Page 4 - link magazine

4 The Link Magazine • January 2006
Do you want to make a difference Council starts to get things right
to people's lives? Two years ago Swindon Council was regarded as a basket case by Government Inspectors from the Audit
Do you have an NVQ Level 2 Commission in respect of its leadership, management and service delivery.
in Care?
After awarding the council 2 who worked in Social Services to Sir Mike Pitt added, "we know
Do you have your own motor stars out of a possible five in De- get it up to scratch. some services still have room for
transport? cember, they believe Swindon is The inspectors say there is more improvement. We will continue to
We are looking for very special people now catching up and is on the way to do in areas such as waste man- improve and residents will see the
to join our team of to being a well run local authority. agement and children's social care. changes for themselves in the fu-
BANK STAFF Their report says: Council leader Mike Bawden ture as we introduce our contact
to undertake care work in the '(Swindon) has achieved signifi- said the assessment is a huge boost centre, open our first-stop shop
community especially evenings,
cant improvements in its priority for everyone in Swindon. "The last and start building a fantastic new
and weekcndk services and in areas that are im- two years have been tough so it is central library."
Swindon 1 Wood Street portant to the public, wonderful that our determination Prime Minister Tony Blair, re-
Carers
Centre Swindon 'Results for education, adult so- to deliver and turn things round is sponding to a question putby Swin-
cial care and benefits are now much now reaping results. don South MP Anne Snelgrove in
Telephone 01793 542285 improved, as a result of the coun- "We've gone from being one of Parliament congratulated the coun-
for an application pack cil focusing on aspects that have the poorest performing councils in cil for the improvements. He said,
been performing poorly in the the country to one of the fastest "it shows exactly how with the right
past.' improving in just 18 months. I want level of investment and funding and
The inspectors recognise that the to say a huge thank you to every- partnership between local and cen-
SueLynn appointment of interim Chief Ex- one at the council for all their tre- tral government a real difference
ecutive Sir Mike Pitt from highly mendous hard work and determi- can be made to the quality of life of
Partners rated Kent County Council in May, nation to deliver the services that local communities."
followed by radical restructuring local people deserve." www.audit-commission.gov.uk
For tailor made of the top tiers of management,
Curtains • Pelmets has given the council a strong sense One star to be proud of
of direction and a focus on provid-
Roman blinds ing high quality, value for money After three years with no rating at all, Swindon Social Services has been
given one star by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to reflect
Swags & tails services. improvements in service delivery made over the last 12 months. It also
This is supported by commit-
Cushion covers ment from councillors to meet 50 recognises a commitment to further improvements has been embedded
Measuring and fitting advice service delivery promises by 2010. in the culture of the department which has been under the management
of Kent County Council.
No job too small The last year has seen a reduc- Coun lace Dobie, cabinet leader member for Social Services, with Jan Stubbins,
ing role from outside contractors,
For further information call director of adult services, Hilanl Pitts, director of Childrens' Services, and
such as Tribal, who took over the
Sue: 01793 870451 Toot/gill mum Patricia Hindle and her daughter Saskia
education departmen
or Lynn: on 01793 330595 earsandalssomanagersf omtKent

0®

1 f ,r

the link Magazine

Swindon Publications Ltd. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:
70 Basepoint, Rivermead Call Jenni Fowler on
Swindon SN5 7EX (01793)872531
Tel: (01793) 608840 [email protected]
• Comprehensive range of quality PVC-U Windows, Doors & Conservatories Fax: (01793) 608841 February bookings by 5 January
• A wide choice of finishes available - e: [email protected] "The Link was first published for the West
Brilliant White PVC-U, luxurious Mahogany, Swindon community in December 1978.
rich Golden Oak and warm Rosewood or www.swindonlink.com It is completely independent of Link Centre
a combination of these finishes ".
and, in fact, won a competition to name the
• Superb installation by experienced Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984, Distribution in North
craftsmen 10 Swindon commenced in January 1994."
Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840
• 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee
windows -doors -conservatories Editorial copy date for The contents of The Link are protected
Visit our showroom: by copyright. Use of advertisements in
OPEN Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Sam - 12 Noon FeNSA February: 9 January printed or electronic form is forbidden
Unit 7, Great Western Trade Park, Great Western Way, Swindon SN2 2D1 JY Published: 28 January unless an advertiser or publisher has
fax: 01793 495195 www.kingfisher-conservatories.co.uk b Copy arc: y sought permission. Articles and photo-
Co for March: 6 February
graphs require similar authority
3istered in England 5 Wales. No. 4513027, Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungedord. Serbs, RG17 ODL. Printed by pap. Telford