Stroud District Council's leader's diary - careers event proves a big hit

Wednesday, November 9 – Jobs and careers event, Stroud

I mentioned the Stroud Ambitions event last week, which is part of the council’s commitment to improving employment and business opportunities in the district.

With over 50 employers, training providers, schools, colleges and universities giving up a huge amount of their time to provide information to students and jobseekers we really are fortunate to have so many  forward thinking organisations on our patch.

Twelve of the businesses that took part have also gained Skills for Stroud accreditation, which is a council standard that aims to get people ready for the world of work.

One of their main achievements is a commitment to delivering a high standard of work experience for pupils and students.

It’s been really reassuring to see how these organisations have been focussed on helping young people with their future prospects rather than just being concerned with their immediate day-to-day business challenges.

Twenty-one businesses and charities and five schools and colleges have attained the Skills for Stroud standard.

If you’re a business, charity or education provider that provides valuable work experience opportunities, why not be recognised for it? Visit skillsforstroud.org.uk to find out more.

Friday, November 11 – Armistice Day and Remembrance

The council’s chief executive, David Hagg, and I attended the Armistice Day service at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud to pay our respects on behalf of the council and, just like many organisations across the country, the council’s offices observed the two minute silence to remember all of those who have given their lives for peace and to preserve the way of life we are able to enjoy today.

On Remembrance Sunday, David attended the service at Park Gardens in Stroud whilst I took part in the Selsley memorial service.

Saturday, November 12 – Food waste recycling

As mentioned last week, the new food waste recycling system is generally going very well but we’re still ironing out some teething problems.

With such a major change to the waste and recycling arrangements for every house in the district, problems are to be expected in the first few weeks, however we are grateful to those whose collections have been missed for their patience.

Thankfully the number has been small.

With requests for new recycling containers now reaching 4,000, we’ve now also made them available for collection at Ebley Mill as delivering so many will take us quite a few weeks.

Hopefully these requests are a good indicator of things to come – ie an increase in recycling and a reduction in landfill waste.

In a couple of weeks’ time we’ll be able to look at statistics on how well the first month has gone. It should definitely prove interesting.

In the meantime, if you have any queries please email recycling@stroud.gov.uk  or call 01453 754424.