This week saw the launch of #EPIC
impressions. The staff engagement group #EPIC
launched ‘impressions’, a new way of recognising staff for a job well done.
Every impression left in GROW is emailed to line managers and reported back as
part of the appraisal process to ensure maximum visibility. More than 400
impressions were left within the first two days this week, with all teams
across the council involved. The initiative is one of a number of positive
changes being introduced by the #EPIC group which was set up following feedback
at last year’s staff engagement forums and in the staff survey which followed.
I enjoyed using our GROW system this week to say thank you to a number of
staff.
Also this week has seen us
supporting Private Fostering Week, which aims to reduce the number of children
in un-notified private fostering arrangements. Along with media work, a stand
in the Atrium helped to raise awareness, information was also sent to schools
and churches to share with their communities.
Some good news about adoption in
the county. The number of children in care being placed with adoption
families has risen, and it has taken less time to place them. The time between
receiving court authority to place a child and finding a match was 158 days in
Wiltshire from 2013-2016; the national average was 226 days. Well done to
Martin Davis, head of placement services, and his team.
For those of you about to embark
on your holidays, have a great time and get some well-deserved rest.
Speak again soon. For daily
updates, discussion, personal opinion, comment or just to connect or keep in
touch you can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/drcarltonbrand.
Carlton
Carlton
