What a year 2011 has been. I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone and how much has happened. There is often little time for reflection when the pace is so fast, but I have taken some time to look back on what we have achieved this year.
We have done so much to be proud of and we have done this whilst we manage constant change.
We have managed our budget really well following the cuts in government grant funding and unlike many other local authorities we have minimised the impact on our front line services. It is your innovative and creative ideas and approach that has meant we can deliver our key services differently. Take our libraries as an example; we have managed to keep all of these open, and, in some cases for longer hours, as a result of recruiting local volunteers, we now have over 600 – which is outstanding!
We are also looking at how we will deliver other services in a new and more responsive way. Our youth service is an example where young people want to influence the services where they live and be able to access facilities for young people. Working with young people and volunteers we won’t be closing any youth centres.
Our huge programme to reduce and transform our buildings and offices has had an impact on many of you and I recognise that whilst this is unsettling the end result will be worth it. The programme delivers savings for our tax payers, and new, modern offices that will be better for our customers and all of us. The recent opening of family resource centres in Devizes and Trowbridge highlight how buildings can be adapted for multipurpose use and are a wonderful place to help those who are the most vulnerable.
It is difficult for me to talk about all the things we have achieved as there really have been so many. This year we have introduced the new and improved waste collection service; we have managed the bad weather and looked after the most vulnerable in our communities. We have changed our approach to working with communities and our campus programme has seen us hand over the reins to community groups to discuss and decide what services they need, where they need them, and how these can be best provided. The first three campus developments have recently been approved by my cabinet. These will be in Melksham, Salisbury and Corsham and work will get underway on these soon.
Our area boards are going from strength to strength and communities are doing more for themselves. Our grants are helping to make things happen and we have had some highlights this year including seeing Cricklade win the Champion of Champions for Britain in Bloom and seeing Wootton Bassett awarded Royal status in recognition of the local community commemorating the many soldiers repatriated through the town centre.
I realise that we often focus on the front line service areas and that our support services do not always receive the recognition for the outstanding work that they do and a lot of what we do is successful because we have built good relationships with many of our partners. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of you for your hard work and commitment throughout this year.
Your contribution to making a real difference to all the people in our communities fills me with pride and I know that Wiltshire Council is a success because of you and the way we do things.
Next year will continue to be both challenging and exciting. We will continue to invest in our key services, protect the most vulnerable in our communities and make efficiencies of £36 million and 2012 will be a year of celebration and a very important year as Wiltshire will be in the worldwide spotlight and we can leave lasting and positive memories for all who live here.
The Olympic Torch relay and the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to reinvigorate our local economy, showcase what makes Wiltshire so special and to reignite and grow our sense of real community spirit.
Next summer will see many events, activities and celebrations across the county and with your continued commitment, enthusiasm and support I know we can help to make 2012 a truly outstanding year.
I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year at the forthcoming staff forums. In the meantime, I wish you a very happy and peaceful seasonal break and a big thank you to all of you who will continue to provide the critical services for our communities during this festive break.
Jane
Wednesday 21 December 2011
Friday 9 December 2011
Friday 9 December
Can I start by apologising for not updating my blog before now - I really don’t know where the time goes and I often feel like there are not enough hours in a day to do all the things that need doing.
Since my last blog a lot has happened. The new leadership team is in place and working well together focusing on the key priorities for their first 90 days and next year. They have been working closely with me and my cabinet on next year’s budget, and as you may be aware next year we need to make efficiencies of £36 million. Whilst this is a challenge, the team is focused on delivering savings that minimise the impact on our front line services and makes the savings through reviewing many of our service areas including our administrative and business support.
The team has also been presenting with me to all our managers at forums in Salisbury and Chippenham. So far we have met over 500 managers and the forums have had really positive feedback. These events have included an update on where the council is heading, the key priorities and how we will be working together to deliver these. We have welcomed questions and ideas on how we improve in some areas, and the team is already working on some of the ideas. In January we will be meeting staff at a number of forums and I’m looking forward to hearing your views on how we’re doing.
Last week I attended the Wiltshire Assembly, which brings together private and public sector organisations to look at the issues affecting Wiltshire. The event, which was held in Salisbury, was one of the best assemblies so far. The key note speaker, Cormack Russell was really inspiring and talked about how we can really work with communities and get them involved in what we do and help them to do more to help themselves. I was particularly impressed with his view that we should stop focusing on issues and problems and what’s negative in local areas, but instead focus on the positive and assess the strengths and skills that are in abundance in our communities and look at how we use these to do more and improve life in Wiltshire. He also has a theory that if you want to get communities together to inspire them and to take actions then don’t arrange a meeting, hold a party as more people will come to a party and get involved!
