Issue - meetings

a)    Care Ambassadors’ Tree of Life

Members are invited to visit the display on the Council Chamber landing.

b)    Fostering Excellence Awards

To congratulate Henry Wells, 19, one of Gloucestershire County Council’s ambassadors for vulnerable children and young people, on winning the award for ‘outstanding contribution by sons and daughters’ at The Fostering Network’s ‘Fostering Excellence Awards’.

c)    Adverse weather

To thank Council teams who have kept the highway network running, protected properties from flooding and supported vulnerable people during the recent periods of heavy rainfall. 

d)    Transformation and Change Awards 2019

To congratulate staff and teams who were nominated for awards.  The Leader of the Council attended the ceremony in the Council Chamber on 7 November 2019.

e)    ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

a)    Care Ambassadors’ Tree of Life

Members were invited to visit the display on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch period.

b)    Fostering Excellence Awards

The Chairman congratulated Henry Wells, 19, one of Gloucestershire County Council’s ambassadors for vulnerable children and young people, on winning the award for ‘outstanding contribution by sons and daughters’ at The Fostering Network’s ‘Fostering Excellence Awards’.

c)    Adverse weather

The Chairman thanked Council teams for keeping the highway network running, protecting properties from flooding and supporting vulnerable people during the recent periods of heavy rainfall. 

d)    Council Transformation and Change Awards 2019

The Chairman congratulated staff and teams who had been nominated for awards.  The Leader of the Council had attended the ceremony in the Council Chamber on 7 November 2019. 180 nominations were received covering 60 separate projects.

e)    Visit by Dean Academy

The Chairman welcomed students from the Dean Academy in Lydney who had been invited to attend the meeting by Cllr Alan Preest.

f)     Appreciation of Foster Carers

Cllr Lesley Williams advised that an event to thank foster carers was held in Cheltenham on 14 November 2019. 180 people had attended. She thanked foster carers across the county who looked after our most vulnerable young people.  She asked that Council record its thanks. 

g)    Gloucestershire Archives

On 15 November 2019, over 80 volunteers joined Gloucestershire Archives staff in celebrating the National Archives Volunteering Award 2019 at Llanthony Secunda Priory.  The President and Chair of the Archives and Records Association had been quoted afterwards as saying “we saw something inspiring and transformative in the design, management and implementation of this project by Gloucestershire Archives that sets a new benchmark for the sector.”  

Gloucestershire Heritage Hub was a finalist for a GloucestershireLive ‘Believe in Gloucester’ Transformation Award, hosted by Steve Knibbs at Gloucester Rugby Club on 28 November 2019.   

a)    Jane Burns

To note that this will be the last Council meeting for Jane Burns,

Director of Strategy and Challenge and Monitoring Officer, who is leaving the Council to join Cheshire East Council as Executive Director, Corporate Services.

b)    Steve Mawson

To welcome Steve Mawson as the Council’s new Director of Corporate Resources.

c)    Gloucester Heritage Hub

To thank those members who attended the opening of the Gloucester Heritage Hub, incorporating Gloucestershire Archives, on 3 September 2019.  The Hub includes the Dunrossil Centre which was opened by Lady Dunrossil herself.

d)    Prism

Staff from the Prism Group, the Council’s LGBTQIA+ community, will be on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch break to provide information on their activities.

e)    ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

a)    Jane Burns

The Chairman advised that it was the last Council meeting for Jane Burns, Director of Strategy and Challenge and Monitoring Officer, who was leaving the Council to join Cheshire East Council as Executive Director, Corporate Services. 

Jane stated that she had worked for the Council for 16 years and she thanked members and officers for the support that they had provided over that time.

Members thanked Jane for all that she had done for the Council including her work on the challenge process, the constitution and member standards.

