27 June 2025

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I didn't have a single winner at Redcar races on Saturday which isn't surprising!

Last Friday I attended the MJ Awards, where we were finalists in two categories: Council of the Year, and Innovation in Adults' and Children's Services. Unfortunately, we didn't win either of the awards, but it's a huge honour to have made it to the final and I was very proud that we were highly commended in Innovation in Adults and Children's services. This was due to the outstanding work that the whole Council and partners have done around our Corporate Parenting duties. It was also great that we had members of staff in attendance.

The week started with a Tees Valley Leader's Meeting, held virtually on Teams followed by a workshop that I facilitated at the Teesworks Skills Academy. These are ongoing workshops with partners to discuss adult skills in the Tees Valley.

On Tuesday I attended an all members briefing session, where Mike Greene, Chief Executive of the Council, gave us a general update, and we were also introduced to the Council's new values and behaviours. These values and behaviours were made in consultation with more than 500 members of staff and reflect the behaviours which we all think we should demonstrate.

Mid-week I attended the launch of Cleveland Police's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which is a commitment to enhancing community engagement and safety through increased neighbourhood policing. I am looking forward to seeing extra officers working with communities.

In the afternoon I chaired the Council's Health and Wellbeing Board. Later I had my regular catch up with Mike Greene.

Yesterday I travelled to Sunderland to attend a meeting of the Association of North East Councils, known as ANEC. This is an opportunity for all North East Leaders to meet and receive information and presentations on current issues and discuss issues that we have in common.

This morning, I travelled over to Teesside Airport for two meetings. Firstly, a meeting with Tees Valley Leaders to discuss Childhood Enrichment and how we can tackle issues collectively for better outcomes for our children and young people. We have one of the highest rates of child poverty in the country and we are looking at ways that we can address this whilst also enriching their lives.

Immediately after there was a meeting of the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Cabinet.

I'm really looking forward to attending a wedding this Sunday. I hope you all have a great weekend.