Certainly, this is food for thought for next year. 2012 will be a year of celebration and we are talking to all our local communities to encourage them to do something to celebrate and mark the events happening in 2012. Plans are starting to come together for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and for the Olympic Torch Relay. Now that the relay route has been announced we are working with communities to encourage participation in their towns to animate the route as the torch bearers run through and to select their local talent to perform on a stage, which will be erected in Hudson’s Field in Salisbury. We are also working closely with the Lord Lieutenant on a big event at Salisbury Cathedral in early May, where all our communities will be invited to promote what makes them unique.
We really want to showcase Wiltshire next year and there will be many opportunities for communities to do this. I am really positive that 2012 will provide the opportunity to reinvigorate our local areas and communities and already the enthusiasm is spreading and lots of ideas are being generated. Many area boards are committing funding to support community groups and we will be offering help to make hosting an event or street party easy.
Next year will be busy, and I envisage a big community party where people come together to make Wiltshire a better and stronger place. I promise to try and blog more often as there is so much to keep you updated on!
Jane
Since my last blog a lot has happened. The new leadership team is in place and working well together focusing on the key priorities for their first 90 days and next year. They have been working closely with me and my cabinet on next year’s budget, and as you may be aware next year we need to make efficiencies of £36 million. Whilst this is a challenge, the team is focused on delivering savings that minimise the impact on our front line services and makes the savings through reviewing many of our service areas including our administrative and business support.
The team has also been presenting with me to all our managers at forums in Salisbury and Chippenham. So far we have met over 500 managers and the forums have had really positive feedback. These events have included an update on where the council is heading, the key priorities and how we will be working together to deliver these. We have welcomed questions and ideas on how we improve in some areas, and the team is already working on some of the ideas. In January we will be meeting staff at a number of forums and I’m looking forward to hearing your views on how we’re doing.
Last week I attended the Wiltshire Assembly, which brings together private and public sector organisations to look at the issues affecting Wiltshire. The event, which was held in Salisbury, was one of the best assemblies so far. The key note speaker, Cormack Russell was really inspiring and talked about how we can really work with communities and get them involved in what we do and help them to do more to help themselves. I was particularly impressed with his view that we should stop focusing on issues and problems and what’s negative in local areas, but instead focus on the positive and assess the strengths and skills that are in abundance in our communities and look at how we use these to do more and improve life in Wiltshire. He also has a theory that if you want to get communities together to inspire them and to take actions then don’t arrange a meeting, hold a party as more people will come to a party and get involved!
Certainly, this is food for thought for next year. 2012 will be a year of celebration and we are talking to all our local communities to encourage them to do something to celebrate and mark the events happening in 2012. Plans are starting to come together for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and for the Olympic Torch Relay. Now that the relay route has been announced we are working with communities to encourage participation in their towns to animate the route as the torch bearers run through and to select their local talent to perform on a stage, which will be erected in Hudson’s Field in Salisbury. We are also working closely with the Lord Lieutenant on a big event at Salisbury Cathedral in early May, where all our communities will be invited to promote what makes them unique.
We really want to showcase Wiltshire next year and there will be many opportunities for communities to do this. I am really positive that 2012 will provide the opportunity to reinvigorate our local areas and communities and already the enthusiasm is spreading and lots of ideas are being generated. Many area boards are committing funding to support community groups and we will be offering help to make hosting an event or street party easy.
Next year will be busy, and I envisage a big community party where people come together to make Wiltshire a better and stronger place. I promise to try and blog more often as there is so much to keep you updated on!
Jane
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Following John Thomson’s update last week on the decision of the Officer Appointments Committee to appoint Sue, Carolyn and Carlton as the three corporate directors, I thought it may be helpful to update on decisions made by full council yesterday (8 November).
Members of Wiltshire Council agreed to remove the post of chief executive. Andrew Kerr’s application for voluntary redundancy was considered and agreed. The terms of his dismissal and redundancy were approved in line with the council’s redundancy policy.
Members also agreed to appoint the service director for human resources, Barry Pirie as the head of paid service and to appoint corporate director, Carlton Brand as the council’s Returning Officer.
