Family Hubs and Start for Life SHOUT OUTS by

Thank you!

jentaylor4 — 2022-12-06 17:05:27 UTC

To everyone who takes the time to share some thanks and shout out a colleague!

Thank you!

2022-12-12 17:44:48 UTC

To all the colleagues who reached out with kind words and thoughts (and extended deadlines!) during the difficult time for our team when our colleague Jane passed away. Sara L'ef x

Thaaaaanks Dawkins

2022-12-13 09:00:21 UTC

Special shout out to Phil D for being a source of constant amusement - even in the busiest of times - and for always making such a big effort to invite to DfE to things (even super spreader events) - Bango Ango 4eva

Thank you

2022-12-13 09:03:09 UTC

Big thank you to all new joiners who have been so incredibly good at hitting the ground running and starting to muck in on tricky things from the get go. An ongoing cavalry! Has made such a difference. - Sydney

Excel-lent support

2022-12-13 09:13:52 UTC

Thanks to Liv, James N, Christina, Phil and anybody else who has patiently dealt with all the delivery plan template excel questions coming in from LAs and RDLs - it'll be worth it when the reporting is beautiful! - Sydney

Thank you

2022-12-13 09:21:14 UTC

Thanks for making me feel so welcome in the team, and answering all my many questions Hannah

Thank you!

2022-12-13 09:33:57 UTC

Thanks to everyone for your support and work on the webinars, focus groups and stakeholder engagement as well as with delivery plans! Huge congrats to everyone for what's been accomplished this year (selection, funding, programme guide, sign up, trailblazers and so much more)!

Thank you!

2022-12-13 09:53:16 UTC

Huge thank you to everyone for being so incredibly welcoming and supportive from the moment I joined the team.
And extra thanks to Sydney for being a fabulous LM, answering all my questions, and being the best sounding board.
Amy x

A big Donny Thanks...

2022-12-13 10:00:30 UTC

Thank you to Sophie D for travelling up to sunny Doncaster to co-present at their Early Help conference. It definitely helped the nerves to have a friendly face (and all that extra knowledge!) there with me.
Amy!

Thank you!

2022-12-13 14:14:38 UTC

A big THANK YOU to Amy W in my team for keeping me sane through all the fun LA trials and tribulations since joining (has it really only been mere months?!) and big excited WELCOME to Sarah - Go #TeamY&HandSW

Thanks for keeping us on course!

2022-12-13 14:20:49 UTC

A big thank you to all the G6s and DDs across both departments for doing an amazing job of steering the ship and balancing SO many moving parts on an ever growing and changing programme whilst maintaining such good humour and patience - Sydney

#JessopforPM

2022-12-13 14:23:52 UTC

Thanks to Lucy J for being an incredibly caring colleague who constantly keeps us as a team thinking about wellbeing and how to work better. Authentic leadership to her core - what a gal!! - Sydney

Daily Dose of Davies

2022-12-13 14:38:44 UTC

Thank you to Sophie D for patiently answering my many, MANY ' . . . but what IS a Family Hub?' questions over the last year and joining for comforting jacket potato chat in times of need - what would I do without you?! Looked after me since Day 1.

To all the RDL teams

alexandrahogben — 2022-12-13 16:28:10 UTC

Thank you for all the mega hard work that has gone into sign up and for getting us through this marathon of LA engagement! I, quite literally, couldn't have done it without all of you!

Thank you!

alexandrahogben — 2022-12-13 16:36:46 UTC

A big thank you to Grace, for keeping everything DHSC business case so impressively on course (even when it wasn't) and most importantly, for being my Leeds pal ❤

Team Delivery Planning!

alexandrahogben — 2022-12-13 16:39:18 UTC

To Georgia and Alana, a HUGE thank you for everything you've done on the delivery plan review process... it has made such a difference and I can't overstate how helpful you have both been from Day 1

To team Charlotte D

alexandrahogben — 2022-12-13 16:45:13 UTC

Thank you to all of you for making me feel so welcome when I joined DHSC (was it really only the end of July?) and for all the laughs. You're all amazing colleagues and I will really miss working with you (and learning how to be Gen Z)

To @Karen Milne

2022-12-13 16:48:45 UTC

You are always my first point of call. Between us we make sense of things - thank you for being fabulous darling! :) Toni

Thank you!

alexandrahogben — 2022-12-13 16:49:48 UTC

To Sarah F, Melissa, and Juliet, for spinning so many plates on the grants to LAs - such important work that makes it all happen!

