Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

17.1         The Deputy Mayor gave the following communications:

17.2         Before I start the Mayor’s communications, can I make it clear that I wish to be addressed as Madam Deputy Mayor and should Members not respect my wish they will not be called to speak. The Mayor’s Charities’ Boundary Walk takes place on Saturday 17 July setting off from Saltdean across the Downs and finishing at Stanmer Park for a cup of tea. It’s not too late to sign up.

17.3         I understand that engagements are increasing, and we are nearly back to pre-Covid times, with very few cancellations over the last month.

17.4         Plans for the Civic Service of Compassion on the 17 October are progressing lead by the Interfaith Contact Group and accommodated by the Dome. All Councillors will be invited. It would be good if as many as possible can attend.

17.5         An inspection of our youth offending service (YOS) has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation. The Inspection looked at 12 aspects of the YOS’s work and awarded ‘Outstanding’ in every category. This is a rare achievement and a huge credit to the Youth Offending Team.  Their work with young people and their families to reduce and prevent crime is an incredibly important service for our city and for the outcomes of young people who need robust support when things go wrong. We’re hugely proud and thankful to all the staff who work day-to-day in this service. This accolade is testament to their commitment to make a positive difference and is thoroughly well-deserved.

17.6         We have some excellent news to report in relation to our Legal Services Team. The Service is accredited by the Law Society with the Lexcel legal practice quality mark for client care, compliance and practice management. Last month they achieved their re-accreditation with an outstanding audit which identified over 50 areas of good practice. In addition, the Service has been nominated and shortlisted for two awards. Their two shortlisted nominations are for Project Innovation of the Year and Inspirational Leader in Law, which is for Elizabeth Culbert, Head of Legal Services.

The awards are taking place tonight and we wish the Team and Liz the best of luck. Whatever the outcome, the nominations and shortlisting as finalists demonstrate the strength of the Service and its staff and their continued incredibly hard work over the last year.

17.7         Finally, I will be taking regular short breaks during the meeting in order to give everyone in the chamber an opportunity to get some fresh air and remove their masks.