Blog Posts

  • Community and Adult Services – workshop

    I was asked to speak at the community and adult services workshop today. There was about 40 managers present, many of whom I have met in my recent travels around the county. These managers are clearly extremely well motivated and had a number of excellent success stories to tell. Why do we not share this… Read more

  • Domestic Violence

    I had an interesting meeting at the new offices of the New Directions Service in Cambridge. This service specialises in working with males who abuse their partners to help modify behaviour. This work is challenging and complex but hopefully worthwhile. I will be interested in the outcomes of this pilot scheme. http://newdirectionsservice.org.uk/ Read more

  • Cabinet changes

    Last night Catherine Hutton, cabinet member for Adult Services, let me know that she would have to stand down from the cabinet. Despite a huge amount of effort, balancing work with a full time cabinet position was just not sustainable. My concern is that Catherine is just the sort of person needed in Cabinet to… Read more

  • Ramsey Library – official opening

    This evening it was my pleasure to attend the official opening of the Ramsey library. Based on the concept of being a community hub, it houses elements of county, district and town council activities as well as traditional library services. Lots of IT, desks and a study area all well lit and comfortable. The meeting… Read more

  • CEES – Cambridgeshire Environmental Education Service

    Monday found me visiting CEES at Stibbington, just outside Peterborough. This purpose built residential centre can  accommodate up to 38 children whilst teaching them about sustainable lifestyles. Lots of activities that were fun and educational and all led by qualified and experienced teachers in an exciting environment. I enjoyed the authentic victorian  classroom and the… Read more

  • Busy Monday

    Monday started with a meeting at 0800 with officers from ES and a couple of cabinet colleagues. A useful hour catching up on strategy and planning for the directorate. This was followed at 0900 by an appointments panel for the head of adult social care. No decisions yet, but some more short listing. We also… Read more