Issue - meetings

Report by Corporate Directors Dr Carlton Brand, Carolyn Godfrey and

Maggie Rae

The Leader presented a report which provided a summary of the feedback received from the Local Government Association following the Peer Challenge that took place in September 2013 and the action plan which had been developed to reflect this feedback and recommendations made.

The Peer Challenge covered five core components: understanding of the local context and priority setting, political and managerial leadership, financial planning and viability, governance and decision making and organisational capacity.

In addition the peer team was asked to focus on how the Council was transforming Wiltshire through innovation in three particular areas.

The council’s key strengths were identified as follows:

• A very strong respect and high regard for the council leader. Her clarity and strength of vision, commitment and hard work was recognised. A strong sense of loyalty among officers and partners and the leader is an effective ambassador for the council and Wiltshire.

• A strong and trusted relationship between officers and elected members with a clear appreciation that the council is strongly member led.

• The council has a good reputation in the community. Its vision ‘to create stronger and more resilient communities’ has resonance locally. Parish and town councils, volunteers and voluntary sector organisations speak positively about the purposeful intent of the council to delegate.

• responsibilities and enable local people and groups to do more for themselves.

• A highly engaged workforce with a real sense of pride in the organisation. Staff consistent that they are proud to work for the council.

The feedback had highlighted many positives, with a clear vision understood by staff and strong relationships with the voluntary sector, Police and other partners.

Recommendations included addressing the budget gap for 2015/16 and beyond, clarifying the desired outcomes for area boards, improving the effectiveness of scrutiny, strengthening performance management and working closely with the CCG to ensure shared visions and plans.

Cllr Simon Killane welcomed the challenge for scrutiny to focus more on outcomes rather than processes.

Positive developments had been seen in the Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Development Plan which provided direction for the area. An area board review was underway and the campus development programme was breaking new ground with the Corsham campus phase one occupation scheduled for June 2014.

The Leader encouraged all members to read the feedback letter  and action plan as presented, and noted there would be a further visit in six to nine months time. She emphasised that this was a good Council and paid tribute to the hard work and dedication by members and staff.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)        Note the feedback and recommendations from the Corporate Peer Challenge

b)        Endorse the action plan.

Reason for decision:

The feedback and action plan recognises the achievements in the first 4 years of Wiltshire Council and assists with areas for improvement.