The Chairman informed members that Rob Ayliffe, Head of Stratigic Planning, Performance and Change had been appointed as Monitoring Officer for an interim period of six months with Gillian Parkinson, Head of Legal Services, and Simon Harper, Head of Democratic Services, as Deputy Monitoring Officers.

b)    Steve Mawson

The Chairman welcomed Steve Mawson as the Council’s new Director of Corporate Resources.

c)    Gloucester Heritage Hub

The Chairman thanked those members who had attended the opening of the Gloucester Heritage Hub, incorporating Gloucestershire Archives, on 3 September 2019.  The Hub included the Dunrossil Centre which was opened by Lady Dunrossil herself. Cllr Lesley Williams informed members about the Local History Festival and said that she had put a booklet in members’ pigeon holes. 

d)    Prism

Staff from the Prism Group, the Council’s LGBTQIA+ community, would be on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch break to provide information on their activities. Cllr Kate Haigh noted that it was Pride Day on Saturday, 14 September 2019 starting at 10.30am at  the Cathedral.

e)    Colin Chick

The Chairman congratulated Colin Chick on his permanent appointment as Director of Economy, Community and Infrastructure. 

a)    Honours

To congratulate the following people from Gloucestershire who have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours:

·         Timothy Hutchinson (Newland, Coleford) – awarded a CBE for services to publishing and literature.

·         Professor John Latham (Chipping Camden) – awarded a CBE for services to higher education.

·         Former Superintendent Gavin Thomas (Gloucestershire Constabulary) – awarded an OBE for services to policing.

·         Tony Allcock MBE (formerly of Cheltenham) – awarded an OBE for services to lawn bowls.

·         Julie Dyer (Stonehouse) – awarded an MBE for services to young people with special needs.

·         Former District Councillor Jane Horne (Newent) – awarded an MBE for voluntary and charitable services to the community in the Forest of Dean.

·         Roger Maggs (Tetbury) – awarded an MBE for services to the economy in Wales.

·         Peter Pepys-Goodchild (Cheltenham) – awarded an MBE for public and political service.

·         Frances Watson (Painswick) – awarded an MBE for services to people with learning disabilities.

·         Dr Peter Whitehead (Priors Norton) – awarded an MBE for services to equestrian sport science and medicine.

·         Roger Beard (Newent) – awarded a BEM for services to the community in Newent.

·         Bren McInerney (Longford) – awarded a BEM for services to volunteering, the public sector and the community.

·         Simon Paul (Lechlade) – awarded a BEM for services to the community.

b)    Nelson Trust

To congratulate the Nelson Trust, a Stroud based charity, on their winning entry at the Charity Awards for the category covering social care, advice and support.  The project provides street sex workers in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire with one-to-one support on overcoming addiction, protecting themselves against sexual violence, finding safe and stable homes and leaving sex work.

c)    Mental Health First Aid

To note that two sessions for members run by Richard Castle, Independent Mental Health and Trauma Rehabilitation Consultant, will be held on Wednesday, 2 October 2019 at 1pm and Thursday, 31 October at 1pm.  Richard is also a parent governor representative on the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee.  Democratic Services will be in touch with members to find out which session they prefer to attend. 

d)    ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

a)    Honours

The Chairman congratulated the following people from Gloucestershire who had been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours:

·         Timothy Hutchinson (Newland, Coleford) – awarded a CBE for services to publishing and literature.

·         Professor John Latham (Chipping Camden) – awarded a CBE for services to higher education.

·         Former Superintendent Gavin Thomas (Gloucestershire Constabulary) – awarded an OBE for services to policing.

·         Tony Allcock MBE (formerly of Cheltenham) – awarded an OBE for services to lawn bowls.

·         Julie Dyer (Stonehouse) – awarded an MBE for services to young people with special needs.

·         Former District Councillor Jane Horne (Newent) – awarded an MBE for voluntary and charitable services to the community in the Forest of Dean.

·         Roger Maggs (Tetbury) – awarded an MBE for services to the economy in Wales.

·         Peter Pepys-Goodchild (Cheltenham) – awarded an MBE for public and political service.

·         Frances Watson (Painswick) – awarded an MBE for services to people with learning disabilities.

·         Dr Peter Whitehead (Priors Norton) – awarded an MBE for services to equestrian sport science and medicine.

·         Roger Beard (Newent) – awarded a BEM for services to the community in Newent.

·         Bren McInerney (Longford) – awarded a BEM for services to volunteering, the public sector and the community.