@Victoria Parkes

2022-12-13 16:50:13 UTC

Thank you for being such a knowledgeable and friendly leader - you know soooooooooo much! Thank you for all you do :)
Toni

@Rukshana Hussain

2022-12-13 16:57:18 UTC

You are the parenting expert but I want to thank you for your patience and time, always taking extra time time to explain things fully which enables me to learn rather than repeat. Plus you're super nice! Toni

@Lisa Bell

2022-12-13 16:58:48 UTC

Thank you for sharing your weekend plans, always good to be reminded the weekend is on the horizon! :) Toni

@Chris Nickson

2022-12-13 17:00:10 UTC

Thank you for looking out for us all. Always there with a kind word :) Toni

@Anna Hunt

2022-12-13 17:01:24 UTC

Thank you for always taking the time to chat, you're always calm in your approach. Toni

@Sara L'efquihi

2022-12-13 17:02:18 UTC

Thank you for being there to lean on when VP not around or to have a vent too lol Toni......................and i love your laugh!

@Mat McCann

2022-12-13 17:03:24 UTC

Thank you for giving me some Henderson's relish....never heard of this one before and all my family tried it for the first time Sunday! Thanks for the include :) Toni

@Amy Woodall

2022-12-13 17:04:46 UTC

Thank you for being a support and a go to gal! I always listen when you speak as you are so clear and concise, i like the way you think! Toni :)

@Olivia Edwards

2022-12-13 17:10:54 UTC

Thank you Liv for basically always knowing everything. You are really encouraging and positive, :) Toni

Question Crew

2022-12-13 17:12:37 UTC

Thank you to everyone on the wider team who has helped answer one of my probably daft million questions such as Sarah Found, Christina Webb, Christina Duho, Alexandra Hogben - You're all fab :) Toni

To our fab policy leads!

alexandrahogben — 2022-12-13 17:14:02 UTC

Thank you for offering so much support to the sign up process. Reviewing 75 forms (most of them twice.... or three... or four times....) is so impressive and you have been so supportive, friendly, and capable throughout.

Thanks Christina W and Phil

2022-12-13 18:23:31 UTC

For some truly epic DP assessment criteria - props to ya both!

Thanks to Rox

2022-12-13 18:25:10 UTC

...for carrying the parenting policy load - I'm back now!

To Chris Nickson

2022-12-13 18:26:32 UTC

For listening to more than one rant with patience and good humour!

Karen Milne

2022-12-13 18:29:04 UTC

Thank you for jumping in and hitting the ground running in difficult circumstances- you've been amazing! Sara L

Liam E

2022-12-13 18:30:46 UTC

Thanks for being such a great addition to the team after like... 3 minutes! Great to have tech expertise on the team...finally!! Sara

To RDLs

2022-12-13 20:20:33 UTC

For keeping this programme going, talking to LAs day in, day out, whilst we dash around trying to sort out the policy at the same time! You are all amazing and a real credit to the programme

Charlotte H

Sarah F

2022-12-13 20:23:29 UTC

For working tirelessly on the grants and getting actual money out the door to LAs!

Charlotte H

@ Matt D

2022-12-14 10:01:01 UTC

For keeping even the most frustrating technical discussions entertaining through Jim Carrey observations and kitkat tales - who thought we'd ever look back on funding allocations with any sort of fondness?! - Sydney

G6 extended family

jentaylor4 — 2022-12-14 10:02:44 UTC

To Charlotte, Laura, Charlotte, Chris, Matt and now also Kathyrn, Tom and Alana - thank you for being such supportive, collaborative colleagues. It feels like we're all #oneteam and not two departments. Thanks for making me laugh and helping me think straight even in the tougher moments - working with you is a pleasure. Jen x

Sydney

jentaylor4 — 2022-12-14 10:04:46 UTC

For all of the times when you've sent me a cute email or teams message to say I've handled a meeting well or you like something I'm wearing - it always makes me smile. (Thanks also for being so generally great) Jen x

@Juliet Adu-Gyamfi

2022-12-14 10:08:05 UTC

Thank you for always being so ready and willing to help. You are always working so hard in the background and never really make a fuss. Thank you for always being that repository of information, you are the glue to the team and we wouldn't be as great without you!
Silent and productive is what I call you.

Sophie

jentaylor4 — 2022-12-14 10:08:29 UTC

Sophie - you have been there from the very first (stressful) weekend when HMT commissioned us for an SR bid. What unexpected fun. It's been quite the journey since then - but working with you has always been great. I have particular fond memories of us workshopping the vision section of the programme guide to be not too 0-2 and not too 3-19, and universal, but ALSO about enabling more targeted support (see visual representation in the form of Patrick and Sponge bob). When we got positive feedback from LAs, I felt our efforts paid off! Jen x

Jen T

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 10:09:32 UTC

Thank you for always being SO amazing. You are not only the best line manager ever but also a wonderful, kind and supportive friend - I feel very lucky to have you. Amy x

@Jenny Clifford

2022-12-14 10:10:12 UTC

Thank you for being so amazing and keeping the briefing and correspondence wheels rolling! You joined the team and hit the ground running and I am forever in your debt for all the help you have given us!