The terms of Andrew Kerr’s redundancy were not disclosed as this is personal information and due to data protection cannot be published at this time without Andrew’s consent. The information will be made public when the council’s end of year accounts are published next June.
The three newly appointed corporate directors, Sue, Carolyn and Carlton will jointly provide leadership to council staff, working closely with me and my cabinet members.
They are currently looking at the reporting lines and areas of responsibility and will take into account the comments and views that you put forward during the consultation period on the structure proposals.
As I mentioned in my last blog we are planning a series of manager and staff forums starting on 25 November, and you will all be expected to attend one of the forums. This will be an opportunity for all of you to meet the new team and find out more about the direction of the council and our plans for the future, and how the new team will work with you to deliver these plans. I look forward to seeing you all at these forums.
In the meantime, I am so pleased that Wiltshire will be in the spotlight next year following the announcement this week that the Olympic Torch will be visiting sixteen of our towns and villages, including a lunchtime stop in Trowbridge and an evening event in Salisbury.
This is a real opportunity for us to work with our communities to showcase what makes Wiltshire unique and special, to reinvigorate our local economy and encourage and inspire communities to come together in celebration.
More about next year at the forums…
Jane
Members of Wiltshire Council agreed to remove the post of chief executive. Andrew Kerr’s application for voluntary redundancy was considered and agreed. The terms of his dismissal and redundancy were approved in line with the council’s redundancy policy.
Members also agreed to appoint the service director for human resources, Barry Pirie as the head of paid service and to appoint corporate director, Carlton Brand as the council’s Returning Officer.
The terms of Andrew Kerr’s redundancy were not disclosed as this is personal information and due to data protection cannot be published at this time without Andrew’s consent. The information will be made public when the council’s end of year accounts are published next June.
The three newly appointed corporate directors, Sue, Carolyn and Carlton will jointly provide leadership to council staff, working closely with me and my cabinet members.
They are currently looking at the reporting lines and areas of responsibility and will take into account the comments and views that you put forward during the consultation period on the structure proposals.
As I mentioned in my last blog we are planning a series of manager and staff forums starting on 25 November, and you will all be expected to attend one of the forums. This will be an opportunity for all of you to meet the new team and find out more about the direction of the council and our plans for the future, and how the new team will work with you to deliver these plans. I look forward to seeing you all at these forums.
In the meantime, I am so pleased that Wiltshire will be in the spotlight next year following the announcement this week that the Olympic Torch will be visiting sixteen of our towns and villages, including a lunchtime stop in Trowbridge and an evening event in Salisbury.
This is a real opportunity for us to work with our communities to showcase what makes Wiltshire unique and special, to reinvigorate our local economy and encourage and inspire communities to come together in celebration.
More about next year at the forums…
Jane
Monday 24 October 2011
24 October 2011
Hello everyone
I thought it may be useful to update you following the decision at cabinet on Thursday 6 October to implement a new senior management model. The implementation of the new model is progressing well. Andrew Kerr has taken the option to apply for voluntary redundancy. Any recommendation concerning his dismissal on the grounds of redundancy will be subject to confirmation by Council when it meets on 8 November.
The cabinet also agreed to recommend Council to agree that the service director human resources will be designated the head of paid service. Other necessary changes to the constitution and the appointment of Returning Officer, as a result of the new model, will also be considered by Council on 8 November. None of the four corporate directors have applied for voluntary redundancy. The officer appointments panel will, therefore, meet on 31 October and 1 November to determine appointments to the three corporate director posts.
It is anticipated that the new leadership team will be in place by the end of November. One of their first tasks will be to review the comments submitted by some of you during the consultation process and to agree the reporting lines and areas of responsibility for each director.The appointed corporate directors and I are planning a series of manager and staff forums starting in late November. This will provide an opportunity for all of you to meet the new team and hear more about the direction of the council and the key priorities that we will be focusing on.
In the meantime, it has been business as usual and I would like to thank you all for your hard work and commitment during this period. And, whilst I’ve said it’s been business as usual, there has been some extraordinary business too!
I was fortunate enough to be invited to two historical events in Wiltshire that took place recently.
The first, on Saturday 15 October, was the inauguration of the new Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Roderick Holtam, who was enthroned and commenced his public ministry in the Diocese. Young people from Wiltshire played a large part singing at his enthronement. The formal cathedral ceremony was a ticket-only event and I was delighted to attend along with representatives from the 200 Church of England schools within the Diocese.
