Weeknote 2024.37

While most of my attention remains on fixing the plumbing it was good to think about digital inclusion this week, something that can only be progressed through partnership, and is therefore always an opportunity to develop local networks.

Saturday

A walk up to Alexandra Palace, to and from Wood Green, on another glorious early-Autumn Day. I visited Wood Green regularly while working for Shared Digital, however, never went further than crossing the road from the station to the office, so it was great to see more of the area.

Sunday

More unfamiliar territory today, with a trip out to Abbey Wood on the Elizabeth Line, and then a walk-through the forests and green spaces of Greenwich and Bexley to Welling. That’s two hilly walks in one weekend.

Monday

Lots to talk about in our extended management team meeting, busy operationally, lots on our current portfolio, and planning for next year’s portfolio. And I left the office in time for a long overdue haircut, although I was still the last customer of the day, and probably delayed their closing routine.?

Tuesday

All the walking I do is good for thinking, so I knew over the weekend I needed to change the presentation I was sharing today, then a few discussions on Monday crystalised my thoughts, and I was in early to start again.

I generally build up my presentations and reports over time, gradually refining them as I receive more information and clarify my thoughts, so this last-minute rewrite approach was unusual for me.? I do know people who regularly present to huge audiences and prepare on their way to the event.

Wednesday

An interesting start to the day discussing digital inclusion with Council and NHS colleagues. I know others in the Council have already done lots of excellent work in this area, so hope we can bring everyone together soon.

Thursday

I like to understand the inner workings of any organisation I work for, so it was great to spend the morning shadowing a meeting with senior colleagues. The meeting was due to run for most of the day, however progressed efficiently and we were done by lunchtime. My other afternoon meeting was cancelled, and I spent the rest of the day sitting with the team tackling my emails.

Friday

Lots of end-of-week type meetings culminating in a budget discussion with Finance colleagues. We reported an overspend of about ￡2.8m to Cabinet in September (page 441 in the report to save you wading through the whole thing) and have done and continue to do a lot of work to bring this down, and prepare for a balanced budget for Digital Services in 2025/26.

Track of the week

Back to some smooth country music, Friends Like That by John Morgan featuring Jason Aldean. https://open.spotify.com/track/3RL5e0b30F6Ly6Z0gvJlcF?si=2eb72463cf6a4372

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