Lesley's update

From Lesley Brown, Executive Director

As the summer holidays come to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of the key developments over the past few months. I hope you’ve had the chance to enjoy some rest and relaxation. I was fortunate to take a break in June and enjoyed a wonderful cruise - an opportunity to recharge and return with fresh energy for the months ahead.

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of visiting our Contact Centre. It was a valuable experience to see first-hand how our staff manage incoming calls from the public. I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism, knowledge and empathy shown by the team. Their ability to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to a wide range of queries is a testament to the quality of service we provide and the dedication of our staff.

I know many of our services have remained busy throughout the summer. I’d like to extend particular thanks to our teams in Children’s Services and Housing, who work directly with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. These services often see little downtime, and I’m deeply grateful for the care and commitment shown by everyone involved.

As we turn our attention to the new school year, we’re especially excited to welcome learners to the newly built Blindwells and Craighall Primary Schools. These schools represent a significant investment in our communities and a commitment to providing high-quality learning environments. A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring these projects to life.

We’ve also received very positive exam results this summer, reflecting the hard work and resilience of our learners, and the unwavering support from school staff, leaders, and families. Thank you all for your continued commitment to excellence in education.

Looking ahead, we’re continuing to strengthen our Leadership Development programme across the organisation. This includes launching another cohort of our Aspiring Senior Leaders programme, which supports staff in building the skills and confidence needed to take on senior roles. Strong leadership at every level is vital to our success, and I’m excited to see this work continue to grow.

Finally, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with teams across Education, Children’s Services, Communities and Housing in the coming months. Your work makes a real difference every day, and I’m grateful for your ongoing dedication and care.

Thank you again for all that you do. Together, let’s build on our successes and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Warm regards,
Lesley