BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
BUSINESS PLAN
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
2008-11
“To promote performance improvement good governance partnership working and high quality communication with all our
stakeholders”
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Introduction
This Plan serves a number of important functions – namely:
To show how the services within Corporate Development & Partnerships contribute to the Authority’s Corporate Plan, the Corporate Improvement Plan for 2008-11 and the Bridgend County Borough’s Community Strategy for 2005-16.
To show how the service contributes to the fundamental themes of equality and sustainability.
To note some key achievements of the past year and the challenges currently facing the service.
To identify priorities for future service development during the next three years.
To note key indicators by which the performance of services will be judged over the next three years, together with targets set for the indicators.
To allocate responsibility to managers for the attainment of priorities
To outline the revenue and capital budgets available for 2008-09 and how they will be targeted across different service areas.
Councillor David SageCabinet Member
David MacGregor Asst Chief Executive
July 2008
Contents
2
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Introduction................................................................................................................................................2Contents....................................................................................................................................................3Section 1 : Serving Our County Borough..................................................................................................4
Overall Aim & Services Provided...........................................................................................................4Corporate Objectives.............................................................................................................................5Corporate Themes.................................................................................................................................5Cross-cutting issues...............................................................................................................................6
Section 2 : Some Recent Key Achievements…........................................................................................9Key Achievements over the past year…................................................................................................9
Section 3 : Risks facing the Service........................................................................................................104a : Service Objectives........................................................................................................................114b : Action Plans..................................................................................................................................13Section 5a : Headline Performance Indicators......................................................................................22Section 6 : Revenue and capital budgets 2008/09..................................................................................23
Revenue Budget..................................................................................................................................23Section 7 : Contact Points.......................................................................................................................24
Contact Points for Each Service Area.................................................................................................24
3
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Section 1 : Serving Our County Borough
Overall Aim & Services Provided
Our overall aim is:
“To promote performance improvement, good governance, partnership working and high quality communication with all our stakeholders”
Corporate Development and Partnerships is made up of a group of service functions that form part of the Council’s “corporate centre”. Although relatively small, the functions embrace strategic and operational responsibilities and their potential impact is considerable. The functions are:
Service Area No. of Staff Policy & Performance Management 6 Overview & Scrutiny 5 Communications & Marketing 9 ACE & Admin 2
_______________Total 22
_______________ (as at 31 Mar 2008)
Further information on these services is available by contacting the Policy & Performance Management Unit on 01656 643213 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Contact points are also given later in Section 7.
4
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Corporate Objectives
The aims of the Community Strategy have been adopted as the Authority’s Corporate Objectives, and are;
1. Improve quality of life for all2. Protect and enhance our environment3. Increase prosperity4. Have safer communities5. Achieve a healthier County Borough6. Have a more inclusive County Borough
Corporate Themes
To provide more focus to these objectives the following Corporate Themes have been developed;
Creating Learning CommunitiesChildren Today, Adults TomorrowCaring for Our FutureRealising the Potential of Our Major TownsValuing Our ValleysDiverse and Sustainable EconomyOpportunities for our Disadvantaged Communities
5
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Cross-cutting issues
The Council is committed to improving our performance on the fundamental themes of equality and sustainability. WAG Guidance for Local Authorities on the Wales Programme for Improvement (circular 28/2005) includes a requirement that the Council measures progress towards equality and sustainability objectives.
Equality The Corporate Development & Partnerships service grouping will provide leadership and commitment on ‘Equality’ by setting out the council's policy and strategic direction on equality and social inclusion and by developing a Single Corporate Equality Scheme that will seek to mainstream equality into the Council’s strategic policy making, business planning and performance management processes. It will also support the Council’s governance structures for equality policy development and strategic management. A key objective for the service is to promote compliance with equalities legislation within the Council’s operational services.
SustainabilityCorporate Development & Partnerships works closely with the sustainable development officers in the Communities directorate to promote sustainable development in the wider context. This is evidenced by the number of actions being taken forward under the umbrella of the Corporate Plan that will reduce the Council’s carbon footprint, help deal with the impact of climate change and promote the concept of sustainable communities.