Alex and RDLs

jentaylor4 — 2022-12-14 10:12:00 UTC

I've been so heartened by the relationship between all of the RDLs and Alex playing out in the LA check in meetings - RDLs have a really tough job being the frontline face of the programme and juggling so many questions, and Alex had the tough job of trying to coordinate a huge operation and keep us all on track with sign up. It's an enormous achievement that nearly all LAs are signed up, AND that you are so supportive and championing of each other - even in tricky times. Jen x

Alex H

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 10:16:13 UTC

For being the most amazing coordinator through a long (and sometimes very difficult!) sign up process... you have kept us all on track and somehow always seem to stay positive no matter what issues have been thrown at you! Amy x

Juliet

2022-12-14 10:16:49 UTC

To the recruitment wiz!

You are a God send in every way but especially with recruitment, you should look at a role in HR (joke)! You just get things done and some magically get people in and with no hiccups! You always answer my questions and seem to know where everyone goes and what cost centre and when they should be starting all at the blink of an eye. I've always known you was good with numbers and logistics but my goodness how do you do it?! All I know is that we wouldn't be almost double the size if it wasn't for you and your work! Thank you for you tenacity and resilience as I know its not always easy but you get the job done and with a smile on your face!

Thank you!

Melissa, Cat, Georgia, Juliet, Jenny, Sarah - the joint PMO team of dreams

2022-12-14 10:19:20 UTC

Thank you for all the work you do in making sure the 'back office' is running smoothly for the programme! From the programme boards, to the progress reports and risk registers. Massive thank you for all that you do!

Molly

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 10:20:20 UTC

Thank you for always being you (i.e. one of the loveliest people ever). You have been such a positive and supportive voice throughout some difficult times (both in work and personally) and I always know I can count on you whenever I need to chat. You are also SO fantastic at your job, I learn so much from you! I appreciate you so much and can't wait for you to be back living in London so we can go on plenty of coffee (/wine) dates in the new year. Amy x

To all the new starters:

2022-12-14 10:22:35 UTC

I would list you all but I think I'd run out of space!
Thank you for joining the team in the last year, you have all made a massive impact to the team and we are grateful to have you with us!
Thanks for all the patience and grace as I have been navigating a tricky recruitment process!! You all have been lovely to get to know and long may it continue!

Juliet A-G

Sydney

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 10:25:22 UTC

Thank you for taking the time recently to reach out with such a kind message - it made my day / week / month! Really looking forward to working with you more in the delivery phase and let's continue to like every single one of each other's comments in the teams chat! Amy x

Thank you Toni

2022-12-14 10:26:48 UTC

For being my buddy from when i started and for always being there for me. No longer a work buddy but a great friend too. Karen x

Sara L'Efquihi

2022-12-14 10:30:04 UTC

Thanks Sara for being so supportive in my first few months and for all your knowledge, guidance and patience! From Karen x

Caius and Rhys

jennifershaw10 — 2022-12-14 10:30:54 UTC

Thanks for all your hard work over the past few months! I've really appreciated your creativity, good humour and increasingly excellent slide-packs, Jen

Kellie

jennifershaw10 — 2022-12-14 10:31:59 UTC

So delighted that you've joined our team! Thanks for hitting the ground running so quickly and managing an extremely efficient interview process too. Hope you're having a great holiday, Jen

Hannah & Afi

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 10:34:25 UTC

Thank you for all of your support and for always being there throughout the commercial madness - I genuinely couldn't have got through it without you both. And I love our weekly catch ups! Amy x

Caius

jennifershaw10 — 2022-12-14 10:34:47 UTC

I'm so grateful for you holding the fort when I've been unwell. Thank you! Jen

Rox

2022-12-14 10:37:29 UTC

Thank you for making me smile and for just being you and for always being on the other end of an IM when i need! Karen x

Alex H

2022-12-14 10:40:02 UTC

For staying so patient and good humoured and resilient whilst managing sign up - a glass of wine didn't do it justice, think we still owe you a bottle!

My dream team

jentaylor4 — 2022-12-14 10:40:58 UTC

Abigail, Amy, Molly, Matt E, Cat, Steph and Georgia - thanks for being the best bunch of lovely, kind, capable people. You're constantly impressing me and making me less and less needed (in a good way!). You're always supportive of each other and great fun - managing you is the best job. Jen x

Alex Hogben

2022-12-14 10:41:45 UTC

For being brilliant from the day you joined, with excellent leadership across both departments on sign up, delivery plans, and a whole raise of difficult issues.

From Charlotte D

DP criteria

2022-12-14 10:42:57 UTC

Huge thanks to Phil, Christina and everyone that helped develop a set of strong, clear, criteria so quickly - such an impressive piece of work

Eoin and Sonia

2022-12-14 10:46:06 UTC

To Eoin and Sonia for resilience and perseverance over the past 6 months whilst leading on briefing, engagement and comms work across the unit. Your patience and effective working with colleagues across both departments has been v impressive. And the amount of new briefs for ministers...!