The second event was on Sunday 16 October, and many of you may have seen the media coverage on Wootton Bassett receiving the letters patent on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and becoming Royal Wootton Bassett. This made the town the first in more than 100 years to be given the title of "Royal" in recognition of its efforts to honour the UK's war dead.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal presented the award at the official ceremony, which was also attended by Prime Minister David Cameron and Philip Hammond, the new Defence Secretary, making his first public appearance in the role following the resignation of Liam Fox. Gen Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the General Staff and professional head of the Army, also attended. As Princess Anne took the stand a Royal Air Force C-17 transport roared low overhead, following the route taken by the corteges. A minute's silence followed.
Princess Anne stated that “This community has come together in the most extraordinary way. I am privileged to be allowed to add my thanks to those of Her Majesty and the whole country for the example you set in respecting with dignity the losses that this country's operational responsibilities have forced upon us.”
Young and old equipped themselves with Union Flags for the two-hour ceremony, culminating in a march-past led by the band of the Royal Marines, complete with a second flypast by a C-130 Hercules and then later in the day a display by Britain's last airworthy Vulcan.
The day was poignant, emotional and a wonderful example of a community that came together to honour the high price paid by our Armed Forces. Paul Heaphy, the town's mayor said "This is not a day for celebration but one for commemoration, one of recognition, and one to mark the beginning of a new chapter for our town. We did not ask for recognition and we find the attention rather humbling."
From my point of view, the town did the most wonderful job and the day was history in the making. All ages gathered to watch and remember the reason why such an honour was being bestowed. I was so proud to be part of such an occasion and have said well done to all those who made it both special and extraordinary.
I will keep you all updated over the next couple of weeks of the corporate director appointments.
Jane
I thought it may be useful to update you following the decision at cabinet on Thursday 6 October to implement a new senior management model. The implementation of the new model is progressing well. Andrew Kerr has taken the option to apply for voluntary redundancy. Any recommendation concerning his dismissal on the grounds of redundancy will be subject to confirmation by Council when it meets on 8 November.
The cabinet also agreed to recommend Council to agree that the service director human resources will be designated the head of paid service. Other necessary changes to the constitution and the appointment of Returning Officer, as a result of the new model, will also be considered by Council on 8 November. None of the four corporate directors have applied for voluntary redundancy. The officer appointments panel will, therefore, meet on 31 October and 1 November to determine appointments to the three corporate director posts.
It is anticipated that the new leadership team will be in place by the end of November. One of their first tasks will be to review the comments submitted by some of you during the consultation process and to agree the reporting lines and areas of responsibility for each director.The appointed corporate directors and I are planning a series of manager and staff forums starting in late November. This will provide an opportunity for all of you to meet the new team and hear more about the direction of the council and the key priorities that we will be focusing on.
In the meantime, it has been business as usual and I would like to thank you all for your hard work and commitment during this period. And, whilst I’ve said it’s been business as usual, there has been some extraordinary business too!
I was fortunate enough to be invited to two historical events in Wiltshire that took place recently.
The first, on Saturday 15 October, was the inauguration of the new Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Roderick Holtam, who was enthroned and commenced his public ministry in the Diocese. Young people from Wiltshire played a large part singing at his enthronement. The formal cathedral ceremony was a ticket-only event and I was delighted to attend along with representatives from the 200 Church of England schools within the Diocese.
The second event was on Sunday 16 October, and many of you may have seen the media coverage on Wootton Bassett receiving the letters patent on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and becoming Royal Wootton Bassett. This made the town the first in more than 100 years to be given the title of "Royal" in recognition of its efforts to honour the UK's war dead.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal presented the award at the official ceremony, which was also attended by Prime Minister David Cameron and Philip Hammond, the new Defence Secretary, making his first public appearance in the role following the resignation of Liam Fox. Gen Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the General Staff and professional head of the Army, also attended. As Princess Anne took the stand a Royal Air Force C-17 transport roared low overhead, following the route taken by the corteges. A minute's silence followed.
Princess Anne stated that “This community has come together in the most extraordinary way. I am privileged to be allowed to add my thanks to those of Her Majesty and the whole country for the example you set in respecting with dignity the losses that this country's operational responsibilities have forced upon us.”
Young and old equipped themselves with Union Flags for the two-hour ceremony, culminating in a march-past led by the band of the Royal Marines, complete with a second flypast by a C-130 Hercules and then later in the day a display by Britain's last airworthy Vulcan.
