Friday 23 October 2009

It's been an important week this week with key decisions approved by Cabinet affecting the Resources Team.

The Work Place Transformation Programme received Cabinet approval, so we now start a 3.5 year programme to migrate staff and services from over 90 buildings down to less than 10 centred on our 4 hub model. This will save the authority over £85m during the next 25 years, and over £3m per year after the initial 2 year investment phase. Importantly it will provide our customers and staff with a modern environment within which to deliver excellent services.

Some of you may have seen Keith’s blog yesterday where he refers to the review of the senior management structure. As part of our drive to improve services and reduce costs we are undertaking this review, which was also considered by Cabinet this week.

The Corporate Plan for the next 4 years will focus on my Family, my Place, my Community and my Council rather than focus on individual services.

The launch of the area boards and the issues raised there has highlighted the need to work differently so that services can respond to the issues. This will mean stronger working across existing services or possible service amalgamations.

Structure reviews are already underway in the Department of Children and Education, Department of Community Services and have been completed in the Department of Resources on the lead in to One Council in April this year. The review, considered by Cabinet, looks at the Transport, Environment and Leisure (TEL) and Economic Development, Planning and Housing (EDPH) departments.

Another factor in reviewing our structure is the current economic downturn and the impact on income and the council's financial prospects make it more important than ever that we scrutinise costs. The review directly impacts on senior management and reducing the number of Corporate and Service Directors. It does not impact on front line service staff.

The appointment of a new Chief Executive will be key to implementing and delivering our vision and the senior management structure review will be shared and discussed with the successful candidate as soon as they are appointed.

Thanks for reading and talk again next week.

Carlton