From Charlotte D

Matt D

2022-12-14 10:52:03 UTC

For exceptional work over the course of the past year, leading us all through a range of complex policy questions - which LAs to select, how to distribute the money, how to establish trailblazers. Your skill in bringing together colleagues to work through these has been v impressive to watch, and your ability to draft countless high-quality subs!

Charlotte D

@ Sarah F

2022-12-14 10:54:04 UTC

Thank to Sarah F for working tirelessly to get LA funding out the door, and for taking time out of your incredibly busy day to talk me through the whole process.
Amy W

Thank you Charlotte. D!

2022-12-14 10:54:19 UTC

Thank you for leading team 'SfL policy and engagement' (Charlotte's angels) through the various challenges of the past year. You are always ready to step back/in when needed and it is hugely appreciated. You've created such a great team culture that makes all the challenges infinitely easier :-) Grace

Thank you Alex. H!

2022-12-14 10:57:28 UTC

Team Leeds! Thanks for always letting me moan about the state of the North's rail infrastructure, and one day we will navigate QH successfully!
+ all excellent work on business case and sign-up, but that goes without saying! Grace

Grace

2022-12-14 10:57:37 UTC

For exceptional organisation and grip! And for coming over to work with us, of course. Without you the DHSC business case process would not have been half as smooth. Your work on trailblazers and other areas has been equally impressive.

Charlotte D

Team DfE

2022-12-14 11:00:00 UTC

You have been a genuine pleasure to work with over the past year. You wouldn't know in most instances that we are in two separate departments. Cross-department working isn't easy - system incentives don't work in our favour. But because of everyone's commitment, kindness, and determination to make things better for families, we have achieved SO MUCH together. I'm very grateful to all of you, and enjoy working together.

Charlotte D

Elena

2022-12-14 11:01:22 UTC

For joining our team and hitting the ground running from day one. You keep us on track through our weekly team meetings and have done excellent work on case studies in a very short amount of time. Looking forward to next year!

Charlotte D

Lucy J and Emily S

2022-12-14 11:02:45 UTC

Designing the assessment process for Tf1 feels soooo long ago - but you two were just the most patient, kind and sunny colleagues. I absolutely know that I asked you the same question at least 4 times in some instances. And you were so gracious and understanding and put so much work into making it a manageable ask of our team. Was lovely working with you. Thank you, thank you. Molly H x

Zara!

2022-12-14 11:03:48 UTC

HUGE well done and thank you for all your work to secure approval to uplift/extend NCFH contract after a tricky few months going through the process!!

Sophie

Grace

mattdominey — 2022-12-14 11:05:30 UTC

For doing an amazing job on all things trailblazer and business case, expertly gripping and delivering work, staying resilient and bringing people together

Elena

mattdominey — 2022-12-14 11:06:03 UTC

For a stellar start in the Start for Life Unit - getting up to speed super quickly on all the complex policy areas and pulling together some great case studies

Matt D

Paddy and Umar

2022-12-14 11:06:16 UTC

Thank you for your never-ending patience with the economic case for the FBC! I know InvestCo pushed us hard (and still are!) for lots of data, evidence and analysis and you've handled it expertly. Thank you :-) Grace

Margaret

2022-12-14 11:06:57 UTC

Thank you for being the fountain of all Sure Start knowledge and master of (the many!) children's centre PQs!

Sophie

Sydney

mattdominey — 2022-12-14 11:07:38 UTC

For keeping me sane during countless submissions, multiple positions on how we best select the LAs and endless meetings.

Sophie, Liv and Phil

2022-12-14 11:07:59 UTC

Megagird assemble! You guys were SUCH an amazing team. I absolutely loved our little rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Genuinely not sure how I'd have gotten through the super tricky moments if it wasn't for the support and fun you brought. You made me cry with laughter on multiple occasions and I will forever be proud that the term 'mega grid' started to make its way into the roundtables with LAs. I also miss very much witnessing Liv's no-nonsense questions to Phil when there was no time for silliness (please see gif). So very funny. Love Molly H x

Team business case

2022-12-14 11:09:32 UTC

Thanks to everyone in the team for their hard work on the business case and making sure we get InvestCo approval! Not an easy process at the best of times, let alone when managing all the competing policy priorities. Thank you for all meeting the tight deadlines and InvestCo's sky high expectations! We did it!!! Grace :-)

Afi

2022-12-14 11:09:57 UTC

Thanks so much Afi for being the most amazing colleague to work with. Your relaxed yet determined attitude has got me through all the highs and lows of setting up the national initiatives. It has been amazing getting to know you as a colleague and friend. What am I going to do without you!
Hannah S

Thank you Steph!

2022-12-14 11:10:58 UTC

Thank you for picking up the 10 year plan work so quickly and leading the recent check and challenge DDs session with such assurance. The evidence base and proposals that you've helped develop with be really important for whatever comes next with the long-term strategy work.

