100 ways to make a difference

Here’s a few ways our people have

I’ve been working at South Gloucestershire Council for 16 years. I previously worked on construction sites doing general building work and completed an NVQ qualification in Bricklaying. I started here as a trainee Technician and spent several years studying to get my qualifications in civil engineering and waste management. I now have a HNC in Civil Engineering and currently work in our Highway Maintenance team.

New challenges

The council currently has a multi-million pound local infrastructure programme in place to improve and upgrade our current infrastructure to reduce flood risks across South Gloucestershire.

As part of my role I manage a number of sites under the programme, overseeing projects from start to finish and every day is different. I’m involved in both planned and reactive work and spend most of my time on drainage projects. This involves talking to local residents and Councillors and conducting site surveys. I’ll then recommend and cost potential solutions, before programming construction work with contractors. My role is very much hands-on, overseeing the projects through to completion and resolving issues along the way.

In addition to managing planned projects, my team also have to quickly respond to any flooded roads and properties. When this happens it’s my responsibility to organise the relevant crews and traffic management teams to get the job done, with minimal disruption to our residents and businesses.

My way

Because of the tight timelines in delivering the projects we work on, the demands are always high. Nevertheless, I like taking a proactive approach in meeting deadlines and take pride in knowing the work we do will make a difference to improve people’s lives.

Why I work for South Glos

I really enjoy the variety of my working day, which is mixture of site visits, catching up with colleagues in the office and working from home. I also like the friendly team I work in, as every day is fun and the work is challenging but enjoyable. It’s great to feel part of a team that offers support and advice when I need it, and I’ve learnt a great deal from colleagues over the years.

Before I joined South Gloucestershire Council I worked for English Heritage as a Project Manager, where I helped in the repair and conservation of its historical buildings. I’m now part of the Design Team in Property Services and have been here nearly two years. I manage a range of different building projects; working from initial concept and design stage, through procurement of contractors and finally managing projects through to completion.

New challenges

My job is extremely varied, fast paced and often challenging, with both tight deadlines and budgets. An average day can involve managing a design team project meeting, writing tender evaluation reports and drafting agendas. There will also be additional meetings with other internal departments, external consultants, stakeholders and clients, as well as site visits. Much of my time goes on solving complex problems and strategies, which can be both hugely rewarding and highly stressful.

My way

The success of Property Services relies heavily on the relationships within the individual teams. I take pride in being a Project Manager, but ultimately a well-executed project that has been accomplished to time, cost and quality, is always a team effort.

One of the most important things for me as a Project Manager, is to help achieve a happy team that communicates effectively and efficiently, and can work cohesively to solve problems that mean a successful scheme completion. I can really see the difference I make through my job. I can look at buildings, parks and other projects I’ve worked on and see people enjoying using them.

Why I work for South Glos

When a project is completed I enjoy sitting with clients that I have come to consider as friends and looking back at the stages of the project. This helps me to learn from my mistakes, but also derives an immense sense of satisfaction. And I enjoy being part of a team that works towards creating a better community for our area.

I love working for South Gloucestershire Council and it’s a great place to work at any stage in your career, offering lots of opportunity and flexibility. Although a busy environment, it’s an inspiring and supportive one, and can help you to build on your skills to progress and/or diversify your career.

Not only do I feel that I make a difference by supporting staff who have vital roles in our community, but in fixing their problems, I’m enabling them to potentially help a child, or an elderly person in need.

I am Co-Chairperson of the Learning Difficulties Partnership Board. My role is to work with the council and our partner organisations to ensure we are working together effectively to best support people with learning difficulties.

My job is to monitor the range of projects across health, housing, employment, transport and safety and education which are funded by the council to support people like myself who have learning difficulties.

My way

I feel I have an important role in raising awareness of the rights and needs of people with Learning Difficulties.

Through my job, I feel I make a difference in ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect and through the work of the Board we have make positive steps forward in improving access to services which can help people achieve what they want in life.

Why I work for South Glos

I work with fantastic colleagues across the council who recognise the importance of what I do and support me in my work. Everyone has been forthcoming with help and I’ve benefited from support from job coaches. My work has given me a great deal of confidence and built my self-esteem.

I work part time as a receptionist at the council’s main offices in Yate. I’m the happy, smiling face of the council, greeting visitors and directing them to their meetings and helping local people access the support and services they need.

New challenges

It’s a great job for me personally as it fits in extremely well with my lifestyle.