Customer CareCorporate Development & Partnerships supports the Customer Care Programme which includes a series of key, high level, customer care focused projects:
A single contact telephone number for the Council, Provision of 'outward facing' customer services from the Civic Offices Staff development on customer care issues New first contact arrangements Development of a transactional website, and Improved records management.
These projects are aimed at positively transforming Bridgend County Borough Council's relationship with all of its customers.
Corporate Development and Partnerships will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and support on the corporate communications, consultation and equalities aspects of the customer care agenda.
6
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Working in partnership with other agencies is an important part of our approach to service delivery and major partnerships include:
The Bridgend Local Service Board and its sub-structures (e.g. The Delivery Board)
The local strategic partnerships:
- Children and Young People Partnership- Community Safety Partnership (Safer Bridgend)- Never Too Old Action Team- Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership - Learning and Skills Network- Regeneration and Environment Partnership
The Welsh Local Government Association (e.g. Improvement Network, Scrutiny Champions Network)
The Local Government Data Unit (e.g. Ffynnon, Performance Indicators)
Relevant Major Policies and Partnerships to this business area include:
The Community Strategy The Corporate Plan The Corporate Improvement Plan Local Service Board Statutory equality schemes on race, disability and gender Statutory Welsh Language Scheme Bridgend Multi-Agency Equalities Forum Performance Management Framework Connecting South East Wales Partnership Board
Our services seek to support the Corporate Objectives and Themes – either directly or indirectly.
7
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Corporate Theme Directorate Priority
Description: Description:
Creating Learning Communities
Corporate Development & Partnerships provides support to
all other Directorates as they work towards meeting the Corporate Priority themes.
Specific priorities for the service grouping (see section 4a) are
aimed at ensuring that the support provided is of a high
standard.
Children Today, Adults Tomorrow
Caring for Our Future
Realising the Potential of Our Major Towns
Valuing Our Valleys
Diverse and Sustainable Economy
Opportunities for our Disadvantaged Communities
8
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Section 2 : Some Recent Key Achievements…
Key Achievements over the past year…
Policy and Performance Management
Introduction and co-ordination of Quarterly Business Reviews Development of Corporate Equality Policies and Plans including a Disability
Equality Scheme, Race Equality Scheme and Welsh Language Scheme Implementation of Performance Management Framework Development of Performance Measurement reporting tools Delivery of a Corporate Improvement Plan which is compliant with statutory
requirements Consultation Strategy
Communications & Marketing
Production of the community newspaper, the County Borough Bulletin Production of the internal staff newsletter, Bridgenders Production of various specalist publications in support of council projects Ongoing development of the corporate website, www.bridgend.gov.uk Development of the Bridgenders.net staff intranet site Creation of publicity campaigns for various council initiatives
.
Overview & Scrutiny
Completion of Committee Work Programmes prior to local government elections
Publication of comprehensive reports on specific issues, e.g. Night Time Economy
Formulation of proposals for the futher development of the Overview and Scrutiny function
9
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Section 3 : Risks facing the Service
The latest Risk Assessment identified the following challenges facing the Service:
Failure to develop a performance culture across the organisation
The Authority needs to ensure that all services have clear objectives and that arrangements are in place to monitor the actions needed to achieve these.
Failure by BCBC to comply with equalities legislation
The Authority must ensure that it is in compliance with public sector equalities duties on race, disability and gender.
Failure to develop Communications and Marketing
The Authority needs to promote consistency in the presentation of Bridgend County Borough Council’s corporate identity and improve the image of the Authority in the local community and with other stakeholders.
10
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
4a : Service Objectives
The Service Grouping has identified its key priorities for the next 3 years – which have been informed by Corporate Objectives, Corporate Themes and the outcome of the annual Risk Assessment process.
This table shows how Corporate Development & Partnerships aims to deliver its priorities by allocating objectives to its constituent Services. The Action Plan (4b) has been prepared to show how these objectives will be met by developing actions, allocating responsibility, targets and a method of measurement to each.
