21 July 2023

To start the week I was joined by the Deputy Leader, Lisa Evans, the Director for Corporate Services, Ged Morton, and the Council's Chief Executive, Mike Greene, for Mike's annual appraisal. Here we set his goals for the coming year, spoke to him about what he wants to achieve, and what we'd like to see him achieve. Appraisals and goal setting is very important, and we do it across the Council at all levels. In the afternoon I caught up with one of the Councillors to talk about their work.

On Tuesday I met with Councillor Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, and other Council senior officers to talk about our adult education offer. The Stockton learning and Skills Service announced their "Good" Ofsted rating this week, which we are delighted with. We have big plans for the service and hope to continually improve it in the years to come.

On Wednesday I took some time out of the office for a family engagement.

Yesterday I caught up on emails and paperwork, and also met with another Councillor to talk about progress in their ward.

Today, myself and Mike Greene met with one of the Borough's MPs to catch up with their work in the Borough. We regularly meet with the Borough's MPs to make sure that we are all, as elected officials, working together.

I am looking forward to having a relaxing weekend with my family. I wish the England Lionesses the best of luck in their first Group Stage match of the FIFA Women's Work Cup 2023. They're strong favourites taking on Haiti, and will want to start strong in the World Cup following their European Cup win last year.