Matt and Sasha - Pilots Peeps

2022-12-14 11:11:43 UTC

Matt, Sasha - you have been utter stars the past few months. You have embraced challenges head on, got totally stuck in, and been so much fun to work with. Thank you for all the amazing work to get things off the ground so quickly. You are brilliant. Molly H x

Cat

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 11:12:50 UTC

Thank you for everything you do - both within the PMO team (your organisation and clear communication is always so brilliant) and as a friend. I love our catch ups in 39VS and it's so nice to be able to be completely open and honest with you about any issues or stresses I'm going through. It also helps that we're almost always on the same wavelength! Thank you and looking forward to many more in the new year. Amy x

John

2022-12-14 11:15:03 UTC

Thanks so much John for being so supportive - it's been so lovely joining the team at the same time as you. I've really enjoyed working with you as you have such a collaborative approach to your work, and it's felt like a real team effort. I look forward to working together on more exciting things in the new year :) Hannah S

Thank you Matt P

2022-12-14 11:15:39 UTC

Thank you so much for sharing all your expertise and thoughtful reflections over the past few months. You have been such a fantastic leader for our team and sad (but happy for you) to see you go!

Matt P

2022-12-14 11:18:49 UTC

Thanks so much for being the best line manager Matt! It has been an absolute pleasure working with you. I have really enjoyed learning all about PMH and PIR and have appreciated how much energy you have put into sharing evidence papers, interesting links etc. to support us in understanding more.

You have played such a huge part in shaping the MH strand and you will be sorely missed. Hannah S

P.s. this GIF is actually a bit terrifying

Amy Headley

2022-12-14 11:21:30 UTC

You absolute wonderwoman. Where to start?! Thank you for being such a support as I joined team JAAMM and every day since. Working alongside you is as fab as I knew it would be. You are such an inspiration, unfailingly kind and thoughtful - and a complete machine in your role. I'm super excited for our upcoming wines and coffees in the New Year. All the love to you. Molly H xxx

Team maximum fun

2022-12-14 11:22:19 UTC

Thanks to everyone who has organised the fun/team activities throughout the year. I've never been part of such a social team and it's lovely to see! (Hannah S)

Umar and Asha

patrickvanderpant — 2022-12-14 11:22:25 UTC

Wow, it's only be a few months but Asha and Umar have settled into the team and their roles very swiftly. Already doing lots of important work like the funding allocation letters work and the SfL business case.

Such a great start, and still 3/4 of the year to go!

Erin

patrickvanderpant — 2022-12-14 11:23:34 UTC

Erin - you are such a wonderful colleague and friend. Your positivity knows no bounds, and really helps bring good vibes to those around you. We all really appreciate it :-)

Amy

2022-12-14 11:24:43 UTC

I'm sure I am also speaking for Afi when I say a huge thanks for your support with the national initiatives. We have gotten through the commercial drama together and it's been great sharing tips and tricks. You are a joy to work with and I am looking forward to more polavas in the new year (nothing we cant handle though). Hannah S

Melissa

2022-12-14 11:25:48 UTC

Thank you so much Melissa for all the support you give me. It makes a huge difference, especially on the difficult days. I am so thankful for the way you take time to listen and hear me out at times when my stress levels have been through the ceiling!

Have a wonderful Christmas, I'm looking forward to continuing working together next year.

Christina

2022-12-14 11:28:22 UTC

Thank you for always being willing to jump in and grip an emerging challenge (delivery plan assessment criteria being the most recent!)!

Sophie

Molly

2022-12-14 11:29:48 UTC

Thanks for being so welcoming when I started! You have been so supportive and kind and I enjoy our catch ups (when we can fit them in!). I have really enjoyed working together :) Hannah S

Steph

2022-12-14 11:31:57 UTC

So happy to have you in the MH team Steph! It's been lovely working more closely together and getting to know you better :) Hannah S

Jen T

2022-12-14 11:32:34 UTC

Jen T. You have been the most amazing manager I could ask for since the day I joined your team. The care you take of colleagues and the efforts to make everyone feel valued and supported are incredible - especially appreciated when you are working such long hours and smashing everything you do. I don't think I've ever seen anyone type as fast as you when you were finishing that doc at lightning speed to make the 1-1 you knew I needed! :D Hope you know how appreciated you are. Molly H x Ps can't wait to hear about Aus.

Abigail A

2022-12-14 11:39:57 UTC

Abigail - thank you for being such a wonderful colleague. You made me feel so welcome when I joined your workforce world and I am super grateful. It's been such pleasure working alongside you, because of all of the things you've taught me and because you are such a kind person. Have a fab time in Ghana and I'm excited to catch up when you're back! Molly H x

Thank you everyone

2022-12-14 11:55:12 UTC

I want to thank everyone across the two Departments working on the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. We've achieved so much together in a really short space of time. I'm so impressed by everyone's dedication and passion for the agenda. I also wanted to thank you for the collaborative way you've worked together across the two Depts. It really feels like we are one amazing team! Jenny W

Molly, Phil and Liv

2022-12-14 12:01:14 UTC

Team "unfunded" services - thank for you for always bringing the laughs in the depths of the mega-grid days!

