Page 5 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • August 2010 5
Doing more with more in the future

Council has to change to cope with the times, says Chief Exec
As the coalition government’s scythe slashes through public spending, this is not a time for gloom
and doom says Swindon Council’s Chief Executive Gavin Jones. In fact he believes it’s a time to think
Ready for a weight
creatively about how the energy of people can be captured for the benefit of community good.
Over a year ago the council short time, the people discuss how services loss programme
launched Connecting People, of Swindon will know can be delivered to
Connecting Places, where seven how many jobs and the community. No with a difference?
neighbourhood ‘clusters’ based services are going to longer is it about
on electoral wards were set up, be cutback as a result. councillors making Call
Louise Reynolds, Swindon
each supported by an experienced Yet council taxes decisions in the coun-
senior council officer responsible will remain at the cil offices; councils 01793 698073
for: same level and people cannot be telling or visit
lighterlife.com/louisereynolds
• promoting and enhancing a may feel they’re not people what’s going
sense of community; getting the same ser- to happen. There has
• enabling meaningful discussion vices, although - by government to be negotiation and brokering of
between ward councillors and direction - schools and social care ideas and proposals; we have to be
citizens about community con- services to vulnerable people will more answerable to people.
cerns and involvement in decision get priority. “At the same time people have to
making; According to Gavin Jones the commit their time and be engaged
• developing ways to deliver Connecting People, Connecting in discussion with councillors and &
HR
public services that are more tuned Places has taken on a new sig- officers; there are difficult choices Diversity
to local needs, whilst recognising nificance. “What started as trying to be made. Management Limited
the limits upon public agencies. to find a way to get more people “This isn’t about doing more with All your personnel needs.
This was the council’s attempt involved in the issues affecting less. I firmly believe the changes Competitive rates.
to respond to the low level of their communities and to build a Swindon faces should be about Staff contracts, handbook, policies, law updates,

community participation in local stronger pride in their area, is now making the town a stronger com- grievances, disciplinaries, conflict, absence management,
government - even though the influ- also about having serious conversa- munity. Rather than be limited in our appraisals, recruitment & performance management.
ence and impact of local councils on tions about the future make-up of outlook, we’re talking about doing All aspects of managing staff -
everybody’s lives is huge. neighbourhoods. more with more - by tapping into including line manager training.
Since the election the coalition “The council will not be able to do the talent and capacity of residents Call 01793 338888
government has been keen to give as much as it used to, but it still has to make things happen.” Fax 01793 338818
people a say in what laws should to deliver services to those most in • Has the first year of Connecting e: [email protected]
be repealed, they want ideas on need. And the government has made People, Connecting Places engaged w: www.hrdiversity.co.uk

where money can be saved, and it clear that councils have to work you? Let us know if you and your Members of the CIPD, CMI, FSB and Chamber of Commerce.
the Conservative element of the much more closely with communi- council are interacting together. Company Registration: 4749492
coalition talk about a Big Society. ties to agree how to move forward.
However government expendi- “More than ever residents have to
ture is being slashed and within a sit down with elected councillors to
North Swindon litter action squad

Members of Red Oaks Primary School Charity Club decided that they had to do
something about the litter problem in Redhouse area of North Swindon and spent
a lunchtime in early July picking up other people’s mess. Club coordinator Maggie
Hartridge said the children cleared the play park close to the school and were amazed
by how much rubbish they collected.

Recruiting staff for new store

John Lewis is looking for 180 full, part time and temporary partners
for its ‘at home’ shop which will open at Mannington this Autumn.
The new outlet will sell furniture, A range of roles including entry-
homeware, furnishing accessories, level positions for those looking to
electricals and home technology begin a career in retail are on offer.
and also have an in-store cafe. Experience is not essential as John
Lewis is committed
to fostering talent and
training its staff to the
highest level with op-
portunities to progress
into management.
• See the full story at
www.swindonlink.com

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