2 May 2025

Hi everyone. My return to work this week after my operation has been a really busy one. I've been catching up with emails and case work that I missed last week and have had one of the busiest weeks ever with most days packed with back-to-back meetings.

Rather than go through every meeting that I attend, I thought that I would change the structure of this blog and tell you about some of the highlight meetings and anything else relevant at the moment.

A lot of this week's meetings have been with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) with the other TV Leaders. This is a new role to me and something that I need to get up to speed on quickly. If I take anything on, I always strive to do it as well as I can, so this area will be a big learning curve for me. 

I am the Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills on the TVCA and this is a role that I'm really looking forward to. Most of my working life was in this area so I think I can bring some fresh ideas and insight into this role.

A bit about my background - I worked in 'Big Tesco' on Durham Road for a lot of years, whilst there, I went to University in my late 30's juggling work, Uni and 2 kids. I eventually went into adult education and worked as a tutor, then a lecturer before going onto working with various Trade Unions and organisations around skills and training. When Covid hit, I left work and used my time to focus on my Council role. I feel my experience will benefit the TVCA in my new Cabinet role.

Another highlight for me this week was when Mike Greene, officers and I, gave a presentation to the judges of this year's MJ Awards. I am very proud that the fabulous work we do has been recognised and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has been nominated for the Council of the Year award. We were given the opportunity to present to the judges why we think Stockton-on-Tees should win the award. We are doing some fabulous, groundbreaking work and it was very difficult to portray everything in the short time allocated but we talked about the Powering Our Futures programme and the incredible work that staff here are doing to making our Borough a better place for our residents.

This week, alongside other Councillors, I attended a Members Briefing on Operation Ford with Cleveland Police. Operation Ford looks at Councillor Safety and there were some great tips on how to stay safe whilst out and about but also on social media. Sadly, some people think that it's part of our role to be harassed, bullied and threatened particularly online, so this briefing was really useful.

Thursday was a very rare day off from Council meetings for me. I used the opportunity to catch up with case work, emails and even managed to get my hair done! A not so pleasant part of my day was my first physio appointment after my operation which was a little bit painful!

The weather has been gorgeous towards the end of the week and I'm hoping that this continues over the Bank Holiday weekend. I am attending a Christening on Sunday but don't have anything else planned.

I hope you and your family have a lovely, relaxing weekend.