Reliable source reports that Cara Davani has resigned her position on Brent Council

A reliable Brent Council source reports that Brent Human Resources staff were called into a meeting yesterday to be told that Cara Davani, head of Human Resources had resigned. I am still seeking offiicial confirmation from Brent Council that this is the case,

It was perhaps no coincidence that Carolyn Downs, the new Chief Executive Officer, whose appointment will be confirmed at the next Full Council, was in the Civic Centre yesterday.

Cara Davani has been on annual leave.

Cllr Michael Pavey, who wrote the report on Brent Human Resources is currently on holiday.

Pressure has been on the Council to take action since an Employment Tribunal found that Cara Davani and Brent Council had racially discrminated against Rosemarie Clarke, victimised her and constructively dismissed her. LINK

Fiona Ledden, also named in the case has already left Brent Council and Christine Gilbert will leave in the summer.

As recently as April 30th Cllr Muhammed Butt sat with Cara Davani at the Scrutiny Committee, in an apparent act of solidarity, when Philip Grant tried to speak to the Committee about the Employment Tribunal case. The Committee voted not to hear him. At one point Butt heckled Philip Grant. LINK

Except for Cllr Daly members of that Scrutiny Committee have now been replaced. 

A quick search of this blog will reveal Philip Grant's tireless attempt, backed by meticulous research, to persuade Brent Council of the need to take action on this issue.

If the news is confirmed Philip and Nan Tewari,  who first wrote about the case, deserve thanks as active citizens for standing up for truth and transparency in local government. 

European Parliament TTIP vote cancelled because of huge public pressure say Green MEPs

In unusual circumstances, the planned vote in the European Parliament on TTIP tomorrow (The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) – an EU-US trade deal currently being negotiated, has been cancelled.

The official line from the Parliament is that because more than 200 amendments were tabled the vote should be postponed to enable the Trade Committee to consider the amendments before tabling them for a future plenary session.

The controversial deal seeks to remove standards and protections that are currently enshrined in laws across the EU and US. Examples of these regulations include labour rights that protect people at work, environmental regulations and food safety laws.

Included in the agreement is a clause called the Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) which many MEPs have warned would allow corporations to sue Governments in secret courts if a Government passed laws which limited a corporation’s profits or activity. 

More than 2 million EU citizens have signed a petition against the deal.

Keith Taylor, Green MEP for South East England, said:

The decision to cancel the vote on TTIP stinks of political parties in the European Parliament running scared of the huge public opposition to TTIP.

TTIP represents a monumental power grab by corporations and it must be stopped in its tracks.

Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for South West England said:

This attempt to remove the right of all MEPs to vote on this very important report on TTIP is nothing short of a scandal. Thousands of constituents have emailed me today and I will not be cheated of my right to represent their will to oppose ISDS and the undermining of European protection of environments and animal welfare.

No confirmation yet that controversial senior officer is to leave Brent Council

I put in a request to Brent Council Press Office earlier today to ask them to confirm or deny rumours, from three different sources, that a controversial senior officer is to leave the Council's employment.

No response had been received by the end of the working day.

Brent North Labour nominate Sadiq Khan and Tessa Jowell for London Mayor

Brent North CLP followed Brent Central in nominating Sadiq Khan tonight for Labour's London Mayoral candidate tonight. However, they backed Tessa Jowell for the female nomination. Brent Central has nominated Diane Abbott.

A correspondent has helpfully listed the Brent Labour councillors backing Khan. They are:

Cllr Muhammad Butt
Cllr Michael Pavey
Cllr Abdifatah Aden
Cllr Aisha Eniola
Cllr James Deneslow
Cllr Aslam Choudhry,
Cllr Kana Naheerathan
Cllr Amer Agha
Cllr Krupesh Hirani
Cllr Aisha Hoda-Benn
Wilhelmina Mitchell-Murray
Cllr Sarah Marquis
Cllr Arshad Mahmood

Cllr Roxanne Mashari. Cllr Margaret McLennan and Cllr Eleanor Southwood are three members of the Cabinet not backing Khan - at least on Khan's website.

Source LINK

Interesting reactions on Twitter:

 

Discover some Brent local history this summer

Guest blog by Philip Grant

 

Some of the comments on last month’s blog about the unexploded Second World War bomb which was unearthed at Wembley Park suggest that there are “Wembley Matters” readers interested in local history. Wembley History Society has been promoting an interest in the area’s history for over sixty years, and here are some of the activities it is involved in which give you the chance to discover more.

If you live in Kingsbury, and thought that history was just something you had to learn in school, with lots of dates that you could never remember, there is an Adult Learners’ Week event on Tuesday 16 June which may change your mind. “History – it’s a walk in the park!” will take you on a guided walk around Roe Green Park, looking at features you may have passed by without knowing the stories behind them. The walk leaves Kingsbury Library at 1.30pm, and details can be found HERE

 

This event is free, and there is no need to book – just turn up by 1.25pm on the day if you want to take part.

Kingsbury Cricket Team, c.1901

If Sudbury is your local area, there is a community local history project taking place at the moment which could be “up your street”. Wembley History Society and Brent Archives are working with residents’ associations, schools and individuals to put together material for a display in the autumn. “Sudbury –Then and Now” is inviting people to “adopt” one of many old photographs and postcards of the area, find out a little about the story behind it, and take a matching colour view of the scene in 2015. If you think that this would be of interest to you, more details can be found on the Sudbury Town Residents’ Association website HERE which includes a pdf presentation about the project, and how you can get involved.

