Welcome back! I hope you are rested and inspired and ready to take on all that 2026 will throw our way. My inbox, leads me to believe last year was one of our most challenging years, it also underpinned the resilience and determination we have as we navigated all the highs and lows that pop up along the way.
Firstly, some sad news. One of our long standing and well-respected HR support members has given notice of their retirement. Chris Moses from P.D. Solutions is knowledgeable, experienced, pragmatic and calm as I’m sure the many councils he has helped will testify to. We will miss him, and I know you will join me in wishing him all the very best for the future.
This leaves us with a task to find a new member partner who can balance our Worknest partnership. We’ll keep you up to speed on that.
Going through my mail box I was struck by how many councillors write directly to BMKALC with their queries rather that asking their clerks. I wondered why that is? Whilst we are always pleased to hear from councillors, the first port of call should always be to their clerk. Clerks have access to a mountain of information and if they don’t have the answer at the tip of their tongue, they will likely know where to find it. A reminder also that clerks have a statutory duty to be impartial and must not be manipulated by individual councillors. This will mean that from time to time the council won’t like the guidance it receives from the clerk, but if it’s backed up by law, then don’t shoot the messenger!
Free January is well underway now and it is brilliant to see so many councils taking advantage of free training on such a wide variety of subjects. Next week we have n sessions from Unity Bank and training on Assertion 10 from Aubergine. Don’t forget as well that Worknest are presenting a free to attend webinar on managing sickness absence on the 13th. Later in the month look out for Martyn’s Law, Leadership Skills, using the Bucks Data Exchange, Interests, NALC Legal Update and Roles and Responsibilities in T’s and P’s. I think we have one vacant sport, to fill, any suggestions?
We have the BC Parish Liaison on the 15th of January, online and Agenda circulated under separate cover. The BC Planning Forum will be on the 11 February, I believe and you will receive the invitation for that from Gail Hudson at BC.
Until then have a great weekend, stay safe and good luck in eradicating all traces of tinsel, glitter and pine needles! We’ll look forward to speaking with you next week.