Woolworths Group’s Post

As well as my first day back after the festive break yesterday was also the 5 year anniversary of me joining the Health Board. Lots has happened in that time, a pandemic, a new role and a secondment. Lots of projects, lots of change, lots of moving forward. Alongside that lots of challenge, lots of failure, lots of changing direction, lots of negativity, lots of pressure. A constant has been people. Good people. Supportive. Willing. Open. People who wanted to get on board and deliver. People with vision. Some hugely talented people who I am often in awe of. Of course the opposite of all of those is true and I have encountered some blockers and some truly terrible people. It takes all sorts to make the world go round is a mantra that has gone through my head lots in that 5 years. I joined an organisation that was in Special Measures. It then came out of special measures to subsequently go back into them again. There has been a lot of turnover at a senior level which has impacted on vision, delivery, stability and trust. It’s been hard. When I left my last NHS role I swore I would never return for many reasons that are as valid today as they were then. But here I am. Still here. Still working. Still wondering what will come next. What I am certain of is that no matter what labels are on this organisation. No matter what all of the noise says. In amongst all of the issues (and there are many) there are some wonderful people doing some amazing work that is massively (and positively) impacting on the health and wellbeing of the population of north Wales. To my wonderful colleagues I have only this to say. Keep being you, keep on delivering what you do so well, innovate and drive that change. It’s hard. You will wonder why sometimes. But the outcomes are always enough to carry us on. A special thank you to Clare for wonderful worlds that got me through my first day back yesterday (you were right). Also to my team Becca Callum Angie Julie Annona Lindsey (and the others who aren’t on here) for being really inspirational and talented. You drive me every day and your dedication shows through all you do. Also a big thank you to Chris and Paolo for all you do and have done. #reflection #anniversary #SpecialMeasures #people #talent

As we approach the festive break, I’m feeling particularly reflective and proud. Time truly flies when you work together to achieve remarkable things, and I couldn’t be more grateful to lead such a fantastic team.   This year, we’ve welcomed over 8,000 colleagues through successful TUPE transfers and organic growth. Business Services alone has seen the mobilisation of 35 new contracts, boosting our Net Promoter Score to an impressive 67%. We’ve welcomed renowned brands like Lidl, EY and the Community Health Partnership into the Mitie family and our truly ground-breaking partnership with WalkSafe has significantly strengthened our Safer Communities initiative, driving innovation and enabling meaningful progress within the Security sector. By channelling the synergy of our collaboration, we’re empowered not only to acquire game-changing insights, but also to join forces in proactively combating crime and safeguarding our communities.   We’ve fully embraced the power of AI so we can continue to deliver the exceptional every day and we’ve built stronger connections with the government and policing through crucial schemes like the Pegasus Project. So far, this collaborative approach is proving to be instrumental in tackling the rise in shoplifting and ensuring the safety of retail workers.   And there is so much for us all to look forward to in 2025.   But first it’s time for a well-deserved rest.   Many of your Christmas holidays start this week and I wanted to catch you before you took a well-deserved break to wish you and your family a wonderful festive interlude.   Spending time with each other and enjoying these precious moments is what makes all the hard work worth it, so do make the most of it. Next year is going to be a big one for all of us at Team Mitie.   Happy Festivities one and all.   #TeamMitie #GrowingTogether #MilestoneMoments #EmbracingInnovation #SaferCommunities #CelebratingSuccess #FestiveWishes

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You to Providence Business News! 🌟 We are honored to be featured in Providence Business News, where the article highlights the core values and dedication that drive Wardwell. Our commitment to both our customers and employees is at the heart of everything we do. As shared in the article: “In the past 14 years, Tomaz said the company has never had a negative month and never had to lay off one of its 48 employees – even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of this turnaround came from the motivation to take care of both Wardwell’s customers and employees.” Tomaz reflects, “We’ve had employees that have been with us a long time and ... when we leave here, we want the company to still be here. We want people to be employed and we want our customers to rest at ease.” Check out the full article to learn more about our journey and the values that guide us. #Wardwell #EmployeeCare #CustomerCommitment #BusinessExcellence #ProvidenceBusinessNews #CompanyCulture

