As the schools break up for summer, I hope that you all get some time to relax with family and friends, after what has been a busy period. There is much to do in the autumn; a new Prime Minister and a promise of leaving the European Union on 31 October, along with a raft of new policy initiatives. We will certainly have our work cut out when we get back, making links with a completely new group of ministers (with the exception of Health and Care where Matt Hancock stays in post). But that can probably wait for you to recharge your batteries.
The natural break in the rhythm of the year allows us an opportunity to reflect on where we are and where we are going. The major changes internally, which we commenced last autumn, are coming to a close, and we are seeing the new models and structures taking off. Change on this scale is not easy, and it is something of which we can be very proud. We are adapting to the world around us; the desired outcomes remain the same, but what activities we do to achieve them, and how we undertake these activities changes. Some very valued colleagues and long-term friends have left the organisation–they have been part of our journey, and I wish them well in their future.
Looking forward to the autumn, we will be refreshing our strategy again. The finances remain tight, but Rob Salmon and the team have a coherent plan to move the MTFS forwards which continues the good work that has already been done. Although it will be something to discuss, I expect that environmental sustainability will rise up the agenda, and will appear in our strategy – the motion at Full Council on Thursday and the appointment of Conor Wileman to the Cabinet are key indicators that we will be Thinking Global but Acting Local.