·         Simon Paul (Lechlade) – awarded a BEM for services to the community.

b)    Nelson Trust

The Chairman congratulated the Nelson Trust, a Stroud based charity, on their winning entry at the Charity Awards for the category covering social care, advice and support.  The project provided street sex workers in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire with one-to-one support on overcoming addiction, protecting themselves against sexual violence, finding safe and stable homes and leaving sex work.

c)    Mental Health First Aid

It was noted that two sessions for members run by Richard Castle, Independent Mental Health and Trauma Rehabilitation Consultant, would be held on Wednesday, 2 October 2019 at 1pm and Thursday, 31 October at 1pm.  The Chairman asked members to inform Democratic Services of which session they preferred to attend. 

d)    Archives and Records Association Volunteer Award

The Chairman congratulated Gloucestershire Archives on winning the National Archives Volunteering Award 2019 for its pioneering work with 200 volunteers.  The panel was particularly impressed by the breadth of community partners, the vision and creativity, as well as the level of audience engagement and development achieved.

a)    New County Councillor for Churchdown

To welcome Ben Evans who was elected at the Churchdown by-election on 2 May 2019.

b)    Stonewall

There will be a display on the Council Chamber landing over lunchtime relating to the work being undertaken by the County Council to achieve a ranking on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

c)    ICT support

            Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to

members.

a)    New County Councillor for Churchdown

The Chairman welcomed Ben Evans who had been elected to the County Council at the Churchdown by-election on 2 May 2019.

b)    Stonewall

The Chairman advised that there would be a display on the Council Chamber landing at lunchtime relating to the work being undertaken by the County Council to achieve a ranking on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

c)    Polly Higgins

The Chairman paid tribute to Polly Higgins from Stroud, well known lawyer and environmental campaigner, who had sadly passed away aged just 50. 

Cllr Rachel Smith stated that Polly had dedicated the last 10 years of her life to developing the international crime of ecocide to impose a legal duty on governments and companies to protect ecosystems.  As a resident of Stroud, she hoped that Polly would achieve recognition as a Great Gloucestershire Ahiever.

d)    Cabinet changes

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Leader of the Council, announced that Cllr Patrick Molyneux would be taking on the portfolio of Economy, Skills and Education from Cllr Lynden Stowe who had taken on the portfolio for Finance and Change.  Cllr Richard Boyles would become Deputy Leader following the departure of Cllr Ray Theodoulou from the Cabinet.

e)    Gloucestershire flag

The Chairman reported that the Gloucestershire flag with its distinctive blue, green and yellow colours would in future be flown over Shire Hall on full Council days.

f)     Honorary Aldermen

The Chairman welcomed the Honorary Aldermen who had been invited to join members for lunch.

a)    Charity cricket game

A cricket game between councillors and staff will be held on Thursday, 9 May 2019 to raise funds for the Chairman’s Charity, the Oncology Ward at Cheltenham General Hospital, which has helped the Chairman and thousands of other patients. The 20/20 game will start at 6pm at the Wagon Works Ground in Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester.  Councillor Saj Patel has kindly volunteered to lead the councillor team and spectators are welcome to come along.  If members are unable to attend, please consider supporting the event by sending a cheque to the Chairman payable to ‘Focus’, the Hospitals’ Cancer Charity.

b)    Dunrossil Centre

Unfortunately the official opening of the Dunrossil Centre at Gloucestershire Archives, scheduled for 3 April 2019, has been postponed until further notice. This is because the building work at Gloucestershire Archives and the Heritage Hub has been delayed following the unexpected departure of our principal contractor, Lakehouse, before completing the job.

c)    Gloucestershire County Council Highways

Officers from the Council’s Highways Commissioning Team and representatives from their delivery partners will be on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch period to provide information on the new highways operating arrangements.

d)    A417 ‘Missing Link’

Representatives from Highways England will be on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch period to provide information on their proposals.

e)    ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

a)    Charity cricket game

The Chairman advised that a cricket game between councillors and staff was being held on Thursday, 9 May 2019 to raise funds for the Chairman’s Charity, the Oncology Ward at Cheltenham General Hospital. The 20/20 game would start at 6pm at the Wagon Works Ground in Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester.  Councillor Saj Patel had kindly volunteered to lead the councillor team and spectators were welcome to come along.  The Chairman asked if members were unable to attend that they consider supporting the event by sending a cheque to the Chairman payable to ‘Focus’, the Hospital Cancer Charity.

