Business as usual

During these past months I have often felt that we were all living through some strange piece of theatre. It has been a roller-coaster for me with many ups to compensate for the inevitable downs. One of my proudest moments lately was to give important evidence in the case against former Councillor Buchanan. I am happy to say that I managed to allow my memory to evade me when I was cross examined about interviews I once gave to the Standards Board. I told the Adjudication Panel that I simply couldn't remember a conversation in the back of the bus (see page 7 - the crossed out bits). I must say it took all my energy not to look nervous, but those tips Alan gave me worked. So now that my very real friend and mentor has departed I have pledged to keep his flag flying and aspire to the job that he undertook with such vigour and fortitude. I know that when the new Leadership thoroughly examine my credentials they will realise my potential. I am well travelled at other people's expense. Alan has promised to keep me briefed and we can all communicate with him via his recently established website. The fight must go on.

Who Drew the Short Straw?

Nobody volunteered when the call came from Westminster. Actually, as the late Dr David Kelly would confirm (if he were able), House of Commons Select Committees do not give their witnesses the option of saying no. It was only a day or two after his rough handling by a Select Committee that the poor man was found dead. But it is now me for an intense grilling on what happened to Somerset’s £25 million currently missing in Iceland. I will do my best, but haven’t a clue what to say. The limp excuse that we only spent £7 on specialist advice may make those MPs rock with mirth. So thanks a bunch Mr Crabb. And ta very much Alan. I may take Meic with me for moral support. Rumour has that Ian Liddell-Grainger will be sitting in on my session. Happy new year? I doubt it.

Shakespeare Country

"To hear good counsel - Oh what learning is!" Romeo & Juliet

I confess to a tincture of envy. My colleague, our inestimable locum solicitor, has been living it up in the land of the Bard this week with the rest of the pink ribboned brigade. Two nights in the Stratford on Avon Holiday Inn can do wonders for a jaded official. I hope he remembered to pack his speedos. This very day I confidently expect he will be knocking his legal colleagues into a cocked hat with expert illuminations at the teatime workshop, which is catchily entitled: "TUPE, Secondment, Two-Tier and Pension issues arising in Strategic Partnership/Outsourcing contracts". £380 of public money well spent if you ask me, even if the hotel bills are extra. What Meic doesn't know about the law isn't worth knowing. And here in Somerset we have a rich crop of barely visible small print with which to tie each other in knots.

To all Users

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Kershaw
Sent: 21 November 2008 14:34
To: All Users
Subject: Council information

I am reminding you that we all have responsibilities concerning Council information including data which is confidential and personal. There can be very serious consequences if we do not comply with these responsibilities. All staff must ensure they are aware of, and comply with, the Council's policies and protocols when accessing or handling Council information (for example, Data Protection, Standards of Conduct, ICT Usage Policy). The policies and protocols are available on the Intranet and you may also seek guidance from your manager if you are unclear. Should you feel you are being pressurised to access or divulge Council information to others that would render you to breach these responsibilities, you must inform a senior manager. Staff are also being reminded of the need to be vigilant and to follow the Council's policies (which are available on the Internet) with regard to information that could be considered to be inappropriate, including that which is of a discriminative nature. There can be very serious consequences if we do not comply with these requirements.

Roger Kershaw
Resources - Director
Translation follows:

Data protection and security are vital and with SouthWest One now handling confidential information, a lot of your attention is required. Some very sensitive information about vulnerable people in Somerset will be held in Warwick by IBM and not in County Hall. The information will be minded by strangers, rather than SCC staff.

Actually we’ve had no corporate data protection or security awareness training programmes for years. Three previous staff carrying out data protection duties have left and were never replaced.

There is now a single Officer to cover data protection & security (set that against nine press officers!)

So do your best. Its beyond me. This e-mail is simply to cover my back.

Inhuman Resources

Bully for Him from Alan Jones on Vimeo.

Challenging Times

As if my intray wasn't already groaning, the Chief has now come up with a fresh initiative to bind us all together. It is more than my job is worth not to urge you all to participate. They insist it is going to be "fun".

I like a laugh