20 September 2024

Monday began with a catch up with Councillor Pauline Beall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care. The teams in this area are busy preparing for the upcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection so it was good to be updated on their progress.

We have also had brilliant news that two of our social workers have been shortlisted for Social Worker of the Year Awards 2024: Emma Crowe for Mental Health Social Worker of the Year, and Andrew Jamieson for Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) of the Year. Our Adult Social Care service has also been nominated for Technology-Enabled Lives and Innovation in Practice Award. Winners will be announced at the awards night celebration on 8 November, so watch this space for the results.

On Tuesday, I met with Cabinet Members for an informal meeting ahead of Council on Wednesday evening.

Midweek, I joined my fellow Councillors and senior Council members in wearing red for a group photograph in support of Show Racism the Red Card. Wear Red Day marks its 10th anniversary on 18 October and our annual fundraising day is sure to hold some great activities, so keep an eye on our social media channels and news section for the latest updates.

I then attended the full Council meeting held at the Baptist Tabernacle in Stockton. The agenda included the Council's Independent Remuneration Panel and the Stockton-on-Tees Youth Justice Plan.

Yesterday, I attended the S&DR200 Festival programme launch. The 9-month festival to be held next year celebrates the 200th anniversary of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) and will involve events, exhibitions, art commissions and more. Visit the S&DR200 website for more information.

In the afternoon, I chaired a webinar for the Local Government Association (LGA) about children's services, sharing my expertise with leaders of other local authorities.

Today is a quieter day, allowing me to catch up with important paperwork and other items.

At the weekend, I will be spending some quality time relaxing with my family. I'm looking forward to watching Middlesbrough's local derby with Sunderland. Despite only one defeat so far, it's been a slightly frustrating start to the season for Boro and it was another two points dropped last time out against Preston after missing a lot of chances. Hopefully, Michael Carrick's side can get back to winning ways and earn the North East bragging rights.