b)    Dunrossil Centre

Unfortunately the official opening of the Dunrossil Centre at Gloucestershire Archives, scheduled for 3 April 2019, had been postponed until further notice. This was because the building work at Gloucestershire Archives and the Heritage Hub had been delayed following the unexpected departure of the principal contractor, Lakehouse, before completing the job.

c)    Gloucestershire County Council Highways

Officers from the Council’s Highways Commissioning Team and representatives from their delivery partners would be on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch period to provide information on the new highways operating arrangements.

d)    A417 ‘Missing Link’

Representatives from Highways England would be on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch period to provide information on their proposals.

e)    National Star College

The Chairman congratulated the National Star College on winning the British Council International Award and the TES Specialist College of the Year Award.  The awards ceremony took place on 22 March 2019 at Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane.

f)     Churchdown Division by-election

Following the sad passing of Cllr Jack Williams, the by-election would be held on 2 May 2019, the same day as the Tewkesbury Borough Council election. 

g)    Cllr Keith Rippington

The Chairman welcomed back Cllr Keith Rippington back to the Council following the stroke he had suffered just before Christmas.  Cllr Rippington thanked everyone for their good well messages and the support he had received while he had been away.

a)    First World War - 100 years

The Chairman to advise that he attended the Gloucester Cathedral Service on 11 November 2018 to commemorate the end of the First World War.

b)    Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) bed push

To congratulate GFRS on raising in excess of £21,000 for Gloucestershire Hospitals’ Oncology Department.

c)    100 years celebration

An event will be held at Shire Hall on 14 December 2018 to celebrate 100 years of suffrage.  Women from across the county will be invited to attend including a number who are more than 100 years old. 

d)    Prince of Wales

The Chairman to advise that he wrote to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on the occasion of his 70^th birthday.  

e)    Council officers

To congratulate Jo on her appointment as the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council and to welcome Wayne Bowcock on his appointment as Chief Fire Officer. 

f)     Severe weather in the US

The Chairman to report that he has written to Sheriff Darell Warren of Gloucester County in Virginia following Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael.

g)    Gloucestershire Music

The County Youth Orchestra, Duality Winds, Youth String Ensemble and Youth Wind Orchestra all performed in the impressive Birmingham Symphony Hall and Town Hall at the UK’s largest youth music festival.

h)   ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

a)    Jo Walker, Strategic Director: Finance and Section 151 Officer

The Chairman congratulated Jo Walker on her appointment as the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council.  He stated that Jo had joined the Council 30 years ago as a trainee accountant and quickly rose through the ranks as a result of her enthusiasm, hard work and ‘can do’ attitude.  He said that Jo could always be relied upon to give sound financial advice and he thanked her for everything that she had done for the Council.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, Cllr Paul Hodgkinson and Cllr Lesley Williams each paid tribute to Jo and thanked her for the impartial advice that she gave to each political group.  They said that she would be greatly missed but they wished her well in her new role.

The Chairman presented Jo with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her service to the Council.

b)    First World War - 100 years

The Chairman had attended the Gloucester Cathedral Service on 11 November 2018 to commemorate the end of the First World War.

c)    Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) bed push

The Chairman congratulated GFRS on raising in excess of £21,000 for Gloucestershire Hospitals’ Oncology Department.

d)    100 years celebration

An event would be held at Shire Hall on 14 December 2018 to celebrate 100 years of suffrage.  Women from across the county would be invited to attend including a number who were more than 100 years old. 

e)    Prince of Wales

The Chairman advised that he had written to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on the occasion of his 70th birthday.  

f)     Chief Fire Officer

Wayne Bowcock had been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer. 

g)    Severe weather in the US

The Chairman reported that he had written to Sheriff Darell Warren of Gloucester County in Virginia following Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael.

h)   Gloucestershire Music

The Chairman congratulated the County Youth Orchestra, Duality Winds, Youth String Ensemble and Youth Wind Orchestra who had performed at Birmingham Symphony Hall and Town Hall in the UK’s largest youth music festival. 

