Thursday 28 May 2009

I chaired the BMP Programme Board this morning which includes the Change Champions and Project Managers from each department. We're working our way through the issues log which addresses the numerous open items from across the business. We are planning departmental surgery sessions, including some one-to-ones for individual staff having trouble with the new procurement processes over the next few weeks so please watch out for these and contact your Change Champion to arrange attendance. These sessions will also cover elements of ESS and MSS (Employee / Manager Self Service). In addition to this we are installing a BMP icon onto every computer desk top that will take you straight to the "how do I do..." type questions and answers on the intranet. This should make getting help much quicker.

Last week the council tax team were preparing their year end performance figures regarding council tax collection rates which compare the net debit, after discounts and reliefs with the income collected during the year. Of the £229 million due in 2008/9, 98.2% was collected within the year. This figure does not include the collection of a further £3.9 million during 2008/9 in respect of arrears. Whilst there is always some room for improvement, this collection rate is all the more impressive when we consider not only the economic climate but the additional work undertaken by the revenues team in preparation for one council.

The Revenues & Benefits Manager is always keen to remind me that good collection levels are a reflection on the performance of the whole council and by providing excellent services to our customers it makes the often difficult job of collecting council tax considerably easier. Thank you and well done to the whole team.

Only one week to go now to the unitary election on June 4. I am acting as the Deputy Returning Officer for the Trowbridge area which will return 28 members to the council. So together with around 250 other staff we are busy preparing for the elections and running through all the last minute issues that crop up at this time. Watch out for the election results on the website during the afternoon and evening of June 5 to see the new political shape of the council.

Have a good weekend and talk again next week.

Carlton

Friday 22 May 2009

On Monday, as the CLT lead and Corporate Sponsor, I chaired the first meeting of the Workplace Transformation Programme Board. I am really excited about this following the approval at the IE on Wednesday of last week for this programme. As you will all be aware, 2008/09 was one of transition for all staff and services and we have always highlighted that the coming year would represent the beginning of transformation of our services as we develop to deliver improved customer outcomes and adapt to ensure we maximise the opportunities of the area working agenda and join our delivery up locally. Personally, I have already witnessed and heard from many of you about your desire to move forward with this.

A large part of the Workplace Transformation Programme will be focused on ensuring that we build on the exciting plans many services are already considering, such as the FOCUS Programme in adult social care and the development of enhanced approaches to Ways of Working to maximise the benefits and opportunities of flexible and mobile working. Now that members have confirmed that we should move forward based on a four hub model, which will ensure we are able to deliver high quality cost effective office accommodation that meets our future needs whilst delivering cashable savings for the council, I recognise the considerable engagement and involvement that will be required of staff across the council as this programme of activity will affect us all. As part of this, I and the other Corporate Directors have already identified a lead senior manager to represent our departments within the Programme. The Programme will run for five or more years with the initial phase, which is focused on Bourne Hill and the Salisbury area due to be fully competed by September 2010 and the Trowbridge hub by early 2014.

Now that members have approved the approach and we can be confident that funding is available I am keen that we launch the programme properly and this will include some large scale 'events' for staff over the next two or three months, starting with one for staff in Salisbury area that I hope will be held towards the end of June. This will be additional to the usual communication channels such as a regular series of briefing notes, DLT discussions and staff workshops. I am sure that as the programme develops we will not only improve the working environment and opportunities for all our staff, but will also be better placed to deliver in the ways that best meet the needs of our customers and allow us to respond positively to opportunities and challenges over the coming years.

Have a great bank holiday weekend and speak again next week.

Carlton

Thursday 14 May 2009

I'm writing this on Thursday this week as I'm due to be in London tomorrow at a meeting with fellow Directors from across the country. This is a good opportunity to showcase what we're achieving in Wiltshire as well as understanding what others are doing to meet the challenges that we all face. I must say that these challenges all appear to be finance-related over the next 3 years or so. More of this anon...

I chaired the weekly BMP/SAP Programme Board this morning with representatives from the change network in all departments. We have a consolidated list of issues with SAP that the programme team and departmental Change Champions are working through. SAP procurement is still the biggest issue, with the key concerns being: requisitioners that don't have the required SAP training, vendors missing from the system and managers not approving shopping carts quickly enough. The team are working to address these with the business. Interestingly, when I'm out in the departments there are many examples of the system and teams working very well with the new processes, but you always get these variations in major change programmes like this.

This weeks results from the appointments process were presented to the Implementation Executive yesterday. Another 30 or so people moved into new positions during the last week, so momentum is continuing. We will keep up the pressure on this.

I have had two visits from Directors from two unitaries - Central Bedfordshire and Enfield - this week. Both are interested to learn about how we have achieved LGR, SAP, Shared Services and our continued work on Systems Thinking / Lean. It's good to reflect that our national profile is raising steadily and Wiltshire is becoming known for cutting edge change and innovation. This can only improve the service we provide to our citizens and customers.

Thanks and talk again next week.

Have a good weekend.
Carlton