The new corporate director of cyngor Gwynedd is Catrin Thomas, replacing Geraint Owen, who had worked for the council even before its name change in 1996, after the first child abuse scandal.
From the Cambrian News -
Council leader Nia Jeffreys congratulated Catrin on her appointment,
adding: “It is always a pleasure to work with Catrin, and I am really
looking forward to the next chapter. Her recent experience working for
Adra will also bring a different perspective to the council.
Council Chief Executive of Dafydd Gibbard said: “Catrin is already
familiar to many of us here at Cyngor Gwynedd, and it is always great to
see former members of staff returning to the authority with valuable
experiences from other organisations.
https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/news/gwynedd-councils-new-corporate-director-817128
Catrin Thomas has been employed at cyngor Gwynedd for many years but went to work for Adra, as head of customer services - last year.
She is now back and will be well aware of the problems within the council and the need to change the 'mindset' and 'culture' that the former director warned of.
Moving on - is how Gwynedd council treat Freedom of Information requests under the FOI Act 2000 still a concern? The council has recently claimed its requested review from the Information Commissioner's Office was marked as 'reasonable' by the ICO.
The
council appear reluctant to answer certain FOI's especially with regard
to Neil Foden, the disgraced head teacher who abused children and staff
at Ysgol Friars and possibly other schools.
What happened to 'leave no stone unturned?'
Some FOI requests received by the council can be viewed here -
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/gwynedd_council
Not all FOI requests are listed on the site as the council can be approached directly.
Requests for information from cyngor Gwynedd have been a cause for concern for some time now. It has created reports in spite of the evidence, ignored 'advice' from the ICO to release information and also reported that its data redaction software can destroy information.
Information is also collected by the council under GDPR. It's website collects data and sets cookies.
To download the council's webcasts now require extra cookies to be placed on a person's computer. One site has flagged Gwynedd's compliance with GDPR, ePR as high risk -
It is likely that the council is compliant with law but, should this flag be of concern...?
In other news, the Jan Pickles Child Practice Review will soon be completed.
Cyngor Gwynedd's Education and Economy Scrutiny committee report into Neil Foden is also expected in September.
When will the Woods report be released?
Something is very wrong within Gwynedd council...