PRIORITY AREA SERVICE OBJECTIVE MANAGER
Policy and Performance Management
Promote the development of a Performance Culture across the organisation
DM
Promote compliance with Equalities legislation DM/LS
Develop consultation and participation mechanisms DM/RO
Co-ordinate / Support Partnership working and the Community Strategy process
DM/HH/SK
11
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
PRIORITY AREA SERVICE OBJECTIVE MANAGER
Communications & Marketing
Strengthen media relations MB
Develop internal and external communications MB/LR/FM
Transform the appearance and functionality of the website AP
Promotion of Corporate Identity DM/MB
PRIORITY AREA SERVICE OBJECTIVE MANAGER
Overview & Scrutiny Promote performance improvement and good governance through effective Overview and Scrutiny
DM/RK
12
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
4b : Action Plans
This section demonstrates how the key Service Objectives allocated in the preceding table (4a) will be achieved by identifying actions required and allocating responsibility for those actions to individuals. The table will be used throughout the period of the plan to monitor the achievement of those objectives.
Priority Area – Policy and Performance Management (from table 4a, above)
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENTRESOURCE
IMPLICATIONS
Promote the Development
of a Performance
Culture
Revise Performance Management Framework
More efficient processes and arrangements to deliver organisational objectives and monitor
performanceOctober 2008
Jemma Trivett
Report to Corporate
Management BoardStaff time
Coordinate development of 2008
Corporate Plan
A Corporate Plan that sets out the Council's priorities and provides a framework within which
Directorate Business Plans are developed to ensure that these expected outcomes are
achieved.
July 2008Dave
MacGregor
Report to Cabinet/Council
Publication of the Plan
Staff time
Commission Management
Development and Leadership
programmes
Higher standards of management and more consistent and improved performance across
the organisationAugust 2008
Dave MacGregor
Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs)
£50K approx2008/09
13
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENTRESOURCE
IMPLICATIONS
Promote the Development
of a Performance
Culture - continued
Introduce 360 appraisals based on the
new management standards or
competency framework.
Managers use the structured feedback on their assessment to help plan their personal
development needsJuly 2008
Dave MacGregor
Feedback Reports
Part of Management Development Programme
Budget
Coordinate development of 2008
Joint Risk Assessment
A Joint Risk Assessment agreed by the Council and the regulators that accurately reflects the key strategic risks facing the authority and the
action being taken to mitigate these. Implementation of planned actions.
September 2008
Dave MacGregor
Agreed Joint Risk Assessment
Staff time
Manage the development of the new
Improvement Agreement
An Improvement Agreement with WAG that is consistent with BCBC's requirements
December 2008
Dave MacGregor
Sign off of Improvement Agreement
Staff time
Coordinate Quarterly Business Reviews
Structured arrangements in place to monitor progress against organisational objectives and for senior managers to account for performance
of their services.
On goingDave
MacGregorQBRs Staff time
14
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENTRESOURCE
IMPLICATIONS
Promote the Development
of a Performance
Culture - continued
Quality Assure 2008-2011 Business Plans
Business Plans that are consistent with Corporate Plan and that provide a clear
framework for objectives and priorities to be set for operational managers/teams/units and
support the appraisal process.
August 2008
Dave MacGregor & Jemma
Trivett
Work undertaken Staff time
Develop 2008-2011 Corporate Improvement
Plan
A CIP that is built around the Corporate Plan and that assists secure improved performance
across the organisation.October 2008
Dave MacGregor
CIP audit Staff time
Work at securing improvement in 20% of
our Performance Indicators for 2008/09
35% of our PIs for 2008/09 in the upper quartile within Wales.
April 2009Dave
MacGregor
Data tables published by
WLGA
Coordinate implementation plan for
Ffynnon v.5
Ffynnon in use within BCBC as the corporate performance management system
Pilot by March 2009
Jemma Trivett
Ffynnon modules in use and working
Staff time
Develop a staff awards scheme
A staff awards scheme that enables us to celebrate successes within all parts of the
Council’s operations.
