Successfully navigating the challenges presented by COVID-19 by adapting services at speed to support communities is being highlighted in our annual performance report
Support
The tailoring of services to provide a robust support network to vulnerable members of the community has been crucial throughout this period, with our Community Assistance Hubs providing assistance to those most in need, including at-risk individuals who have required to shield.
Technology
The successful adoption of new technology, for use by staff and the general public, has been key to helping to continue to deliver core services with minimal disruption throughout the period of the pandemic.
The acceleration of our flagship Inspire Learning Programme, necessitated by the closure of schools through lockdown, saw every teacher and student from Primary four onwards receiving an iPad to enable remote learning for as many of our young learners as possible.
This ambitious and first-of-its-kind project in the UK saw over six thousand students given the required digital tools to make home learning a success and has been recognised with two national awards.
The roll-out of Microsoft Teams across l has also played a part in providing a digital platform for staff to collaborate virtually and transition to home working with minimal disruption, whilst coping with increased demand for our services.
In recognition of the need to modernise and streamline services, a multi-million pound contract extension was signed with partners CGI for the provision of IT services. This long-term partnership will enable us to realise its vision of the Scottish Borders becoming the UK’s first Smart Rural Region by connecting all Borders communities digitally and supporting innovation.
Climate
The theme of planning for the future also extended to our focus on the climate crisis and its responsibility to encourage communities to collectively act to prevent climate change. A group of young people have been assembled to become Youth Ambassadors for Sustainability across the region, to lead the way in encouraging local people to take action under the campaign #OurPromiseToThePlanet.
Projects and initiatives
Despite the restrictions of the global pandemic, we have also continued to press ahead with a range of important initiatives and improvement projects to help future-proof our services.
Contractors McLaughlin and Harvey were appointed to complete the main works for the multi-million pound Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and project works at Reston Station were able to commence in March 2021, part-funded by us.
Shona Haslam, Leader
“This annual report highlights a number of significant success stories, many accomplished against the backdrop of a global pandemic.
“When COVID-19 hit in early 2020 and the true extent of its potential impact became clear, we as a Council had to adapt quickly to change our ways of working to ensure our communities across the Scottish Borders continued to be supported.
“Our Inspire Learning programme provides the perfect example of how innovation and utilising new technologies has allowed us to be ahead of the curve and mitigate some of the impact of the virus. In doing so, we have been able to support future generations during arguably the most important stage of their lives and have set the standard for other local authorities to follow.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Transformation and Service Improvement
“The fact that we have been able to meet the needs of our residents, with minimal disruption, speaks volumes of the hard work and innovation from staff across the whole organisation.
“Just as impressive is the fact that during this unprecedented time significant progress has been made on a number of key projects. Both the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme and Reston Station projects continue to move at pace in 2021.”
“Overall the report shows a continuing strong performance and achievement in many areas, but also highlights areas where that we can strive to develop and improve upon. As a Council we will look to address these in order to better serve our communities going forward.
“I’d like to personally thank the general public for their understanding over the last year as we have adapted our services and their resilience throughout such unprecedented times.”