Making a difference

I like to think that I am a naturally positive person and I try to make a real difference through my role, helping visitors and colleagues as best I can. Being the focal point for the council I do get asked some weird and wonderful questions, but I love that – no two days are the same!

Teamwork

Above all, it’s very satisfying to be a part of the team effort to ensure South Gloucestershire remains a thriving community we can be proud of.

I joined the council from a neighbouring authority and have worked here for more than 25 years. I’ve worked my way up through the ranks from being a front-line environmental health officer focusing on noise issues, to now leading a sizable team of officers covering a wide range of environmental health and trading standards issues. These include food safety and infectious disease control, noise pollution, adaptation grants for disabled people, and doorstep crime and rogue trading.

New challenges

My teams carry out premises inspections, investigate infectious disease cases and accidents at work, responding to over 5,500 service requests each year. I am responsible for the management and delivery of risk-based services and provide leadership to professional staff enabling them to provide a first-class service, responding to intelligence and resolving enquiries quickly and effectively.

Managing such talented teams is a privilege and I take my responsibilities seriously, ensuring reasonable caseloads and supporting and motivating them to achieve their best. We certainly never know what challenges each day will bring, but it’s rewarding knowing that our work is always making a difference with every response or intervention we make.

Making a difference

Working in environmental health and trading standards means I can make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing. I take pride in helping to ensure that the food we eat, the water we drink and the places we work in are safe alongside protecting the public from unsafe products.

We’ve resolved long-standing noise disputes helping people recognise the impact they can have on others, helping neighbours enjoy their homes again. Because of the tough approach we’ve taken investigating and prosecuting rogue traders, incidents of doorstep crime and scams in South Gloucestershire are now falling. But we also have an important longer-term role working with our planning teams to minimise environmental impact of future development. We ensure properties are warmer, safer, and adapted to meet needs, reducing carbon emissions and the burden on the NHS alongside preventing care costs.

Teamwork

I really enjoying working with colleagues and my teams. Working here has provided the opportunity to develop a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience. More importantly however, it’s provided me with both the challenge and reward of being part of a service delivering excellent and very worthwhile work serving the residents, businesses, visitors, and communities of South Gloucestershire.

I’m an Occupational Therapist working with adults and their carers to help them find ways to participate fully in life.

Making a difference

I work with people with a range of physical and sometimes mental challenges. My job is to really get to know them and find out what they want to achieve from life. I’ll then work with colleagues across the council and in the wider health and housing sector, thinking creatively about what measures might best meet their needs in a proportionate way, enabling them to live more fulfilling, independent lives.

For some this might mean quite simple changes, but I’ve also worked with people over a number of years overseeing wholescale changes to their living environment. What’s great is being able to see the difference we make. .

Teamwork and support

What’s great at South Gloucestershire Council is the empowering leadership and the positive relationships we have with local partners. It’s a really supportive and inclusive organisation with a great team ethos.

We get regular supervision and we’re encouraged to take up training and development opportunities. Plus, there’s a good range of flexible working options, so I can balance my work and home life.

I’m an agency worker in the Looked After Children team at South Gloucestershire Council.

What were your first impressions on joining South Gloucestershire Council?

I did have some apprehension before I started about whether as a contractor I would truly feel part of the team. Adding to the uncertainty, my first week in the job coincided with the start of an Ofsted inspection!

I needn’t have worried. Whilst there was the usual flurry of activity that comes with an inspection, everyone still had time to make me feel welcome. I felt settled straight away.

What was it that made you feel so settled?

I just felt really supported from day one. There’s a great team spirit and a culture where our skills, experience and expertise are recognised.

Our team is a very diverse group, but I think we’re very good at tapping into each other’s skills and knowledge to deliver the best for the young people and families we work with. Even though I’m agency, I’m encouraged to go on training courses, I have discussions with my manager about my development and my career – I feel like people are interested in what I have to offer over the long term.

What does South Gloucestershire Council offer agency workers?

We’re not seen any differently from anyone else.

South Gloucestershire offers very approachable managers and supportive colleagues. We have difficult decisions to make, but I never feel like I’m alone; I know I can always go to my manager and ask for advice and that his door will always be open.

Also, it may seem like a very minor thing, but I like our offices. They’re modern, bright and airy, but more importantly, the teams we work with are primarily on one site. If I need help or information from another team, I can go and speak to them in person, meaning I can deliver a better, more timely response.

You can meet more of our children’s social work team on our social work website.