December 2008
Michelle Bower
Volume of nominations received and awards made
Staff time
Costs of awards / ceremony
15
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Priority Area – Policy and Performance Management (from table 4a, above)
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENT
RESOURCE IMPLICATION
S
Promote Compliance
with Equalities Legislation
Develop Single Equalities Scheme
Schemes in place that comply with legislation and with the requirements of the schemes
being worked to consistently across the organisation
April 2009
Linda Smith
Schemes published
Staff timeRevise BCBC’s
Disability Equality Scheme
June 2008
Develop Race Equality Scheme June 2008
Undertake independent review of equality and diversity policy and practice
Identification of risk areas and priorities for follow up action
September 2008
Dave MacGregor
Consideration by CEMG
Actions to be financed from
current budgets
Commission Corporate Equality & Diversity
training for managers and staff
Improved levels of compliance with requirements. Increased awareness and
understanding of the obligations of managers and staff
March 2009Linda Smith
Targeted staff groups engaged in
training
Numbers not yet known – costs to be contained
within budgets available
Revise Welsh Language scheme and implement action plan
BCBC in compliance with statutory requirements
September 2008
Stewart Kelly
Cabinet Committee to evaluate progress
Costs to be met within
current budgets
16
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Priority Area – Policy and Performance Management (from table 4a, above)
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENTRESOURCE
IMPLICATIONS
Develop Consultation
and Participation Mechanisms
Revise BCBC’s Consultation Strategy & Best Practice Guide
All Directorates compliant with corporate standards
March 2009Rachel Owen
Publication of revised strategy
Staff time
Undertake Staff Consultation (climate
survey)
Better information on the workforce attitude towards the improvement agenda and the work
related issues that are important to themMarch 2009
Rachel Owen
( supporting TG)
Response rate Staff time
Explore potential for extending range of
options for engaging with citizens
Robust arrangements in place to ensure the Council has meaningful and appropriate
engagement with specific stakeholders and the local community
March 2009Rachel Owen
Options appraisal
Develop a Consultation Database
Improved coordination and monitoring of consultation activity
March 2009Rachel Owen
Corporate Register of consultation activity in place
Staff time
Manage and deliver the Pilot KAFKA project
Better understanding of the processes service users face that require action to improve the
customer experience.
December 2009
Stewart Kelly
KAFKA review meeting
Staff time
17
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLAMNED ACTION/DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALE
LEAD OFFICER
METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
RESOURCE IMPLICATION
S
Co-ordinate / Support
Partnership Working and
the Community
Strategy Process
Revise the Bridgend Community Strategy
A new Community Strategy owned by the LSB that has real meaning and sets the scene for future interagency service development and
delivery.April 2009
Helen Hammond
Adoption by the LSB
Staff time
Support the development of the new Bridgend Local
Service Board.Bridgend LSB functioning effectively and seen
as a good model of partnership working
On-goingHelen
HammondNew Community
StrategyStaff time
Programme Management Support for LSB and Delivery
BoardOn-going
Stewart Kelly
Extent to which Local Service
Board priorities are delivered
Staff time
Develop local forums on a phased basis until
September 2011
Forums in place across the whole of BCBC that provide quality engagement with communities on identification of needs and mechanisms for
addressing these.
On-going to September
2011
Dave MacGregor
& Helen Hammond
Numbers of forums established and
workingStaff time
Begin to develop data observatory
Observatory in place that holds an up to date range of statistical and other data to support service planning, bids etc. This will save a
number of staff time researching this data as and when needed.
On-goingStewart
Kelly
Via the range of data held within the
observatoryStaff time
18
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Service Area – Communications and Marketing (from table 4a, above)
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENT
RESOURCE IMPLICATION
S
Strengthen Media Relations
Increase range and quality of press
releases; develop relationship with
editors and proactively promote the Authority and its achievements
Improved perception of the Council by the local community and other stakeholders
December 2008
Liam Ronan / Michelle Bower
Volume of media releases issued
Staff time
Development of Internal and
External Communication
s
Revise format/design and improve quality of content of the Bulletin
Maximise the PR potential of this publication delivered to every household within the County
Borough.
