21 February 2025

At the start of this week I was interviewed about my experience and involvement with the Tees Valley Integrated Care Partnerships as part of a wider review of the model. The Integrated Care Partnership, or ICP, brings together Councils, health providers, and community organisations with a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of Tees Valley residents.

In the afternoon I was interviewed again, this time with a representative from the National Youth Agency - the regulatory body for youth work across England. This was part of their DCMS Youth Review for 2025.

Mid-week there was a special Council meeting focussing on the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan, which sets out the Council's financial spending up to 2027/28.

Yesterday I joined a Regional Pay Briefing hosted by the North East Regional Employers' Organisation (NEREO). It's an opportunity for us and other Councils in the North East to discuss pay with representatives from different national bargaining groups.

In the afternoon I attended a General Licensing Committee meeting in Municipal Buildings. Immediately after I met with Tracey Carter, Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, to discuss the improvements happening to Durham Lane, where we're working with developers to attract new businesses to the area.

Today I am attending a pre-meeting ahead of next week's Tees Valley ICP meeting.

This weekend I look forward to spending some time with my family and relaxing. Middlesbrough are in dire need of a win after losing their fourth consecutive game last weekend. We have two games in quick succession: Bristol City tonight and Stoke on Tuesday. Both games are away from home, and Michael Carrick will be desperate for back-to-back wins to get fans back onside with him. I fear that if these fixtures go by without a win, he may be forced to look for new employment.