Dialogue Means Trust
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EmailOn 27th March 2009, Adults and Communities Directorate Management Team (DMT), held their monthly meeting at the Kenrick Centre in Harborne, inviting all members of staff along to speak to them face to face.
Peter Hay, Director of the Adults & Communities Directorate, and his management team agreed to hold a question and answer session to give open and honest responses to the ‘Our Suggestions’ that had arisen from BEST workshops held by teams across the Directorate.
DMT were not given a list of the questions in advance and only had a rough idea of how many staff would be in attendance. There was a good mix of staff asking a variety of questions that were not only important to them, but their colleagues and service users too. General concerns such as PDRs and staffing issues were also raised and discussed. In a few cases answers could not be given there and then, however assurances were offered that these situations would be addressed and responses published. In other cases, a simple explanation of why decisions have been made and what outcomes are expected, solved some staffs worries, not completely but certainly eased their concerns.
Everyone who attended the meeting felt it was not only useful but very worthwhile. One attendee said “there was a good variety of questions with all attendees given ample opportunity to ask their questions/give their point of view.”
Sean Connolly, Interim Director of Resources (People) & BEST Sponsor said “I thought the session went really well as it gave staff the opportunity to raise issues identified through their BEST workshops directly to DMT. Those issues will be followed up and the commitment from staff, BEST managers and DMT to attend and engage demonstrated BEST principles superbly.”
Based on the success of this meeting, DMT have agreed to hold further meetings out and about in Birmingham, giving more staff the opportunity to speak with them on the topic of their choice. The next meeting will take place on 26th June, if you wish to attend or for further information on this event or BEST please contact the BEST A&C Directorate Support Team on 0121 675 0045.