The Mall, Sudbury. c.1914

Vale Farm Swimming Pool, 1950's

 If you prefer to get your information from an illustrated talk, there is an opportunity to find out more about some of Brent’s most unusual homes from the 1920’s and 1930’s, and the man who designed them, on Friday 19 June. “Ernest Trobridge – Kingsbury’s Extraordinary Architect” is the subject of a Wembley History Society presentation at English Martyrs’ Hall, just off Blackbird Hill, Wembley Park, beginning at 7.30pm. There are details HERE and on the poster above

Philip Grant

Welsh Harp Centre to continue education function but may have other recreational uses

Readers may recall that I asked Brent Council for more information about the decision to lease out the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre.

I received the message below today:

In response to your recent enquiry, let me first of all apologise for the delay in coming back to you.

Further to this, can I say that the primary purpose of the proposed lease is to maintain the use of the Centre and to not let an asset fall into neglect. The Council would expect any future use of the asset to be compatible with its setting within the Welsh Harp. 

Carrying on from this, please review the responses below to the individual questions raised by you and I hope these details clarify the position. 

I refer to the advertisement in the Brent and Kilburn Times Ref: JXH/609/121

I would be grateful if you could send me a copy of the Drawing referred to in the notice see below

plus a response to the following questions: 

  1. How long is it envisaged that the lease to land and premises, including the office in Planet House will last?– The proposed lease period is for 10 years . 

2. Is it envisaged that the use of the land and premises will remain for educational purposes? – This is correct but there may also be other recreational related uses .

3. Is the land in question consecrated land subject to any change of use being agreed by the Diocesan of London? (see – We are reviewing the position and will revert to you on this point . http://wembleymatters.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/could-this- let-welsh-harp-rest-in-peace.html ) 

4. Is it intended that the building and land be leased to one of the following (or a combination): Carey's charity arm, Oakington Manor School, Roe Green Junior School? – The property would be marketed by way of a tender process and the outcome is dependant on the responses received . 

Places still left on Chalkhill IT course which starts tomorrow

Free I.T classes running at Chalkhill Community Centre start tomorrow and every Tuesday after that!

WE HAVE A FEW SPACES LEFT SO BOOK NOW!

The I.T classes provide free I.T training for 8-weeks designed for those who would like to learn about the basic concepts and features of computers and software. 

Learners with little or no knowledge or those who have not used this for some time and wish to refresh their skill are welcome.

The course will start next Tomorrow (9th June) and run for 8 weeks.

There will be a morning class (10:30am- 12:00pm) and an afternoon class (1:00-pm2:30pm).

Please contact me via t.roberts@cvsbrent.org.uk to register interest in booking a place. 

Please note: Places will go fast as there is a high demand already so please don't hesitate to email or pass on to someone who may be interested.

Brent Council searches for Head Of Equality against background of racial discrimination finding

Kilburn Times September 25th 2014

Brent Council has advertised for a Head of Equality with a closing date of June 15th. and interviews in early July. The new Chief Executive Carolyn Downs' appointment is due to be ratified at the Council meeting on June 26th. The appointment takes place at a time when there has still been no disciplinary or competency procedures over the Employment Tribunal finding that Brent Council and Cara Davani, Head of Brent Human Resources, had racially discriminated against an employee,  victimised her and constructively dismissed her.

The job could be a bit of a hot potato.  It will be interesting to see if there are any applications from ex-Ofsted or Tower Hamlets employees.

Meanwhile perhaps Wembley Matters readers would like to nominate somone for the post.

Head of Equality

Ref 14849

Location Brent

Department Corporate and Business Support

Business unit HR and Administration

Salary range: £48,477 - £51,441 p.a. inc.

Creating Opportunities. Improving Lives.

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

Understanding diversity and tackling inequality has never been more important, as the council has to respond creatively and constructively to address the needs of its residents, meet its statutory responsibilities and continue to demonstrate its community leadership. The Equality Team leads the council's work on equality, diversity, cohesion and human rights. As the Head of the Equality Team, you will drive the integration of effective diversity and equality practice into everything the council does as a locality leader, as a provider and commissioner of services and as an employer.

The Person

You will have extensive knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion good practice and an understanding of the challenges that local government faces today. You will be able to apply this knowledge at a strategic and operational level in order to improve the lives of local communities and strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

You will have the ability to build effective relationships at all levels to drive the continuous improvement of equality, diversity and inclusion practices in Brent. You will be expected to provide confident and practical leadership to ensure the council meets its legal, business and reputational responsibilities.

If you share our vision and passion for the vital role of equality, diversity and inclusion in local government, we welcome your application.

Closing Date: 15 June 2015 (23:59)
Assessment Date: w/c 29 June 2015
Interviews: w/c 6 July 2015

Additional Information

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Applications are particularly welcome from people with a disability as they are under represented across the council.

All organisations and individuals who work with children and young people, or are involved in providing services for them have a duty to safeguard and promote their welfare.

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Before you join Brent Council, you will need to provide your National Insurance (NI) number and undergo a Home Office Standard I.D. check.

Successful applicants may be required to apply for a DBS Disclosure.

Please note CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position.

More Info...

14849 Candidate Pack.pdf for a

Disabled Applicants.pdf

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