🎉 Celebrating 3 Years with Age UK Bath & North East Somerset! 🎉 Today marks my 3 year anniversary with Age UK Bath & North East Somerset. The time has flown by but I wanted to take some time to reflect on this milestone, share a few highlights and lessons learned along the way. 🌟 Highlights: • Impactful Projects: Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working on several projects that have made a real difference in our community. From our Digital Inclusion Project to the development of our Memory Groups to providing Home from Hospital support right across our Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care System but crucially working with multiple partners as part of the Community Wellbeing Hub (BANES) and seeing the myriad of positive outcomes has been incredibly rewarding. • Amazing Team: I am fortunate to be surrounded by a very talented and dedicated team. We employ over 80 people at Age UK Bath & North East Somerset and their support, creativity, and camaraderie have been and continue to be a constant source of inspiration. • Personal and Professional Growth: This role has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. This has been my first job as Chief Executive. I'll be honest it has been a steep learning curve. I've had to develop my leadership skills, challenge my own leadership stereotypes and expand my knowledge in multiple areas. This has been made a much more enjoyable experience with the support and guidance of my Chair and Board. 💡 Lessons Learned: 1. Embrace Change: The only constant is change. 2. Stay Curious: Continuous learning and curiosity are key. 3. Build Relationships: Strong relationships are the foundation of any successful team and community. Investing in connections with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders has been invaluable. 🚀 Looking Ahead: As I look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We have a massive programme ahead across our community working to make Bath & North East Somerset an Age Friendly Community. 🙏 Thank You: A huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey over the past 3 years. Here’s to a future for us all that is full of growth, learning, and community! #anniversary #gratitude #community #agefriendlycommunity

This month, we released our True Colours Consumer Insight Reports. Now in our fourth year of True Colours reporting, these insights are shaped around the requests of our residents, clients, and families. The report highlights both our strengths and areas for improvement, and it's certainly pleasing to see consistently strong outcomes (90%+) achieved in key areas such as Relationship-Based Care, Quality of Life, and Food and Dining. This year, we took a closer look at loneliness and social connections, and while its encouraging that 77% of our residents are feeling supported when lonely, there’s more work to be done. We're committed to strengthening our Relationship-Based Care approach, launching our new volunteer program and supporting the growth and stability of our wonderful team. However, amidst the task and compliance driven environment that typifies aged care, our approach must continue to evolve so that we further nurture relationships, while giving even more licence to our people to enhance their connections with our elders. 🔗 Access the Whiddon True Colours Report here: https://lnkd.in/gxDP9nEh

Creating a #culture to support your organisation's values requires time, space and conscious effort... it doesn't just happen. As Alan Lilly suggests, culture must be visible! This is such a wonderful example (see Whiddon True Colours Consumer Insight Reports below). We constantly report to Boards (because they are ulltimately accountable), but how many of us report to those who matter most? Chris Mamarelis describes an example of great #leadership in building a culture of authentic #personcentredness. While being person-centred is relationship-based, not compliance-based, this initiative can neverthless enhance #compliance with requirements relating to #consumeradvisorybodies - by embedding a culture of openness and transparency, and through genuine engagement (and using data to do this!). Two other important factors supported here: 💕 Family/friends are integral to being consumer-centred (where appropriate)... their experience matters (reported in the Whiddon True Colours Report) 🖤 Social isolation and loneliness are social determinants of health known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and mental illness - and therefore must be factored into #clinicalgovernance (with a person-centred approach) - being integral to optimising consumer outcomes (which should encompass their experience of care).