i)     ICT support

Staff from ICT would be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

j)      Gloucestershire Archives

The Chairman advised members that the event due to be held on 5 December 2018 to mark the opening of the new Dunrossil Centre had been rearranged for 3 April 2019.  More details would follow in Members’ Matter in the New Year.

a)    Skillzone event

The Chairman will be hosting an event for members and their families on 22 September 2018 at Skillzone, Gloucester to raise funds for Gloucestershire Hospitals’ Oncology Department.

b)    Edward Gillespie, new Lord-Lieutenant

To congratulate Edward Gillespie OBE DL on his appointment as Lord-Lieutenant of ceremonial Gloucestershire.  He will succeed Dame Janet Trotter OBE DBE CVO on 29 October 2018.

c)    Heritage Hub

Members are invited to visit the information stand on the Council Chamber landing during the lunch break.

d)    ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

a)    Skillzone event

The Chairman advised that unfortunately the previously advertised event for members and their families on 22 September 2018 at Skillzone, Gloucester has been postponed.  Members, however, were encouraged to support the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Great Gloucestershire Bed Push to raise funds for the Gloucestershire Oncology Cancer Care Charity, Focus.   He said that he would be going to Cheltenham later that day to greet them on their arrival at the Oncology Centre. He hoped that everyone would support the bed push by buying raffle tickets.

b)    i)   Edward Gillespie, new Lord-Lieutenant

The Chairman congratulated Edward Gillespie OBE DL on his appointment as Lord-Lieutenant of ceremonial Gloucestershire.    The Chairman had written to Edward congratulating him on his appointment and looked forward to a warm working relationship with the County Council.

ii) Dame Janet Trotter

    Edward would be succeeding Dame Janet Trotter OBE DBE CVO on 29 October 2018. The Chairman said that he would be writing to Janet to thank her for all her work on behalf the county since her appointment in 2010. 

c)    Heritage Hub

Members were invited to visit the information stand on the Council Chamber landing during the lunch break. The Chairman asked them to save the date ‘5 December 2018’ for a launch event.

d)    End of First World War Commemoration Service

Members were reminded to respond to Emma Glynn at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service regarding the invitation to the Cathedral Service on 11 November at 3pm.  Further information was provided in Members’ Matter.

e)    Gloucestershire Pride

The Chairman advised that the Rainbow flag was flying over Shire Hall in celebration of the Gloucestershire Pride event on Saturday, 8 September 2018.  He noted that the Conservative Group was holding an event at lunchtime to mark the naming of the Conservative Group Room as the Barry Dare Room.  Barry’s wife and two sons had been invited to come along.  He said that Barry had attended Stonewall events and had been a long time supporter of the LGBT community.

a)    Skillzone event

The Chairman will be hosting an event for members and their families on 22 September 2018 at Skillzone, Gloucester to raise funds for Gloucestershire Hospitals’ Oncology Department.

b)    Armed Forces Week 25-30 June 2018

To celebrate the week the Armed Forces Day flag is being flown at Shire Hall.

c)    Vision 2050 – shaping the future of Gloucestershire

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 31 July 2018.  Members and people living and working in Gloucestershire are encouraged to respond. 

d)    Supporting disabled and vulnerable people into employment

Members are encouraged to visit the display on the Council Chamber landing over the lunch break on the Forwards Supported Employment Service, Forwards Work Clubs, The Gloucestershire GEM Project and AIM Supported Internships.

e)    Member development

The following events have so far been arranged during July.  Please refer to Members’ Matter for venues and timings.

·      Children in Care – 3 July

·      Broadband Fastershire – 13 July

·      Adults Single Programme – 18 July

f)     ICT support

Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to members.

Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018

The Honours received by people living and working in Gloucestershire were displayed. The Chairman congratulated all recipients, and drew particular attention to Stewart Edgar, Chief Fire Officer, and Faisal Atcha, Firefighter and Community Volunteer, who had respectively been awarded OBE and MBE. Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member, Fire, Planning and Infrastructure congratulated Mr Edgar and Mr Atcha, and that this was a huge tribute to the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Broadband awards

Members of council congratulated the Fastershire team on their achievement. Cllr Paul Hodgkinson stated that the local population of Chedworth had lobbied hard for improvement in their broadband delivery and offered his thanks to the people who had made this happen.