Sophie

Paddy, Erin, Umar, Asha and all analysts!

2022-12-14 12:05:03 UTC

I'm so impressed by your endless skills - not just your analytical knowledge and expertise but also how collaborative, supportive, and solution focussed you are. It's a pleasure to work with you all.

Charlotte D

Sydney

2022-12-14 12:05:38 UTC

Thanks for arriving in the team a year ago to become the other half of team Sydphie, and being such a brilliant support in the depths of work madness!

Sophie

Matt P

annesophiegernez — 2022-12-14 12:14:44 UTC

Thank you so much Matt for all the support you have provided me, first as a line manager and as a team leader. It's been truly amazing to work with someone as passionate as you are, and who is always eager to share his knowledge and expertise. You will be hugely missed! Afi.

Rhys

2022-12-14 12:22:09 UTC

Good job.

Team Megagird Love

2022-12-14 12:22:31 UTC

To Sophie, Liv and Molly - aka Team Megagrid. An impossible task (how to accommodate hundreds of different starting points across all the funded and non-funded strands AND drive transformation) quickly became a joy because you were all so much fun, and so smart and hard working. Megagird drinks [sic - a typo that stuck around] took too long to happen but when they did they were everything we hoped for and more. Phil xxx

Hannah S

annesophiegernez — 2022-12-14 12:23:15 UTC

Hannah - thank you so much for being such and incredible and supportive line manager. I've truly enjoyed working with you over the past few months. Thank you also for being so proactive and leading the national initiatives brilliantly, I've learnt a lot from you :)
Afi

DHSC policy teams

2022-12-14 12:26:23 UTC

Thank you for all your continued engagement with and input into the National Centre meetings/toolkits/webinars etc!!

Sophie

DHSC ❤ DFE 4EVA

2022-12-14 12:26:47 UTC

To all at DfE - there is a world where all the stress and impossible deadlines and the high-profile nature of the work results in two departments at war (I won't mention the slide dec during the Review which included lawns and tanks...) - but in this reality the lovely LOVELY people at DfE make every day a joy no matter how hard it gets. One of you even has the word Joy in their name! Feliz Navidad to you all. Phil x

Christina

2022-12-14 12:40:56 UTC

It may have taken me far too long to stop calling you Charlotte (blame the book!) but leaving that aside you have been a (sometimes unsung) hero across so many of the bits of work I have been involved in - always there making everything work. From the engagement activities to delivery planning, and many other things, your sense of calm, your hard work, and (recently seen) wicked sense of humour makes you the colleague of dreams. My favourite thing is how you give me a certain amount of time to not do something before you do it anyway 😂
Phil x

Jingle Jangle Bango Ango

2022-12-14 12:53:04 UTC

To Canberra, despite a constant suspicion/fear that I am just here for your entertainment, seeing a little laughing emoji attached to a comment can really make one's day.
Philexius Dawkinstone

Paddy

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 13:39:59 UTC

For taking the time to write such detailed world cup sweepstake emails that never fail to put a smile on my face. And congratulations on your beautiful baby / SfL case study! Amy x

Jenny W

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 13:42:24 UTC

For being a wonderful DD and always so positive and encouraging during our policy catch ups - thank you!! Amy x

Christina!

2022-12-14 14:13:30 UTC

for being so kind and helpful and never ever saying 'find it yourself!' even when it must be so very tempting to!

Molly

2022-12-14 14:15:53 UTC

Thank you for letting me know I've not just been obsessing from afar alone . . . here's to finding an excuse to work more together in the new year?!

Alex H

2022-12-14 14:21:11 UTC

Thank you for being so supportive throughout the delivery plan planning process! It's been a journey and it's been great to see the progress we've made! We have formed a dream team and thank you for being you :) Georgia

Amy H

2022-12-14 14:23:40 UTC

All I want for Christmas is . . . to actually get to work together!! But in the meantime I will take our supportive virtual nodding and 'like'ing . . . you always contribute such thoughtfulness to meetings and are a wonderful, patient policy support - thank you.

Asha T

2022-12-14 14:23:57 UTC

Our bonding over numbers... and underspend... and allocations... and scenarios... has been great and has allowed me to get to know you over the past few months. You are great and an excel whiz! I promise I'll try to give you a few months off QA'ing my spreadsheets haha. Georgia

Thank you Cat!