🎄 Monday Motivation: Faith, Freight, and Christmas Cheer 🎄 As we approach Christmas, it’s a time to reflect on what truly matters—faith, family, and the incredible partnerships that make everything possible. In the logistics world, this season reminds us that every load delivered isn’t just cargo—it’s a piece of someone’s celebration. It’s gifts under the tree, meals on the table, and joy shared across the miles. At TAM Logistics, we’re grateful for our customers, carriers, and team who work tirelessly to keep the wheels turning, even during the busiest time of the year. Let’s carry Christmas into the week ahead: 🎁 Deliver with care. 🤝 Build connections with integrity. 💡 Stay motivated by purpose. ✨ What are you most grateful for this season? Let’s celebrate together.

Mother’s Day - a day to celebrate motherhood, and all those who support mothers (and caretakers!) in, well, mothering! And, trust me, it takes a village - a village that includes governments, companies, and grandparents, to name a few. Because we don’t just show up at work at 9am, get home at, say, 7pm, and the kids are magically picked up, fed, bathed, in “jams” ready for bed - with homework done. No no no, folks. If you’re in France, like me, there’s subsidized daycare/after-school care, nannies, and, in my fortunate case, employers that allow me to leave early enough for pickup - or a freelance musician husband currently serving as afternoon picker-upper. But, weekday parenting isn’t restricted to sunrise/sunset. Before and after school, things come up, be it broken limbs, split chins, or varieties of gross childhood illnesses (did I mention the YEAR we had chronic lice?!). And, it’s not always about emergencies - field trips, library duty, and other parental “tasks” arise.  Having understanding managers who encourage us to be fully-present as parents, and participate in such tasks, or dash off for emergencies, is a gift. And, personally speaking, the impact on mental health is huge. Because it’s stressful and anxiety-inducing having to cram parenting before and after work - in addition to one’s own personal medical or other needs. So today, let’s celebrate all mothers - and send love to those who are still on or had to forgo their journey to motherhood.   And hope that one day, we will all have employers like Danone who encourage us to blend our work/personal lives, give us flexibility, balance, and support - and, you know, all those helpful government policies, wouldn’t hurt either. (Thank you Shane Grant for “getting it” and for this beautiful tribute to moms across the company!) In conclusion, my 6-year-old's thoughts on Mother's Day: “Mommies are really helpful.” Thank you, Annabel. #worklifebalance #worklifeblending #parenting #MothersDay

Friday reflections: 💭 What are you most grateful for this festive season? 💭 How has your perspective on the festive period changed over the years? 💭 What is your favourite holiday memory?

The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy and festivities. Still, it's also important to recognize that it can be a stressful time for many, especially those in the retail and service sectors, such as the grocery industry. As we celebrate and spread cheer, let's take a moment to acknowledge the challenges faced by those working tirelessly to serve our communities. Retail and grocery workers play a crucial role, ensuring our shelves are stocked, our needs are met, and our holiday gatherings are possible. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, they often shoulder increased pressure, longer hours, and heightened demands, which can take a toll on their well-being. This holiday season let's extend our gratitude and support to these unsung heroes. Here are a few ways we can make a difference: 1️. Show appreciation: A simple "thank you" can go a long way. Take a moment to acknowledge the hard work of retail and grocery staff. A kind word or gesture can brighten their day. 2️. Practice patience: Understand that the holiday rush might lead to longer lines and wait times. Approach these situations with empathy and patience. 3. Spread kindness: Small acts of kindness, like offering a smile, being courteous, or assisting with bagging groceries, can make a big difference in someone's day. 4. Shop mindfully: Plan ahead, be considerate of store hours, and try to consolidate trips to reduce congestion and stress for workers. Let's remember that the holiday spirit is about compassion, generosity, and unity. Together, we can make this season brighter not only for ourselves but also for those who dedicate themselves to serving others. Let's spread kindness and appreciation to all, especially to those in the retail and service industries who make our celebrations possible. National Grocers Association, NGA Foundation, Women Grocers of America, FMI- The Food Industry Association, Frontline Source Group #RetailHeroes #ServiceIndustryAppreciation #NGA #NGAF #WGA #FMI #FrontlineSourceGroup #GroceryStoreMike Feel free to customize and share to help raise awareness and appreciation for those working hard during the holiday season!