London Borough of Redbridge

We are delighted to announce that Neeta Kanagaratnam, our Senior Delivery Officer, has won the October Star of the Month staff award ⭐ 🏆 Asiyah Ally nominated Neeta for her dedication in delivering engagement activities for the Child Friendly Redbridge (CFR) programme and successfully working with schools, partners and community groups. Asiyah said “I want to nominate Neeta for Star of the Month for all of her tremendous work in delivering CFR engagement activities which supports the Council’s aim in achieving CFR accreditation status by UNICEF. Neeta's contribution has been extremely crucial in delivering engagement with children and young people to seek feedback on key topics such as being healthy, safe, place-making and their contribution to leadership. In a short space of time Neeta put together a programme of events for World Children’s Day which were a big success and gained global recognition by UNICEF. Neeta arranged, curated and delivered a number of engagement sessions with young people to hear their voices on key questions we were missing information on. The young people were from marginalised groups and difficult to engage with, but Neeta was able to manage the sessions effectively and her emotional understanding in communicating with children kept them engaged. The sessions carried out were looked at very favourably with UNICEF who provided positive feedback. Neeta’s attitude and her tenacity helped to boost survey responses for the Children and Young People survey. It took extra work to contact schools and plan how they could get the surveys completed. Neeta is proactive and committed in building relationship with partners, schools and community groups to deliver valuable engagement for the CFR Programme.” Congratulations on a well-deserved win, Neeta. Well done to everyone else who was nominated. Our Team Star of the Month will be revealed next week.

A big congratulations to Ian Tucker, our Trading Standards Team Leader, for winning an Excellence Award at the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) Excellence Awards ceremony two weeks ago. The award ceremony celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting intellectual property rights in the UK. Intellectual property crime is wide-ranging and covers the misuse and theft of trademarks, brands, designs and copyright material. Ian was honoured for his involvement in an operation that protected Redbridge residents and local businesses from intellectual property crime. Ian and his team successfully shut down illegal streaming taking place on domestic and retail premises, helping legitimate businesses that broadcast sport content avoid unfair competition. These actions also protected residents from rising subscription costs which often occur due to illicit streamers. Ian said, “Although I was personally nominated for this award, the case that it relates to was all about collaboration. We partnered with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham so we could make use of their Accredited Financial Investigator. The initial intelligence and evidence were provided by FACT. Sky compiled forensic reports relating to the servers that were broadcasting the content, and by working with Sky's investigator and lawyers, Redbridge Council did not have to bear the huge cost of the trial. So really it was a team effort.’’ Ian’s manager, Hayley Roberts said, “This award is a credit to Ian Tucker and all the hours of hard work and dedication that led to the successful conclusion of this complex case. Trading Standards is a wonderfully diverse profession, and this prosecution goes to highlight the depth of skills and experience needed to bring criminals to justice.’’ Ian’s career at Redbridge Council spans an impressive 24 years. He started his journey as an Enforcement Officer, before qualifying as a Trading Standards Officer and was then promoted to Team Leader. Ian’s other work has included leading on two major cases involving counterfeit electrical equipment in which 50,000 pieces of unsafe electrical equipment were removed from the marketplace. In one case, convictions been secured while the second case is awaiting trial. Well done to Ian and the Trading Standards team for their hard work that has made a difference to local businesses and residents. Ian, pictured in the centre of the below photo, receiving his award from Andy Clarke, Investigations & Forensics Manager (left), and Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive of FACT, (right).

We’re delighted to announce that Claire L Hamilton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Redbridge Council and will be officially starting in March 2025. Claire brings a wealth of experience – over 29 years’ experience of working in the public sector leading high performing teams and developing positive and productive partnerships to deliver complex regeneration initiatives. Claire will be joining us from Dacorum Borough Council where she has served as Chief Executive since 2020 and has been delivering an exciting transformation agenda there. She has previously worked for several councils, as well as a number of London-based Housing Associations. Her background includes housing development and management, estate regeneration, town centre regeneration, health projects, strategic planning, property and asset management, economic development, community engagement and inward investment. Claire will bring renewed focus to the Council’s regeneration programme and will help to drive much-needed housing delivery for the borough. She will work with colleagues to ensure that Redbridge is working in the most effective way with a positive, forward thinking and inclusive culture. She will support the Council to continue delivering safe and excellent services to its residents. As a local resident, Claire is excited to contribute to Redbridge's ambitious future, ensuring the continued delivery of excellent services for the community. Claire said, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to be your next Chief Executive. I am excited about the future of Redbridge Council, and I am looking forward to working with you all to ensure that we deliver the very best services to our residents, that you feel valued for the important work you do, and that the Council has a bright and sustainable future.” Current Interim Chief Executive, Adrian Loades, will be retiring at the end of January 2025. He said, “As Claire steps into this role, I know you will all extend your support and collaboration to continue to build on the strong foundation we have established. I know she is looking forward to meeting as many staff members as she can in their first weeks and learning more about the brilliant work you all do.” We look forward to meeting you, Claire.