December 2008
Liam Ronan / Michelle Bower /
Allan Powell
Feedback survey Staff time
Revise format/design and improve quality of
content of the Bridgenders
Improved arrangements for communicating with staff
December 2008
Michelle Bower /
Fay Morley / Alan Powell
Staff feedback Staff time
Develop Corporate Communications Plan
Clear vision and direction for the Council's Public relations function
March 2009Michelle Bower /
Fay Morley
Plan agreedStaff time
19
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Service Area – Communications and Marketing (from table 4a, above)
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOMETIMESCAL
ELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENTRESOURCE
IMPLICATIONS
Transform the Appearance and Functionality of
the BCBC Website
Develop design concepts, consult main stakeholders, develop
plan and key milestones for new bilingual website.
New bilingual website with interactive and transactional functionality
March 2009Alan
Powell/Carol Griffiths
Extent of functionality
changed/improved
Staff time and translation
costs
Promotion of Corporate
Identity
Establish the corporate marketing team and
develop marketing plan
Improved coordination of marketing activity and use of resources
March 2009Michelle Bower
Marketing Plan agreed with
servicesStaff time
Develop brand guidelines and monitor/support
Corporate adherence
Greater consistency in the presentation of the BCBC corporate identity in all the
Council's publications, marketing activity and signage
June 2009 and on-going
Alan Powell Compliance audits Staff time
20
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Priority Area – Overview and Scrutiny (from table 4a, above)
SERVICE OBJECTIVE
PLANNED ACTION DESIRED OUTCOME TIMESCALELEAD
OFFICERMETHOD OF
MEASUREMENTRESOURCE
IMPLICATIONS
Promote Performance Improvement
and Good Governance
through Effective
Overview and Scrutiny
Revise structure and roles and
responsibilities of Scrutiny Committees
New committees established with stronger terms of reference
October 2008
Rebecca David-Knight
Council decision Staff time
Develop outcome focussed Scrutiny Committee Work
Programmes
New work programmes agreed for Committees and Review Panels
December 2008
Number of recommendations
adopted by CabinetStaff time
Ensure Members are provided with Training
and Development Opportunities to assist them discharge their
'Scrutiny' role
Training programme developed based on a sound analysis of needs
On-goingFeedback from
members re quality of training provided
Staff time
21
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Section 5a : Headline Performance Indicators
The following have been identified as key indicators for evaluating performance in each service area:
Link To Corp
ThemeService Ref No.
Indicator Type Indicator Description
2006/07 Performance
2007/08 Performance
2007/08 Welsh Avge.
2008/09 Target
Supports all
Applicable to all
CLPI-01Corporate
Local
The percentage of staff appraisals completed within the
year.90%
Supports all
CHR-002 Core
The number of working days/shifts per full time
equivalent (FTE) employee lost due to sickness absence.
11.6 7
22
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Section 6 : Revenue and capital budgets 2008/09Revenue Budget
2008/09
SERVICE AREAEmployees Pay
& Related Costs
Non PayGross
ExpenditureIncome
NetExpenditure
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Policy and Performance Management 294 119 413 - 413
Communications and Marketing * 373 237 610 (256) 354
Scrutiny 171 7 178 - 178
Senior Management and Business Support
181 102 283 - 283
Total 1,019 465 1,484 (256) 1,228
* NB. Figures to be adjusted when costs and recharges of design unit are agreed / finalised.
23
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
Section 7 : Contact Points
Contact Points for Each Service Area
If you require further information about the services – please contact:
Policy & Performance Management
Assistant Chief Executive: David MacGregor, [email protected] 1656 643 307
Communications & Marketing
Communications & Marketing Manager: Michelle Bower, [email protected] 01656 643648
Overview & Scrutiny
Scrutiny Manager: Rebecca David-Knight, [email protected] 01656 643613
24
Top Related