It’s the highlight of your week, we know… Here’s the weekly waffle, hot off the desk of Croydon Council chief executive Katherine Kerswell

Desk work: CEO Katherine Kerswell

As one suitably underwhelmed insider from Fisher’s Folly observed: “Seems like she’s writing less these days. I can’t imagine why.”

And they point out: “So the most notable piece of work done by the 2,000 council officers this week was someone from the council’s establishment control team creating two roles on the council’s establishment.

“Shooting for the stars here at Croydon.”

Enjoy…

Dear all,

Today is the start of the pre-election period, which will run until the general election on Thursday 4 July. We shared the council’s guidance note last week, but you can also find it linked here. It includes important advice about publicity and communications during this period, as well as the names of officers who can help if you have any questions.

It’s also the final day of our survey, which closes at 6pm this evening. A big thank you to everyone who has filled it in. There’s still time if you haven’t! We partnered with an independent provider, Investors in People, to run this year’s survey and over the next few weeks the team will be going through the data, as well as running several focus groups with just over 150 colleagues, who have been chosen at random to take part in more detailed discussions. We are hoping to get our first report on the findings back at the end of June, so we can share an update with you all in July. Thank you again to everyone who has been involved so far and shared the link with colleagues.

Weekly waffle: it goes on, and on, and on…

A new intranet page has been published this week to share updates and information about our Oracle Improvement Programme. Improving our systems and using technology to enhance service delivery is an important part of the council’s transformation plan. The Oracle Improvement Programme is going to make some much needed changes to our existing My Resources system, while at the same time adding new features to support essential business services. The team are focusing on important areas including HR, finance, and procurement, and want to ensure we have a simpler, more accessible view of our information and data. They are keen to get input from across the organisation and, as the programme rolls out, will be publishing regular updates on ways to get involved and the latest news on system improvements. You can find out more by visiting the intranet page or getting in touch with programme team directly via OracleImprovementProgramme@croydon.gov.uk.

This week’s shout-out goes to establishment control and information officer, Petra Campbell. Petra has been nominated by Carol Squires for her help launching two apprenticeships in the Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery directorate. Petra was supportive throughout the process. She knew what needed to be done when and made the whole process really easy for Carol’s team. Great work Petra.

Next week, we have lots going on for Volunteers’ Week, plus the Pride Progress flag is being raised outside of the town hall on Monday at 10am to mark Pride Month. All the details are in the round-up below and updates will be posted on the intranet.

Have a great weekend,

Katherine Kerswell (she/her)
Chief Executive

Read more: I’ve been told the car park cleansing team do great work!
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