We’re thrilled to announce that Shona Galt has won the Graduate of the Year award at the Local Government Chronicle Workforce awards. This award is a testament to her extraordinary dedication and tireless efforts to support care leavers in our community. As a Project Manager, Shona has spearheaded numerous impactful projects, including embedding the Care Leaver Covenant throughout our borough. Her innovative approach, compassionate leadership, and commitment have significantly improved the lives of young people transitioning out of care. Shona was nominated by her line manager, Umar Malik for various achievements including: ·      Organising an internal Care Leaver Covenant roundtable event which brought together 60 senior council staff with a group of care leavers to emphasise the important of a whole-council approach to corporate parenting. This was followed up by collaborating with the National Care Leaver Covenant scheme, ensuring young people felt empowered and listened to. ·      Setting up a successful event at Redbridge Town Hall with 70 external partners in attendance. This was met with a positive reception and resulted in significant pledges from local partners – including work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, and vendor and leisure concessions for care-experienced young people. ·      Initiating a mentoring programme to help care leavers apply to Cambridge University. Shona’s support included guiding care leavers through the UCAS process and providing bespoke coaching for them in preparation for entrance exams. ·      Building strong relationships and working closely with young people’s networks to ensure care leavers have the support and stability they need to flourish. Umar said “Shona is an exemplary Project Manager whose dedication and innovative spirit have made a profound difference in the lives of care leavers. Her willingness to go beyond her professional responsibilities, coupled with her compassionate approach and strategic vision, makes her a deserving winner for the LGC Workforce Awards.'' Shona said “I am so surprised and thrilled to have won in my category! I’m so grateful to those who nominated and voted for me and to the opportunities granted to me by the graduate scheme at Redbridge and beyond, plus my fantastic current team in People Delivery for creating a supportive environment in which I could develop even further. I’m excited for what the future holds!’’ Congratulations to Shona on an outstanding achievement! Well done to Emma Pattison who was shortlisted for the Head of Service of the Year, and Kalbinder Benning who was shortlisted for the Back Office Hero LGC award.

Congratulations to The Housing Needs team who won our Star of the Month team award after receiving three nominations! The Housing Needs team consists of a range of services which includes front-line homelessness services (Housing Solutions), temporary accommodation and Move On teams. Zulfiqar Mulak MBE said "The team has had to adapt to new ways of working which includes two-hour intensive interviews compared to previous 30-minute slots. This includes calling landlords to establish reasons for homelessness and finding solutions there and then and agreeing them. They have also changed ways of working in terms of customer care by providing quicker turnaround times, offering floor walkers, identifying vulnerable applicants, and ensuring every applicant who comes in leaves with a written outcome advising what the service will do and what we expect them to do. The team offer named contacts for the duration of their case, visit vulnerable people at home who are unable to come to the office, ensure language facilities are in place for all interviews, and go the extra mile by making calls for applicants who cannot make calls themselves. This has led to a complete culture change in service provision. The team also now conduct joint interviews with Children Services which saves applicants’ time."   Hilda Okoli nominated the team for "working smartly to support residents of the borough who are homeless, embracing new ways of working to find better solutions and be more effective in their jobs. Despite facing challenges that come with the job which includes clients being verbally abusive and posting comments on social media, they do not let such challenges affect their mental state in carrying out their duties. The team are very dedicated and prompt in responding to client’s needs, and although they cannot satisfy everyone, they record many successful stories. They have succeeded in relocating residents outside of the borough and have received positive feedback." The third nomination came from Taiwo Awodiran who said "The Housing Solutions team has delivered exceptional services, especially their implementation of appointments and introduction of an enquiry section in the reception area which has made a positive difference. The team has training every two weeks to ensure efficiency and to streamline the process. They have provided homes for families outside of London and have saved the Council spending costs on temporary accommodation in the last six months."   Well done to the team on your well-deserved award! #teamwork #award

