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Staff Newsletter – May 2024

The month of May is upon us, and I hope the weather will warm up soon. With May featuring several bank holidays we will have some long weekends, which hopefully we can all enjoy.
 
Exciting news this month with the Lottery award, the 3-year funding will support the strategic development of HR, training, and volunteer development and, we will be shortly recruiting to the first post a strategic HR manager.
 
The other big news was the 6-month extension to the Targeted Youth Support contract and all other agreements with the Council. The next 6 months will be an important time to ensure we get the best agreements we can for the future and of course, the process will begin to tender for the TYS contract. 
 
Recently the senior managers attended an away day where we reviewed our priorities for the coming year and spent some time considering how we work together and the functions of the senior leadership team.
 
The staff conference was a great success, and a full newsletter will be issued shortly. We reviewed the vision and mission as well as looking at our approach to practice and values, with fun provided from the Natural Theatre Company in the afternoon. We will be consulting with young people regarding the vision, mission, and values before coming back to staff for a final consultation.
 
YCSW Trustees – we are led by our board of 10 Trustees, and recently Becky Walker, our staff Trustee has let me know that she will step down in June. If you are interested in becoming our next staff Trustee, please get in touch to discuss the role. Becky will be writing a short report on her time as the Staff Trustee and would also be happy to meet you to discuss the role. We also have 2 young people who work together as the Youth Trustee, Theo Rumming-Pain and Abi Wyatt. In the next few months, they will be developing how to ensure that young people’s voice are heard and acted upon in YCSW.

Tracey Pike – CEO
Staffing Updates

We have no new starters this month, but recruitment is very busy with interviews taking place for varied roles within the Youth Work Team and applications coming in for the Care Taker and Facilities Officer and Education Support Worker posts. We do however wish Maria Green all the best as she starts her maternity leave at the end of the month and can’t wait to hear news on the baby’s arrival in June.
 
Victoria Bisgrove – People and Resources Manager
Business Updates

Firstly I would like thank everyone who has helped the Business Team to open/close Southside, cover reception and help to keep the community space tidy while Catrina was absent.  This support enabled Shelley and Matt to still be present at Radstock and the City Centre while covering annual leave within our team too. 
 
Southside Reminder – The kitchen has been kept tidy with people washing up and putting away their mugs but this last week we have noticed a large increase in items being left to drain for others to put away at the end of the day.  This does take time and adds to the time taken to close Southside in the evening.   Please can I ask for you to put away your cups after washing up.  
 
Citrus – Please check your working pattern is correct as we enter the new holiday year.  If it is incorrect please complete a Working Pattern FormS:\Education\Youth&Community\Standard Documents\Forms\HR Forms\Working Pattern Form MASTER - March23.docx  and send to Victoria.bisgrove@ycsw.org.uk   All carry over leave has now been actioned and those of you who received a pay increment for being in post another year, your salary has been updated.  
 
Smart Clinic – Have you activated your account yet??? (emailed the 2nd April to you from no-reply@correspondence.smartclinic.com) Make sure you log in asap so you don’t miss out on everything the service has to offer you (see attachment).  I’ve already downloaded my voucher for an eye test at Specsavers and booked my appointment!

Victoria Bisgrove – People and Resources Manager
Alt Ed Updates

Alt Ed have started a new catering group which we are delivering with Bath Catering Company, the group is being attended by L4W and P4L young people. This is running on Friday’s predominantly from Southside although there are several off-site trips and community events planned. I’ve been told the YP were looking very professional, all wearing chef whites!
Following on from the L4W residential, a group of ESS and L4W young people recently visited Avon Tyrell for a day trip which they enjoyed. The group took part in a number of activities including archery, climbing and Bushcraft. ESS also have setup a weekly bouldering group, which is proving popular.
 
All staff attended the recent Willow training, and we are already seeing some of the learning and resources being incorporated into 1:1 sessions
 
A recent highlight in Radstock was a mega impromptu water fight, popular with young people and staff (apparently it was a Thrive session)! There has also been another 8 young people attending Wheels to develop motor vehicle skills.
 
Young people on all courses have been supported to attend the Life skills centre in Bristol. As well as a fun day out it’s a brilliant opportunity for them to develop skills for adulthood such as using money or keeping safe at night.
 
As we approach the end of the academic year, eek, young people have been supported to attend transition visits and attended college open days (construction, hair and beauty, travel, and tourism)  apprentice fairs, and employer visits. In addition to this the Bath College SENDCO and Welfare team have been visiting to get to know the young people who are planning to join wider college next year.
 
With exam season upon us, students have also started sitting Functional Skills exams in the centres and revising for upcoming GCSE’s! Staff are helping with invigilation and scribing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that young people achieve the qualifications they have been working towards! 
 