Skillzone event

The Chairman drew members’ attention to this event to be held on 22 September 2018 to raise funds for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Oncology Department.

a)    Street lighting

The street lighting service in partnership with its service provider for street lighting (Skanska) will be presenting an update on the LED replacement project. The display will include the benefits of LED to the Council, progress to date and a programme for completion.

b)    Growing our Community Fund

Council officers will be on hand over the lunch break to answer members’ questions on the new Growing our Community Fund.  Information on the fund has already been published in Members’ Matter.

c)    ICT support

            Staff from ICT will be on hand over the lunch break to provide advice to

members.

d)    Member development

The following events have so far been arranged for May to July 2018. Please refer to Members’ Matter for venues and timings.

·      Business Rates Retention Scheme – 18 May

·      Dementia awareness – 23 May

·      Member essentials (Standards and Conduct) – 25 May

·      Children’s Services one year on – 5 June

·      SkillZone and Gloucester South Fire Station – 14 June

·      Adults Single Programme – 18 July

a)    Street lighting

During the lunch break, officers from the Street Lighting Service and Skanska, the Council’s service provider, would be available outside the Council Chamber to provide an update on the LED replacement project.

b)    Growing our Community Fund

Council officers would be on hand over the lunch break to answer members’ questions on the Growing our Community Fund.  Information on the fund had already been published in Members’ Matter.

c)    ICT support

Staff from ICT would be available over the lunch break to provide advice to

members.

d)    Member development

The Chairman informed members that the following events had so far been arranged for May to July 2018.

·      Business Rates Retention Scheme – 18 May

·      Dementia awareness - 23 May

·      Member essentials (Standards and Conduct) – 25 May

·      Children’s Services one year on – 5 June

·      SkillZone and Gloucester South Fire Station – 14 June

·      Adults Single Programme – 18 July

e)    International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBT)

On 17 May 2018, the Chairman advised that the County Council’s staff group PRISM would be painting the front steps of Shire Hall in rainbow colours as a visual message that the Council was a supporting and accepting employer.

f)     British Academy Television and Film Awards (BAFTAs)

The Council congratulated Daisy May Cooper and her brother, Charlie Cooper, on their success at the BAFTAs.  Their comedy series ‘This Country’ had won two awards at the prestigious event in London on 13 May 2018.

Please see the briefing note, which does not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

a)        New Council

          The Chairman welcomed newly elected members and congratulated returning members on their re-election to the County Council.

b)        IDAHOBIT

          The Chairman advised that 17 May was International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a worldwide celebration of identities relating to sexuality and gender.  The Council was marking the day by flying the rainbow pride flag above Shire Hall. Prism, the County Council's LGBT staff network, would be hosting a cake sale on the council chamber landing to raise money for two LGBT charities.

c)         Gloucestershire ‘One You’ Pledge

          The Chairman invited members and staff to take up a four week pledge to move more, eat well and stress less.  The campaign would start on Monday, 5 June for four weeks and encouraged everyone to make small behaviour changes to boost their health and wellbeing. More information would be provided in Members’ Matter.

d)        Member induction events

          The session on 18 May would cover post bag issues, schools, complaints, freedom of information and data protection, highways and local insight profiles.  The session on 19 May was on effective communication and handling the media.  Both newly elected and returning members were welcome to attend.

e)        Members’ Matter

        The Chairman reminded members to log into the Members’ Matter website (login dsu, password members17) every week to find out about member events, tips on using their iPads, briefings on key issues and press releases.  The Members’ Matter email was sent out every Friday.

f)          Members’ ICT

           Council officers would be available after the meeting to provide advice and assistance.

g)        Football

The Chairman congratulated Forest Green Rovers Football Club on their promotion to the Football League.

Please see the briefing note, which does not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

a)        Colin Guyton, Drybrook and Lydbrook Division

Colin had stepped down as a county councillor.  It was noted that there would not be a by-election as Colin’s resignation had been received within six months of the County Council election in May 2017. Members thanked Colin for his service to the Council and wished him well for the future.

b)        Rio Paralympics

The Chairman congratulated the athletes from Gloucestershire who had taken part in the Rio Paralympics.  Paralympic medal winners from the county included Andy Lewis from Lydney (Triathlon) and Piers Gulliver from Drybrook (wheelchair fencing).

c)         Remembering Srebrenica

The Chairman advised members that he had recently visited Srebrenica as part of a programme of events to mark the 21^st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. 

