Manager's e-bulletin May-June 2026

May-June 2026

Welcome to your May/June manager's e-bulletin

Dear Managers,

We hope you are bearing up in the heat!

This edition includes promoting the upcoming Together Through Change LGR webinar for colleagues across all Surrey councils on 13 July, supporting teams during the current hot weather, and final arrangements for the Summer Staff Party.

You’ll also find out about key updates to the Employment Rights Act and our Corporate Equality Policy, guidance on supporting colleagues with caring responsibilities, and a link to Mari’s June vlog.

Please take a few moments to read through the bulletin and share relevant updates with your teams at your upcoming team meetings.

If there’s something you’d like to see included in future editions, please get in touch – we’d be happy to hear your suggestions!

Key updates

Supporting your teams during the hot weather

With hot weather and heat alerts in place, managers are asked to support staff safety and wellbeing by checking in with teams and considering flexible working arrangements where needed.

Together Through Change: Surrey councils all-staff webinar – Monday 13 July

Staff at all Surrey councils have been invited to join Together Through Change - Surrey councils all-staff webinar on Monday 13 July, 9.30-10.30am. Colleagues will hear from senior officers leading the transition to the new shadow authorities, with updates on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation including key milestones, challenges, opportunities and next steps.

Supporting RBBC carers: guidance for managers

Managers play a key role in creating a supportive and inclusive environment to help colleagues balance their work with caring responsibilities. Here's a reminder of a few simple actions that can make a big difference in supporting carers...

RBBCFest Summer Staff Party reminder

There's not long to go until our Summer Staff Party on Friday 10 July, 4pm to 9.30pm in the Castle Grounds, Reigate. Please ask your teams to accept the Outlook invitation in their diaries if they are coming (so we can confirm catering numbers) and get in touch by emailing katherine.monk@reigate-banstead.gov.uk they have any dietary or accessibility requirements. Thankyou :)

Mari's June vlog

Mari’s June vlog is now available on the Knowledge.

Employment Rights Act updates: what managers need to know

Updates have been introduced to the Employment Rights Act 2025 due to legislative changes. Here are the key changes you need to be aware of as a manager....

Corporate Equality Policy updated

Please be aware that our Corporate Equality Policy has been updated. Key updates include:

inclusion of characteristics beyond those covered by the Equality Act (section 3.1 and Appendix 2)
use of more modern and inclusive language, including references to gender expression
recognition of strengthened responsibilities to prevent sexual harassment in line with recent legislation.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create an inclusive and respectful workplace for all.

Reminder: Hybrid working policy launched

RBBC's Hybrid working policy was launched in April. Please ensure the hybrid working arrangements for your service have been communicated and discussed with your teams.

Reminder: manager advice line

Our Employee Assistance Programme now includes a dedicated manager advice line. While HR can support you with managing situations and applying RBBC policies, there may be times when you prefer to speak with someone external. This could be for emotional support, to look after your wellbeing as a manager, or to gain practical tips for handling challenging or stressful situations.

Keeping up to date on LGR

Future Surrey staff newsletter
Please remind your teams that colleagues across the 12 Surrey councils are emailed Future Surrey newsletters with the latest LGR updates. Printable versions for offline teams are available on our LGR hub.