Chloe Nicholls Sames – Alternative Education Programme Manager
Youth Work Updates
 
The youth work team are busy recruiting across all areas of delivery. Hopefully, the recruitment will be successful, and we will be back up to full strength and delivering across all of our areas.
 
Youth work in Midsomer Norton is currently being redeveloped to enable YCSW to run a youth café from the Somer Centre in partnership with MSN Town Trust and MSN Town Council.
 
All systems GOOOO for taking a group of young people to Glastonbury where they’ll be stewarding with the Oxfam team and have the opportunity to experience the festival in all of its glory.
 
Work in Somerset Wincanton, Castle Cary and Bruton cluster has started with mapping and consultation with young people.
 
Jayne Lewis – Youth Work Programme Manager
Spotlighting Success

Tracking figures

We’re looking good for our Not Known and NEET figures so far this year! Both are below the National and South West average!
 
 BanesSWEng
NEET2.5%
(Feb 2.2%)		3.6%3.4%
Not Known1.2%
(Feb 1.9%)		1.7%1.7%








BreakdownYr 12Yr 13Total
NEET %2.7%2.4%2.5%
Not Known %0.2%2.3%1.2%
NEET actual504191
Not Known actual44044
 
 
To give a comparison, last year’s March NK figure was 3.4%. 
 

Stacey E – Submitted by Nat R

“I just wanted to say how thankful and grateful we are to have Stacey at YCSW! She is always available for me, brings chocolate goodies to share, shares great resources (both professionally and personally), willingly offers lifts where she can, and literally brightens up my day when I see her 😊
 
Stacey – I know this is subjective to me – but I really appreciate every ounce of time and energy you have shared with me but also to all at YCSW. You are a truly amazing human being and I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all you give and for letting me be a part of that!!! Plus, my opinion is of the highest, so no one can say otherwise 🤣🤣🤣”
 
Rob R-P – Submitted by Sam P

We want to take a moment to recognise Rob, whose tireless efforts are shaping youth work in Somerset. Known for his hats and ducks, Rob brings both whimsy and hard work to the table. He's been instrumental in expanding youth work into new areas like Henstridge and Stalbridge, and now he's forging ahead in Bruton, Castle Cary, Milborne Port, and Wincanton. He is such a big part of YCSW, and we thank him for everything he does.
Youth Team & support – Submitted by Jayne L

I would just like to thank all of the Youth Work team for their continued enthusiasm and can-do attitude during this difficult time with being so short staffed. Thank you to all who have helped the team and supported our work. Truly a whole YCSW effort and we couldn’t have achieved what we have over the last 6 months without you all. Covering sessions, doing the reports, admin help, the list is endless. We are all truly grateful for you all.


Do you have a success story about a member of staff, a young person, or a piece of work you would like to share? Send it to marketing@ycsw.org.uk
SIG

The role of the Staff Involvement Group (SIG) is to be the voice of the staff within YCSW. Hopefully you have all taken time to read the email from the Senior Leadership Team Responding to your feedback, issues raised by SIG. It is really good to see this response and it shows SIG does have a voice within the organisation. 
 
At out last meeting we discussed the membership of SIG and whether managers can be involved. It was decided that perhaps all, but the senior leadership team should be able to attend the meetings. The terms of reference have been updated and will be discussed at the next meeting. This can be found at  S:\Education\Youth&Community\Staff Involvement group\SIG 2024\TOR  April 2024  to be agreed.docx   The areas of changes have been highlighted.
 
Our next meeting is Monday 10th June 2.30pm in Radstock/Teams
 
Remember although each team has a representative all staff are invited to attend the SIG meeting either in person or online (just ask to be email the link).
Any questions or items that you would like to raise please forward them to Jane 

Jane George – SIG Chair
May Wellbeing

It is Mental Health Awareness Week from Monday 13th May until Sunday 19th May. (This also falls on National Doughnut Week!)  Please see https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/ for more information.
 
We are holding two staff tea and cake Wellbeing afternoons, where you are welcome to come along to meet with Tracey Pike, managers and colleagues for an informal chat whilst enjoying some cake.
  • Wednesday 15th May 3.30pm-5.30pm at Radstock Youth Hub
  • Wednesday 22nd May 3.30pm-5.30pm at Southside Youth Hub
There will be a quiz at the events just for fun and a “Sweet Stake” where you can win a prize!
 
It is also the international Dawn Chorus Day on 1st May, and there is nothing better than hearing birds singing (well, maybe not seagulls!) I would invite staff to send me any pictures of birds they see when out. They will then be displayed for all to see on the TV. More information can be found here: https://opticsmag.com/international-dawn-chorus-day-birds-to-listen-for/ 

Shelley Bush – Senior Administrator
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Youth Connect South West
Youth Connect South West is registered in England as charity. Charity No: 1186059.
Registered Address:
Youth Connect South West
Kelston view
Bath
Somerset
BA2 1NR
United Kingdom

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