The Council formally endorsed the following statement:

o    To note that 2016 marks the 21^st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina when more than 8,000 men and boys were killed.

o    To applaud the work of those involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their surviving relatives, including the International Commission of Missing People and the Mothers of Srebrenica.

o    To commend the work of the charity, Remembering Srebrenica, in raising awareness of this tragic and preventable genocide.

o    To support the work being undertaken in communities across Britain to help them learn the lessons of Srebrenica.

d)        Local Authority Challenge

The Chairman congratulated the team of officers from the County Council and Gloucester City Council who won the Communication and Media Award at the Local Authority Challenge event held at Villa Park.  The team members were Philip Williams, Jenny Grodzicka, Charlotte Davis, Tanya Davies, John James and Jen Dorman.

e)        Gloucestershire Music

Members congratulated Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra, the County Choir and Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra who had performed at the prestigious Music for Youth’s Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on 14 and 15 November.

f)          Safeguarding

It was noted council officers would be on hand during the lunch period to provide information on the work of the Safeguarding Boards for both Children and Adults including the responsibilities of elected members.

g)        Apetito

The Chairman advised that the County Council’s meals on wheels contractor, Apetito, would be providing lunch for members.  Samples would be available of their meals and staff would be on hand to provide more information on the service provided for residents.

h)        ID and access cards for members

New cards would be replacing the existing access cards with effect from 19 December.  Members were reminded to wear them when they were at Shire Hall as it was important for the security of the building.

Please see the briefing note, which does not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

a)        Barry Dare, Garry Phipps, Robin MacDonald and Jack Newell

Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to former Leader of the Council, Barry Dare, and former councillors Garry Phipps, Robin MacDonald and Jack Newell who had all sadly passed away in recent weeks.

Members paid tribute to Barry, Garry, Robin and Jack, noting their contributions to the County Council, their local communities and the wider county area. 

Barry had been Leader of the Council from 2005 to 2010.  A number of members said Barry was a mentor and friend who had a passion for life and was a great ambassador for Gloucestershire.

b)        Rio Olympics and Paralympics

The Chairman congratulated the athletes from Gloucestershire who had taken part in the Rio Olympics and Paralympics.  The Olympic medal winners included:

Charlotte Dujardin (Equestrian) Gold and Silver

Pete Reed (Rowing) Gold

Matt Gotrel (Rowing) Gold

Alex Gregory (Rowing) Gold

Dan Norton (Rugby 7’s) Silver

Carl Hester (Equestrian) Silver

Vicky Holland (Triathlon) Bronze

The list of Gloucestershire medalists at the Paralympics had not yet been published.  The Chairman did, however, mention Andy Lewis from Lydney who had just become the inaugural Gold medallist in the Triathlon at the Paralympics.

c)         Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards

Amey, the Council’s highways partner, was a finalist for the Employer of the Year (in the over 25 members of staff category) for taking on at least eight new apprentices every year. Since working with the Council, Amey had recruited a large number of apprentices and by 2017, 121 young people would have been recruited and trained representing 60% of the workforce.

d)        Heather Forbes

The Chairman advised that the All Party Parliamentary Group on Archives and History was honouring the work of Heather Forbes with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. She would be receiving a certificate at a special lunch in the House of Commons on 11 October 2016. 

e)        Tour of Britain

The Chairman reported that the Tour of Britain cycle race had passed through Gloucestershire on Thursday, 8 September with members and officers taking the opportunity to view the race at Gloucester Quay. 

f)          Chepstow Bridge and the Severn Bridge

The Chairman said that he had attended an event in Chepstow to mark the 200^th anniversary of the Wye Bridge which was now the longest iron span bridge in the world.  He also noted that 14 September 2016 marked the 50^th anniversary of the first Severn Bridge.

Please see the briefing note, which does not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

a)        Margaret Nolder and Jack Pritchard

Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to former county councillors Margaret Nolder and Jack Pritchard.

The Chairman advised that Margaret Nolder had passed away at the end of May. Margaret had served as the County Councillor for the Cam Division from 2001 to 2009.  She sat on the Adoption Panel and a range of committees including Health Overview and Scrutiny.

