10 October 2025

Hi everyone, I'm back to work this week after having a week in the sun.

My first meeting was with Chief Executive Mike Greene for our regular catch up and to get an update after my break. This was followed by a briefing with officers on our waste facilities. I then had a meeting with officers from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and Chris Renahan, Assistant Director for Inclusive Growth and Development, on my portfolio which is Education, Employment and Skills. I finished a very busy day by Chairing the Cabinet pre-agenda meeting.

Tuesday was another busy day filled with meetings. I met again with TVCA officers to plan a workshop that I am facilitating on Friday afternoon at the Tees Valley Skills Academy. I then had a catch up with health colleagues ahead of the next Health and Wellbeing Board.

I had a Cabinet briefing with officers followed by a chat with our new graduates, who have joined us as part of the Local Government Graduate Scheme Programme. It was great to hear about each of their placements, and I am looking forward to following their progress with the Council.

I then had a meeting with Mike, Cllr Clare Besford and Majella McCarthy, Director of Children's Services. It's good to catch up with what is going on in Children's Services. I was Cabinet Member for 6 years in this area and I still miss it but always keep abreast in what is going on.

Tuesday was also my birthday, and I don't think I've had a day that busy for a long time! After the busy day, I met with friends and family for a birthday meal in Stockton.

On Wednesday morning I joined a Transformation Action learning workshop held by the Local Government Association. This was a great session with representatives from other Local Authorities to share and learn about each other's transformation projects.

I then caught up with Tom Bryant, Chief Executive of the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Yesterday I met with our latest cohort of apprentices in our Council chambers. It was wonderful to meet with our new apprentices, and I hope they all enjoy their time working with us.

This morning, I chaired the Council's Corporate Parenting Board. Later this afternoon, I am facilitating the final Adult Skills workshop in our series, which will help us shape the future plans in Education, Employment and Skills across the Tees Valley.

This weekend, I am travelling to Manchester with my daughter to spend the weekend with my son and daughter in law. My son lived in Manchester for 10 years but returned to Stockton for about 6 years. He still worked for a company in Manchester and 3 weeks ago he made the move back there. It was also my son's thirty-seventh birthday this week so I'm looking forward to celebrating both of our birthdays. My two children are both really sporty and competitive and I know there are plans to play cricket at Sixes, followed by a variety of sporty activities at Roxy Ballroom. I know they will both end up winding each other up on who is the overall winner.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.