program store. 6. Purchase your license. 7. Choose whether you require a media disc or multi language pack. 8. Check out and download the software.
Noticeboard:
what’s been going on over the past couple of months.
On Saturday 6 June, hundreds of people lined the streets of Pontypool for the homecoming ‘freedom of the borough’ parade by the Band of the Prince of Wales’s Division and soldiers of The Royal Welsh.
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Executive cha
s been The cabinet ha reflect reorganised to ges to the recent chan meaning a our structure rtments now number of depa executive have different members. s, (deputy Cllr Lewis Jone sible for leader, respon e and arts) libraries, leisur al by (health, soci Cllr Brian Maw eing) care and wellb ark (corporate Cllr Richard Cl governance) ingham Cllr John Cunn services) od ho (neighbour gton (council Cllr Bob Wellin leader) g, Clark (plannin Cllr Gwyneira g) in us n and ho public protectio omas Cllr Marlene Th (resources) ett (children Cllr Mary Barn le) and young peop
Around 40 st aff from all se rvice areas to in a series of ok part Intranet wor kshops aimed developers a at giving real insight in to how we all Torfnet / Puls use e and how it can be impro ve d. Hot topics incl uded contact directories, u date structure p to s, interactivit y, and impro document se ved arching. If you have g ot any views or ideas on th Intranet proje e new ct, email them to richard.saun ders@torfae n.gov.uk
ynon Cllr Cynthia Be community (equalities and safety). Huish or is Cllr Tom This year’s may il Ph mayor is Cllr and the deputy Seabourne.
Welsh speaker or learner? Clw b Clonc literally translates to “Chit Cha t Club” and is a chance for learners and fluent speakers alike to discus s and socialise with others. Speak to Alun Vernon-Jones for more info.
Well done to Jane Buckels, property compliance officer with Neighbourhood Services, who picked up a national award for her silver jewellery designs Jane is a part of the silver jewellery class with our Adult and Community Learning service. perience n inflating ex a s a w e er Th of the adult d members n a ff a st r fo de a giant , as they ma ss a cl g in rn lea sticky rk using just question ma nty Hall u o C t and air a er p a p e, p ta part in an were taking ey Th e. n Ju in promotes roject which p n o ti ta S rt A cy and ing, numera lv so m le b ro p s. literacy skill
Members of the Reserve Armed Forces and Territorial Army swapped their civilian clothes for military uniforms on 25 June to celebrate the annual Wear Your Uniform To Work Day. Jayne Hemmings, emergency management officer, was among those taking part. Jayne is currently Captain with the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Regional Corporate Communications Officer for Wales. Jayne said: “The uniform is horrible. It’s hot, uncomfortable and itchy – but I am extremely proud every time I put it on and would never be without it.
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IDEAS BANK
! N E P O NOW
DEPOSIT YOUR
BRIGHT IDEAS TODAY... 10
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The Ideas Bank is now open where you can deposit your ideas, big or small, for improving the way that we work. To keep interest high, here’s a few of the suggestions we’ve had so far some radical, some interesting, some we can already start doing. you decide!
• Why not empty bins once a month, instead of once a fortnight! • Check what equipment is in storage before buying new • No more printed corporate diaries • ‘Drop a Brand’ on all purchases – starting with stationary • More online meetings • Get businesses and shops contributing towards community safety • Halve the number of printers and bins • Encourage more social enterprises to deliver services • Switch working patterns to four days on four days off • Rent ofFICE space to other agencies or businesses • Run double shifts in schools - two schools in one building. • Reduce mileage rates • Have a skills audit to use in-house skills more effectively • Stop last minute spending of surplus budgets on unnecessary items
Email ideasbank@torfaen.gov.uk, start a discussion on the Word Is, or why not speak to Neil Jones in Communications on 2151 about holding a ‘team ideas’ workshop?
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Meet the other Green Team The high profile success of campaigns like BBC’s Springwatch has helped millions become more aware of the importance of our local ecology and biodiversity.
law, it’s part of the day job for every one of our 6000+ staff.
But it’s all part of the day job for Steve Williams and Kris Roberts, the Torfaen ecology team and part of the countryside service, who ensure Torfaen’s wide variety of wildlife and habitats are protected, enhanced and improved for future generations.
Steve said: “Four years ago, a law was passed called the NERC Act - known as the Biodiversity Duty, which effectively means every council department and employee has a legal duty to protect our local habitats and species.”
Projects that restore natural habitats such as the Friends of Afon Llwyd and Forgotten Landscapes are already having a positive impact on wildlife in Torfaen. Otters and salmon have returned to the Afon Llwyd, while twitchers are flocking to the hillside of Blaenavon to catch a glimpse of the huge range of bird life returning to the area. The team also manages a growing portfolio of Local Nature Reserves – great places for wildlife to thrive and people to relax and unwind. Senior Ecologist Steve said: “We’ve got the heather moorlands in Blaenavon, Pontypool’s ancient woodlands or the wildflower meadows of Cwmbran, all are home to an enormous range of wildlife and wherever you are in Torfaen, you’re never far away. For what is a relatively small borough, we have very diverse habitats.” Protecting Torfaen’s biodiversity might seem a huge task for what is currently a team of two, but in the eyes of the
Spotters Guide! The best way to discover Torfaen’s countryside is to get out about this summer. Here’s the ecology team’s quick tips on what to look out for. Shrill Carder Bee. South Wales is home to one of just seven populations of this endangered, but once common small bumble bee. Its chest is pale greenish yellow with a central band of black hairs, the tail is orange - pinkish/ red and the queens fly very quickly and produce an audible high-pitched buzz. Look out for them on sunflowers, but more commonly wildflower meadows.
Steve William
s (right) and Kr
is Roberts
And it’s a key part of the high profile sustainability agenda too. We’re one of the first adopters of the Assembly’s Sustainability Charter which commits the council to protecting biodiversity habitats and ecosystems. Kris, the council’s ecology officer, said: “One of the objectives in the charter is to develop a project that demonstrates a sustainable approach to land management. “Meadows with a rich variety of species are one of the priority habitats for conservation in Wales. Creating and restoring these in Torfaen will create ‘green stepping stones’ to make it easier for species to move through the landscape. “And it’s not just important from an ecological perspective; an accessible and well protected countryside can play an important role in people’s general health and wellbeing, contributing to our clean air and important protection against flooding.” Lapwings have suffered significant declines in their population recently, with the Welsh population falling by 77 per cent between 1987 and 1998. Its black and white appearance and round-winged shape in flight make it distinctive, even without its splendid crest and are most commonly seen around farmland, meadows and colliery-spoil tips. Fritillary butterflies The small pearl-bordered Fritillary is found in discrete colonies, mainly in the north of the borough, and is of major importance for conservation in Wales. Patrolling males can be seen flying a couple of feet from the ground, alternating rapid wing beats with a short glide, searching out females. They feed on marsh-violets which can be found growing in water-logged and damp grassland areas. Also keep a look out for dark green or silver-washed fritillaries.