Lesley’s Update
By Lesley Brown, Executive Director for Education and Children's Services
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is drawing to a close and the festive season is just around the corner. I know the last few months have been particularly busy for teams across the council and hopefully there is the prospect of some rest coming over the Christmas and New Year period.
Wallyford Learning Campus
Over the last few months, I have enjoyed getting out and about and meeting staff and teams. I was delighted to represent the Council at the Learning Spaces (Scotland) Awards at the end of November, where Wallyford Learning Campus and East Lothian Council were finalists in three award categories. We were delighted to be highly commended for ‘Project of the Year’. Last week we also welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to Wallyford Learning Campus for the official opening of the building.
Building community capacity
I have been delighted to be closely involved in some development work happening in our Communities team, particularly around Community Learning and Development (CLD). Our communities team plays a vital role in supporting individuals and groups to ensure our communities can continue to thrive. I was really pleased to see the CLD Partnership Plan approved at Cabinet in November and to chair the first CLD Partnership Group which brings together key partners who support our communities and enhance the delivery of CLD across East Lothian. This work is essential in building community capacity and plays a key role in supporting our key council priorities.
Providing quality homes
I was also really pleased to have the opportunity to work with our Housing Management team where I was able to hear first-hand about the fantastic work underway to support the allocation of housing across East Lothian. I am really grateful to all staff for the work they do whether that is supporting those who are homeless, working with our existing housing stock and new build properties, or who are working directly in property maintenance including dealing with voids. Having a quality home is such a crucial part of everyone’s life so the importance of this work cannot be underestimated.
Developing senior leaders
Our work continues in leadership development and I was really pleased to be able to launch our new Aspiring Senior Leaders programme. Work is also underway to develop a programme for middle leaders. It is really encouraging that we have so many talented leaders across the council who are keen to develop their skills for the benefit of the organisation.
As you will know from my previous updates, I enjoy some amateur dramatics in my spare time and I am part of my local theatre group. I have been busy learning my lines for panto which begins this week and look forward to treading the boards as a Pirate Captain in Treasure Island.
At this very busy time and with Christmas almost here, I hope that you manage to have a peaceful and restful festive season and I wish you all the best for the new year when it comes.