Challenging times, exciting prospects and fond farewells

I recently attended a Challenge Management held in Banchory. As always I relished the chance to engage with staff from all levels and it was certainly a lively discussion, covering a variety of topics that affected council employees. One of the topics raised was the recent review of registrars’ services. which was of concern to some staff. Now the Registrar’s Review has concluded and is moving forward hopefully staff’s uncertainty will be put to rest.

Prior to Challenge Management I met the Development Contribution Team based in the basement of Banchory Town Hall and will be returning for a Back to the Floor exercise in October. Events like Challenge Management and Back to the Floor are hugely important in engagement across the council. Whilst we may be looking at the ‘bigger picture’ day to day, we need to understand how our decisions affect the entire organisation and these events are always an interesting and educational experience.

I’ve recently been having very constructive meetings with Aberdeen City Council’s Chief Executive Angela Scott and we are very keen to work closely to help both councils relieve costs and produce and develop first class services.

And whilst we look forward to the future as a council, two valued and long-serving members of staff are leaving us.

I recently attended the retirement event of Les Allan, the Marr Area Manager, which was held at the Transport Museum in Alford. The huge number of people in attendance was a testament to the man who put communities ahead of himself in his 14 years as Area Manager and his 39 in public service. A man noted for his slow driving, Les once raced a McLaren F1 car at considerable pace around Alford track.

We also wish a fond farewell to Woodhill House receptionist Lorna Jamieson, whose cheery disposition, warm smile and flower arrangements will be missed by us all. I wish them both all the best for the future.