2022-12-14 14:27:28 UTC

Thank you for being such a supportive line manager! You have made my experience joining the unit so enjoyable and I know can approach you about anything. Your organisation and knowledge of the programme is unbelievable, and you are a true asset to the team. Keep being you! Georgia x

Alana

2022-12-14 14:30:58 UTC

The fact you've not even been here a month yet baffles me! Thank you for hitting the ground running so quickly and being such as approachable G6. I feel super supported as a member of your team! Let's see what 2023 brings! Georgia

To all the little acts of kindness people

2022-12-14 14:35:45 UTC

I will single out Charlotte H, Chris, Amy, Molly and Steph but there are many more. Pls raise a glass of eggnog to all those who take time out of very busy days so say hi, are you ok?, thank-you and well done. A little goes a very long way.
Cheers
Phil

Hollom-Street dreamteam

2022-12-14 14:41:55 UTC

Big thank you to Laura and Charlotte H for always being on top of things, for caring about the team (and for taking on so much yourselves when things are busy to try and save us some pain!) and for working so hard to present as seamless-a-jobshare as possible. It can't be easy but it's much appreciated! - Sydney

Marc

2022-12-14 15:07:03 UTC

Thank you so much for hundreds, nay thousands, of actulols, gifs and BRAND NEW reaction emojis brightening my days over the last year. We're very lucky to have such an approachable DD who cares so much about his policy area.

Tom McC

2022-12-14 15:10:07 UTC

Lovely to have you on board the South West team! You've been a wonderful breath of fresh air since joining and looking forward to lots more crossover.

Steph R

2022-12-14 15:11:17 UTC

Super-organised, super-talented, SUPER-lovely. You always take time out of your day to remember the little things going on in people's lives (working and personal!). It's so appreciated and means that when you selfishly go on leave for 3 weeks, your presence in the team is missed immediately. Molly H x

Angela

2022-12-14 15:13:39 UTC

You've been a joy (and such a source of support!) from day dot. Always there for a rant or a wry eyebrow - thank you!!

Joint PMO function

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:23:23 UTC

Thank you to the joint DfE/DHSC PMO function - there's a lot to manage but I know I'm so thankful for the way we do it really seamlessly cross-departments and are always happy to support each other. Thank you all <3 Cat

Angela

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:25:47 UTC

Thank you for everything now in relation to working on LA reporting, a few months back thinking about what the delivery support structures should look like, and just generally being a great sounding board and not judging my many and often silly questions. Cat :)

Laura and Charlotte H

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:28:15 UTC

Thank you for all the guidance, leadership, and support on LA reporting and previously as the joint head of our combined PMO team - I've really appreciated the balance of structure and space and felt empowered by your collective leadership. Cat :)

Steph

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:31:23 UTC

I feel I've said it all before - but you were SUCH an asset to the joint PMO team, and just a genuinely lovely person to have in a team. I'm so excited for your policy move (and very pleased you're not far away in the MH team!) and your continued excellent leadership of Andrea's office - no idea what we'd do without you! Cat :)

Paddy

2022-12-14 15:32:16 UTC

It was so thoughtful of you to have a baby just to bring us joy with all the lovely photos. But in all seriousness thank you for being a lovely colleague and pal. You are v kind to others and are generous with your time in terms of football updates, mock interview holding, and presentations on all things economicsy. Molly H x

Georgia

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:34:54 UTC

Since you joined the Unit, you have had SUCH an impact. You hit the ground running and picked up some super complicated things (like our whole programme funding!) with seeming ease. Not to mention pulling off the December Programme Board which everyone has agreed was SUPER smooth! Thank you for everything that you do. Cat :)

Jen and Alana

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:38:15 UTC

Thank you both for being such wonderful line managers. Cat :)

Thank you everyone!!

2022-12-14 15:38:27 UTC

I am horribly late writing this (as always...!) but I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone across all our lovely teams for being incredible - both through what you have achieved, keeping good humour in the slightly relentless pace (!), the amazing quality of work produced and the loveliness and kindness that you show your colleagues. Feel very lucky to work with you all!

Matt D

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:40:26 UTC

For always being willing to explain all things funding and be a sounding board for life. Mondays in 39VS are the way forward! Shukria. Cat :)

Sarah F

2022-12-14 15:41:12 UTC

Thank you for being so tenacious about getting our LAs their lovely ££££££ - such a hard task but done so well! Laura

Lucy J and Emily S

2022-12-14 15:42:55 UTC

Thank you for running TF1 SO well and working through all the horrible complicated questions (!) brilliantly and keeping a sense of humour. We love TF1!!

Amy

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:43:24 UTC

Your leadership of the infant feeding strand is awe-inspiring and you're always so on it with the various requests and commissions sent your way (often by me from PMO!). You have also been such a lovely and supportive friend, always around for a moan or a constructive discussion on how to handle a particular tricky situation. Looking forward to what 2023 has to offer (including more wedding planning chats!)! Cat :)

Jen and Charlotte D

2022-12-14 15:45:21 UTC

Thank you both for being such amazing (impressive!) colleagues and so kind - loved the support our G6 group has given to each other over the last few months. Loved working with you and have learnt loads!

