THE EXCHANGE
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Dear colleagues,
The calendar year is flying by, and the organisation is in full swing as we reach the end of our financial year. With further pressures for councils to make cuts, I am confident that we will see a demand for our wide range of services over the next five years. Our flexible partnership approach offers genuinely unique benefits, and we will positively contribute to the challenges of our public sector customers in a new way.
During the new financial year, I am keen that we invest in our infrastructure and systems, allowing Norse to develop and grow as the largest LATCo in the UK. As we evolve Norse, the Senior Management Team and I will look to implement a strong foundation through our Strategic Business Plan and People Strategy.
Keeping our employees at the heart of our business is vital as we implement these new changes and strive to offer our stakeholders efficiency and value for money. Through these changes, we continue working as a team to help make a difference to our clients, partners, and communities.
MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS
THE NEXT STEPS
Over the next 18 months, the Group will undertake a significant transformational change programme that will simplify and automate our HR and Finance processes. This change will help us work more collaboratively as ‘One Norse’, support our growth as a business and improve the way services are delivered by HR and Finance.
At last year’s One Event, we introduced Project One and gave attendees a high-level programme overview. The Board has approved the business case, and we now have a dedicated project team, led by Jon Phillips. The team have been working hard behind the scenes to refine the scope of Project One and begin implementing the programme.
The team will be sharing regular updates, and over the coming months, we will start to see a number of exciting new developments that will change and impact the way we work, including ‘Engage’, a new employee engagement app, which launches in early summer and will make communicating with our frontline colleagues much more accessible.
Norse Group is transforming the way we work and is committed to ensuring that our existing and aspiring managers will have access to developing their skills, knowledge, and experience.
I am pleased to share that the updated Management Essentials programme is now available. As Norse continues its transformation journey, Norse Learning and Development will support with additional modules focusing on the manager’s role.
This June, the One Event returns to the Royal Norfolk Showground and will span two days. Following the success of last year’s event and feedback from our attendees, this year, we have opened up the event to more people across the business and key external clients.
Attendees will have the chance to attend drop-in sessions, visit stands from all Norse Group
business areas, attend ‘Ted Talk’ speaker sessions and network with colleagues.
The first day will be open for Norse Group employees between 9am 4pm. The second day is aimed at prospective clients, Local Authorities, and key business contacts.
So far, we have seen an impressive number of attendees RSVPs; however, I have been made aware that some people haven’t received an email from our Events team.
CONGRATULATIONS
I want to congratulate Neil Carle, who earlier this year took on the role of Group Director of Operations within Norse Commercial Services. Neil’s experience and expertise will be invaluable in his new position, and I know we will continue to see great work from Neil and this team.
I would also like to congratulate Clarissa Aston-Kendal as the new Commercial Director of Soft Services and know that she will make this role her own.
Please check your inbox and the ‘other’ folder for an email from Norse Group Events. If you have not received a One Event invite, please email communications@ norsegroup.co.uk
If you have received an invite, please come to the event, visit the stands, and learn more about the business.
FAREWELL
We will be saying a sad farewell to Group IT Director Rick Necchi, who is set to retire on the 30th of June.
Rick has been with the Group for 17 years. I would like to personally thank him for his dedication and hard work during his time within Norse and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
Over the last 12 months, the team has transformed its structure and working methods. To celebrate the team's new structure, they will be changing their name to Norse Learning & Development.
It’s important that we hear you thoughts and views from around the Group so please send your feedback to the senior team by emailing NorseExchange@norsegroup.co.uk or you can contact any of the team directly, at any time.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
I would also like to welcome Matt Cook and Simon Nelson to our Learning & Development Team. Matt will be taking on role of Training Specialist for Transport. With 25 years’ experience in the transport sector and spending 18 years serving the HM Forces, Matt has a range of skills which will lend itself to the role.
NORSE CONSULTING GOES FOR GOLD
Norse Consulting, Hamson Barron Smith, Barton Wilmore, and Brentwood Borough Council have partnered to develop an exemplary zero-carbon housing programme. This programme has seen a measurable social impact in locating potential local skills, qualifications, apprenticeships, and technology. Through the partnership, the
CATERING AWARD WIN
Many of you will remember the impactful campaign ‘Active Canaries’, delivered by Norse Caterings, Marketing Executive Clare Jordan and Norwich City Football Club. This large-scale campaign featuring famous Norwich players was shortlisted for the Marketing Award at this year’s Public Sector Catering Awards and the Contract Catering Magazine Awards 2023. I wish them the best of luck at both awards and would like to thank Clare for all her hard work in delivering such a successful campaign which helps to support our younger generations with healthy eating.
Simon Nelson, a training specialist in Health and Safety has joined Norse after 30 years in the RAF. As Norse Group’s Health & Safety Training Specialist, Simon will deliver appropriate training to meet our legal and corporate obligation to provide a safe working environment for all.
Council will deliver over 200 affordable homes. The benefits will far outreach the programmes and see homes for life and community regeneration.
In March, Norse Consulting saw this partnership win Gold at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2023. This outstanding work shows initiative in creating economic opportunities for the local community and creating greater resilience and better life choices for the local community.
As always, we would really like to hear from you, so please send your feedback to the senior team by emailing NorseExchange@norsegroup.co.uk, or contact me directly at any time.
Justin Galliford CEO, Norse GroupIt’s important that we hear you thoughts and views from around the Group so please send your feedback to the senior team by emailing NorseExchange@norsegroup.co.uk or you can contact any of the team directly, at any time.