Zulfiqar Mulak MBE has been appointed Redbridge Council’s new permanent Operational Director for Housing after working as an interim here since March 2024. With housing experience spanning almost 40 years, he brings a wealth of expertise which includes operational and strategic work, as well as a track record of delivery at high profile London Boroughs as an Assistant Director and Director. Before joining Redbridge Council, Zulfiqar was Interim Director of Housing at Liverpool City Council where he established positive change.  He has also worked at Haringey, Newham, Hackney, Hillingdon, Waltham Forest, and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea councils. Steve Moore, our Corporate Director of Communities, said “Zulfiqar brings extensive experience of delivering large scale transformation programmes and budget savings which will be incredibly valuable to the work we are doing to shape the future of Redbridge Council.” Zulfiqar’s passion and dedication to support and develop local communities and make a difference aligns with our community-focused approach. He said, “I am delighted and excited to continue the positive work at Redbridge Council and hope I can use my extensive experience and ‘can do’ attitude to make a real difference to the borough and its communities. I have really enjoyed my time here to date and look forward to developing some of the positive outcomes already delivered.” Zulfiqar has also worked for the housing minister and successfully delivered regional and national targets in Housing. He was awarded an MBE in 2001 having been nominated by the Deputy Prime Minister.

We are delighted to share that Jan Booth, Children's Participation Officer, won the September Star of the Month staff award. Line Manager, Jenny Norwood, nominated Jan for organising a successful and memorable Youth Fest through meticulous planning and collaborating with young people and 15 partners. "I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jan for the exceptional work in organising this year's Youth Fest (Y-Fest). The Youth Service’s one day festival organised by, and for, young people, was held at Hainault Youth Centre at the end of the summer holidays. The planning and execution were flawless thanks to Jan's meticulous approach and clear vision. It was particularly impressive how Jan involved young people throughout the process. By incorporating feedback from last year’s Y-fest and actively listening to the Monday Night Hainault Youth Centre and Youth Involvement groups, Jan ensured that the festival was truly inclusive. Their ideas were not only heard but also thoughtfully integrated into the planning, resulting in a fresh lineup of activities and organisations in attendance and offering a range of activities and experiences. The festival’s success was also due to the hands on involvement of young people in setting up and running the activities on the day. Their engagement in every aspect of the event contributed to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The Festival Passport was a brilliant addition, which the young people enjoyed completing and ensured that everyone participated, and one person had the opportunity to win a voucher. The festival was a huge success, in no small part due to the involvement of over 15 partners, including London Ambulance Service, Connexions and Kooth. Their contributions were instrumental in bringing everything together. The festival provided a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn new skills and have fun. Whilst there were other people involved in the planning for Y-Fest and helped on the day, to whom I also give a big thank you to, it is Jan, who, as a staff team we feel deserves the special recognition for making the festival such a memorable and successful event! I can’t wait for next year, where Jan is already working with young people to bring in more partners and activities." Congratulations to Jan on your well-deserved win! #recognition #winner

Congratulations to our Family Intervention Team who were crowned our August Team Star of the Month winners. Congratulations team ⭐ Siobhan McGeary nominated the Family Intervention Team for their dedication in providing an outstanding service to young people in Redbridge and collaborating with a range of services to provide them with more opportunities and support. Please find the full nomination details below: “Teenagers can be challenging; those who know one understand they are often the most misunderstood individuals on the planet. Nonetheless, the social workers in the Family Intervention Team (FIT) dedicate themselves to working with difficult-to-reach teenagers who have faced or are at risk of exploitation, gang involvement, violence, and more. Each member of the team speaks highly of their young people and have a passion for good outcomes. The social workers in the team work creatively and collaboratively with Education, Connexions, Health and Community services to divert young people into education/training/activities…etc. Staff receive positive feedback from young people on a regular basis. An example of this is during the six weeks holiday when a young girl messaged their social worker saying, "I can't express how grateful I am you guys gave me the opportunity to spend two weeks at Pineapple Dance Studios - I haven’t smoked the whole week and have improved so much." The young girl now wants to look at a dance college, so the social worker is exploring dance scholarships. They go above and beyond with providing an outstanding service - one social worker collected a young person and his family after hours to drive them out of borough to a place of safety provided by Housing due to the fear of youth violence and criminal exploitation. Whilst the social worker was there, he ensured they got food and provisions etc. While I acknowledge my bias in this nomination, I simply want to give a huge shout out to the team; they are truly amazing individuals, and some might even call them stars!!!” Congratulations to the team and well done to everyone who was nominated.