Cllr Lesley Williams paid tribute to Margaret who she had known and respected for many years.  She said that in her working life Margaret had been a librarian and had later trained as a social worker.  Margaret was a stalwart of the Labour Party and was passionate about young people.

Honorary Alderman Jack Pritchard had passed away on 22 June.  He had served as a County Councillor for the Brooksdean Division in the Forest of Dean between 1973 and 1997.  Jack had a particular interest in economic development and sat on a number of committees including Planning and Transportation and Environment.

Cllr Graham Morgan paid tribute to Jack who had served in the military in Egypt and had been a great ambassador for the Forest of Dean.

b)         Queen's Birthday Honours

The Chairman congratulated the people in Gloucestershire who had received awards as part of the Queen's Birthday honours. He made specific mention of Cllr Lesley Williams who had received an MBE for services to local government and Suzette Davenport, Chief Constable Gloucestershire Constabulary, who had received a Queen’s Police Medal.

Cllr Brian Oosthuysen said that he had known Cllr Lesley Williams for many years and he paid tribute to her service to the Labour Party and to her local community of Stonehouse.

c)         Duke of Edinburgh Award: 60 year Anniversary

  At a ceremony on 16 May at Buckingham Palace, Francis Gobey from the Council and Lynne Speak from Prospects’ Youth Support Service had received an award recognising the Council’s commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

d)        Gloucestershire Music

The Chairman congratulated the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra and Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra on reaching the Music for Youth National Festival.  He also congratulated Brookfield Music Centre Jazz Band, Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra and Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Ensemble on receiving awards at the National Concert Band Festival in Manchester.

e)         Armed Forces Day

It was noted that a number of events had been held across the county on Saturday, 25 June.

f)          Battle of the Somme

Cllr Paul McMahon advised that Friday, 1 July 2016 marked the 100^th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme during the First World War.  The first day of the battle had resulted in more British deaths than any other in military history.  The centenary would be marked by the blowing of whistles at 7.30am in communities across the country.

Please see the briefing note, which does not accompany this agenda but will be circulated prior to the meeting.

a)        Churchdown by-election on 5 May 2016

 The Chairman welcomed Jack Williams as the new county councillor for the Churchdown Division.

b)        Election of district councillors

 The Chairman congratulated those county councillors who had been successful in being elected to district councils at the local elections on 5 May 2016.

c)         Police and Crime Commissioner

 The Chairman congratulated Martin Surl on his re-election as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire.  He thanked the two county councillors for standing as candidates at the election.

d)        Gloucestershire Pledge

To mark the beginning of National Healthy Workplace week on 23 May, Council staff  and members were invited to take up a four week pledge to move more, eat well and stress less.  The campaign encouraged Council staff and members to make small behaviour changes to boost their health and wellbeing.  Staff from the Public Health Team would be on the landing outside the Council Chamber at lunchtime to provide more information.

e)        Statement of Accounts 2015-16 – related party transactions

 Members were reminded to complete their annual returns. 

f)          Gloucestershire Hospital Education Service (GHES)

The Chairman congratulated GHES on being shortlisted as a finalist for the Times Educational Supplement alternative provision school of the year award 2016.  The awards, now in their seventh year, recognised the outstanding contribution to education made by teams and individuals both inside and outside schools. Emma Stevenson, a teaching assistant at GHES, had been shortlisted and is a finalist for the Pearson Teaching Awards for teaching assistant of the year.

g)        New Council website

Staff from the Communications Team would be outside the Council Chamber at lunchtime to provide information on the redesign of the Council’s website.

h)        Chepstow Bridge Bi-centenary

The Chairman advised that an event would be held on 24 July to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Chepstow Bridge between Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.  Chepstow Bridge was a Grade 1 listed five arch bridge and was now the largest surviving iron arch bridge in the World.  Councillors from Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire had been invited to take part in a procession across the bridge at 1pm on Sunday, 24 July as the finale of the Chepstow Festival. 

i)          Football

 The Chairman congratulated Cheltenham Town Football Club on their immediate return to the Football League and Forest Green Rovers on reaching the Wembley play-off.