Jenny W

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:45:40 UTC

Thank you for being so happy to talk things through and puzzle things out together, and also for taking the time to recognise efforts across the team - it means a lot that you make the time to do that! Cat :)

Liv

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:47:50 UTC

Thanks for everything as the co-lead on driving forward the regional cross-government family programmes networks (we really do need a better acronym....).

Sarah

catweston — 2022-12-14 15:50:57 UTC

THANK YOU for everything you do (and continue to do) - often very detailed that is tricky to explain - that means we have actually got some money to LAs so that they can deliver the programme. It is HUGELY appreciated. Cat :)

Anna N!

2022-12-14 16:08:22 UTC

I am so thrilled you're to have you as my office buddy in Manchester. Thank you for the desk chat, and for being kind, funny, and supportive. You're FAB! Zara

DfE PMO team

stephanieryan3 — 2022-12-14 16:08:45 UTC

You were so lovely to work with and made all of our joint commissions and tasks so much easier :) It was great to work with you all and so nice to meet you at our Away Day!

Sarah

stephanieryan3 — 2022-12-14 16:10:00 UTC

Thanks so much for all of your work on the programme board - you did a great job and there's been such a smooth handover!

Toni

2022-12-14 16:13:34 UTC

You've hit the ground running and become an integral part of the team. You certainly are the glue that keeps our little team on track. Thank you

Jen Shaw

2022-12-14 16:13:46 UTC

Well done for all of your amazing work on the DPCHR - driving everything forward in a really tricky time.

Sophie!

2022-12-14 16:14:22 UTC

Who describes themselves as sellotape? You're always useful. You're the kind of sellotape that has one of those holders so it's always in the right place. I love working with you, and I'm so impressed by how knowlegable you are, and so quick at solving issues. You're definitely the kind of sellotape that's always sharp and ready to go! Thank you for being such an excellent team lead. :D Zara

Anna Hunt Thank You!

2022-12-14 16:18:07 UTC

Thank you for always being there, for always offering to help out and lend a hand where you can. I'm always so grateful for working with you and your can do attitude.

Georgia

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 16:22:29 UTC

Thanks for being an official 'work friend'... here's to many more after work drinks and dinners out together in the new year! Amy x

Matt P

amyheadley — 2022-12-14 16:23:53 UTC

There are no words... you will be SO missed!! Amy x

To everyone

2022-12-14 16:28:33 UTC

Well done everyone you have all achieved so much and to get the Programme to this place in the circumstances of the last year is amazing. And it does feel like one team and as a new person you don’t notice the different departments! Thank you all for a such warm welcome to me and others, it feels like I have been here longer than I actually have. Hope everyone has a well-deserved and restful break.

Do you know who he is?

2022-12-15 09:18:51 UTC

Thanks to Zara for her NCFH intervention - made me LOL so much
Phil

Team DP

2022-12-15 09:28:54 UTC

To Ange, Liv and Christina - 3 months of blood sweat and tears to design a word doc with some boxes on. Which we then ruined by making it into an Excel. Go us 🤣

Seriously though - we did good ❤
Px

Family Hubs and Start for Life *SHOUT OUTS* by

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thaaaaanks Dawkins

Thank you

Excel-lent support

Thank you

Thank you!

Thank you!

A big Donny Thanks...

Thank you!

Thanks for keeping us on course!

#JessopforPM

Daily Dose of Davies

To all the RDL teams

Thank you!

Team Delivery Planning!

To team Charlotte D

To @Karen Milne

Thank you!

@Victoria Parkes

@Rukshana Hussain

@Lisa Bell

@Chris Nickson

@Anna Hunt

@Sara L'efquihi

@Mat McCann

@Amy Woodall

@Olivia Edwards

Question Crew

To our fab policy leads!

Thanks Christina W and Phil

Thanks to Rox

To Chris Nickson

Karen Milne

Liam E

To RDLs

Sarah F

@ Matt D

G6 extended family

Sydney

@Juliet Adu-Gyamfi

Sophie

Jen T

@Jenny Clifford

Alex and RDLs

Alex H

Juliet

Melissa, Cat, Georgia, Juliet, Jenny, Sarah - the joint PMO team of dreams

Molly

To all the new starters:

Sydney

Thank you Toni

Sara L'Efquihi

Caius and Rhys

Kellie

Hannah & Afi

Caius

Rox

Alex H

My dream team

Alex Hogben

DP criteria

Eoin and Sonia

Matt D

@ Sarah F

Thank you Charlotte. D!

Thank you Alex. H!

Grace

Team DfE

Elena

Lucy J and Emily S

Zara!

Grace

Elena

Paddy and Umar

Margaret

Sydney

Sophie, Liv and Phil

Team business case

Family Hubs and Start for Life SHOUT OUTS by