We’re delighted to share that Claire Shah, Perpetrator Specialist from our Reach Out Service has been crowned our August Employee Star of the Month. Congratulations Claire! ⭐ Line manager, Emma Pattison, nominated Claire for her unwavering dedication which has led to life-changing outcomes for victims/survivors of domestic abuse and for being an inspirational role model for the wider team.  Emma said “Claire is deeply committed to supporting families affected by domestic abuse. She takes time to understand the issues that make a victim/survivor feel that they cannot cope and addresses these to disrupt the pull back to the perpetrator. Through her work, she helps victims/survivors who have felt unheard for years to rebuild their lives and even reunite with their children. The impact of this work should not be underestimated. For example, since August last year, Claire has provided weekly support to a family, often travelling a long distance to do so. She has achieved multiple outcomes, including:   • supporting the survivor and children to flee a high harm, high risk perpetrator • financial support, including an application for benefits and essential items through the Buttle Trust • practical support, including building furniture • challenging creditors with legislation to reduce tens of thousands of pounds of coerced debt • securing school placements for all three children, including one for a non-verbal child with autism, and building their confidence to attend (all children had been out of school for a number of years as a tool of the perpetrator’s abuse) • facilitating a Claire’s Law disclosure that led to criminal charges for the perpetrator   Without a shadow of doubt, Claire's support has been life changing for the family. The client shared, “l had the best support from Claire who has worked tirelessly with me in putting all the pieces together for us, driving back and forth once every week. I could have never done half by myself.” Claire's impact extends to the perpetrators she works with; one shared, “I have spoken to lots of people and had therapy but the person I really trust and opened up to more than anyone is Claire. She really listens to me and I feel safe talking to her.” Claire consistently supports the wider service, stepping in wherever needed without hesitation. She balances multiple roles without complaint and executes each task with excellence. As a leader, Claire is a role model who empowers her team and champions their development."   A team member shared, “Claire is truly one of a kind. Her unwavering dedication to clients, service users, and her team goes above and beyond. She prioritises our emotional and mental well-being, encouraging us to be our best selves so we can deliver exceptional work. Her hard work has achieved remarkable results, leading to life-changing outcomes.”   Congratulations Claire and well done to everyone who was nominated!

Appreciation goes a long way, and we’d like to thank our staff and partners who work together to make Redbridge a great place to work and visit. We’d like to invite everyone to tag an individual or organisation and thank them for making a positive difference in their professional life. We’ll go first… Redbridge Council staff have already achieved a lot this year by working collaboratively on projects and events. These include: ·      Launching our Redbridge On Demand British Sign Language (BSL) service with Sign Solutions and The Language Shop Ltd ·      Organising our Disability Awareness Festival with the help of One Place East, Uniting Friends, & the Redbridge Forum. ·      Hosting an event sponsored by Version1 in which Redbridge staff, Councillors, the United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF and local private sector partners discussed additional support for young people leaving care. ·      Installing 34 new, fast, on-street Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers with Uber and Believ ·      Being part of the Local Community Fostering Service, a pilot scheme from the Department of Education (DfE), in collaboration with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, London Borough of Havering, London Borough of Newham & London Borough of Tower Hamlets ·      Trailing a new asphalt mix with Kenson Highways, Tarmac & Low Carbon Materials (LCM) Thank you to our staff members for their excellent partnership working & to our external partners for their support in helping us make Redbridge a fantastic place for everyone to live in, work in & visit. Your contributions are invaluable, and we look forward to our continued success together. We are delighted that our staff's dedication to improving the borough and providing up-to-date information and support to our residents, has been widely recognised through national awards. Our Redbridge Council website was ranked the top performing Local Government website nationally by Sitemorse. We’ve won awards from Keep Britain Tidy and InfraRed Capital Partners Ltd. Additionally, we’ve been shortlisted for awards by The Municipal Journal and the Local Government Chronicle. Thank you to the following teams for your outstanding efforts – IT, Digital, Neighbourhoods Engagement Team, Public Health, Education and Inclusion and Reach Out service. In another significant achievement, Redbridge Council became one of only three local authorities to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ grade across every criterion within the Ofsted Inspecting Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS) inspection framework. A massive thank you to our Children & Families department for their exceptional work. Our Community Safety and Communications teams also gained national coverage on ITV for ‘Don't Stand By, Step In’, for our award-winning This Has To Stop campaign. These are just a few of the achievements we have had so far this year. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication and the positive impact you make to our community. Who would you like to thank?