Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Council staff finding redeployment to be a rewarding experience
COUNCIL staff redeployed to help deliver essential se r v ices to t he c it y ’s most vulnerable people during the corornavirus pandemic say it has been a rewarding experience.
Dozens of employees – including parking attendants, swimming teachers and council managers – have been deployed to help during the Covid-19 crisis, with their new roles making an impact on the lives of the most needy in the community.
Tasks being carried out range from health and social care to deliveries and supporting essential childcare.
The deployments have been organised as part of the city’s response to the crisis. It has included matching people with roles based on skills and qualifications and is supported by training as required.
Among those to be deployed away from her “day job” is Katie
Bruce, who normally works as a parking attendant but is now delivering medicine to people in need.
She said: “I put myself forward because I’m fit and healthy and able to help. I feel sorry for those who don’t have family or friends around to help.
“I pick up from the pharmacy and deliver to people’s doors, while following the safe distancing guidelines.”
Swimming teacher Anna Turfus is delivering shopping and meals across the city.
She said: “It has been great working with a totally different age group which I would never have experienced if I hadn’t volunteered to be deployed.
“It was hard at first going into a totally different working environment but knowing how valued my help within the community is during these unprecedented times is what has kept me going.”
Discover Work manager Karen Gunn is using her managerial skills to co-ordinate the council’s community food response.
While she admits her new role is challenging, she feels good about helping the city through the tough times as she works with colleagues across the council,
Dundee Bairns and Tayside Contracts to deliver food.
She said: “It’s the most demanding role I’ve ever taken on. It has been intensely busy at times as everything needs sorted immediately.
“I am ever so glad I was asked to do this and feel that I am helping to get our citizens through this crisis.”
Active Schools co-ordinator Gareth Dailly is helping look after children in community support centres.
He said: “I volunteered because I wanted to give back to the frontline workers by providing them with free childcare so they can get on with their jobs knowing that their children are happy, fit and active. I find it really rewarding.”
Council leader John Alexander, said: “The deployment of people into lifeline roles has been essential to our response to what is an unprecedented situation.
“I want to place on record my thanks to them and all the other council workers, partners’ staff and volunteers rallying round in these difficult times.”