The day was poignant, emotional and a wonderful example of a community that came together to honour the high price paid by our Armed Forces. Paul Heaphy, the town's mayor said "This is not a day for celebration but one for commemoration, one of recognition, and one to mark the beginning of a new chapter for our town. We did not ask for recognition and we find the attention rather humbling."
From my point of view, the town did the most wonderful job and the day was history in the making. All ages gathered to watch and remember the reason why such an honour was being bestowed. I was so proud to be part of such an occasion and have said well done to all those who made it both special and extraordinary.
I will keep you all updated over the next couple of weeks of the corporate director appointments.
Jane
Friday 7 October 2011
Friday 7 October
You will all be aware that cabinet met yesterday (Thursday 6 October) to discuss the proposal for a radical senior management restructure which underlines our commitment to protecting vital services for our communities.
We considered feedback submitted during the consultation period, before agreeing the new model which deletes the post of chief executive and reduces the number of corporate directors from four to three making year-on-year savings of £500,000.
This decision is a reflection of the strong position that the council is in, and the strategic plan that it has, setting out how we will manage the challenges we face over the next few years. Our key priority is to continue to deliver front line services and minimise reducing resource in these services. The focus will be less on strategy and more on delivery. The decision is a commitment to deliver what is right for the people of Wiltshire.
The implementation of this decision and its implications for particular individuals will be considered separately by the Senior Officer’s Employment Sub-Committee and the Officer Appointments Committee. As part of the agreed process the chief executive and corporate directors will have the option of applying for voluntary redundancy. Any recommendation concerning the dismissal of the chief executive on the grounds of redundancy is subject to confirmation by Council.
It is anticipated that the new leadership team will be in place in November.
Our decision today demonstrates that we will not avoid making tough decisions if we believe that they are right for our communities. We will now focus on delivering our business plan and what is needed for the people of Wiltshire.
We will always do what we believe is right for Wiltshire’s communities and if it means being a radical local authority which leads the way then that is what we will be.
The cabinet also agreed to recommend the Council to agree that the service director human resources will be designated the head of paid service. Other necessary changes to the constitution will be considered by Council on 8 November.
Jane
We considered feedback submitted during the consultation period, before agreeing the new model which deletes the post of chief executive and reduces the number of corporate directors from four to three making year-on-year savings of £500,000.
This decision is a reflection of the strong position that the council is in, and the strategic plan that it has, setting out how we will manage the challenges we face over the next few years. Our key priority is to continue to deliver front line services and minimise reducing resource in these services. The focus will be less on strategy and more on delivery. The decision is a commitment to deliver what is right for the people of Wiltshire.
The implementation of this decision and its implications for particular individuals will be considered separately by the Senior Officer’s Employment Sub-Committee and the Officer Appointments Committee. As part of the agreed process the chief executive and corporate directors will have the option of applying for voluntary redundancy. Any recommendation concerning the dismissal of the chief executive on the grounds of redundancy is subject to confirmation by Council.
It is anticipated that the new leadership team will be in place in November.
Our decision today demonstrates that we will not avoid making tough decisions if we believe that they are right for our communities. We will now focus on delivering our business plan and what is needed for the people of Wiltshire.
We will always do what we believe is right for Wiltshire’s communities and if it means being a radical local authority which leads the way then that is what we will be.
The cabinet also agreed to recommend the Council to agree that the service director human resources will be designated the head of paid service. Other necessary changes to the constitution will be considered by Council on 8 November.
Jane
Thursday 6 October 2011
Cabinet decision - management restructure
You will all be aware that cabinet met today to discuss the proposal for a radical senior management restructure which underlines our commitment to protecting vital services for our communities.
We considered feedback submitted during the consultation period, before agreeing the new model which deletes the post of chief executive and reduces the number of corporate directors from four to three making year-on-year savings of £500,000.
This decision is a reflection of the strong position that the council is in, and the strategic plan that it has, setting out how we will manage the challenges we face over the next few years. Our key priority is to continue to deliver front line services and minimise reducing resource in these services. The focus will be less on strategy and more on delivery. The decision is a commitment to deliver what is right for the people of Wiltshire.
The implementation of this decision and its implications for particular individuals will be considered separately by the Senior Officer’s Employment Sub-Committee and the Officer Appointments Committee. As part of the agreed process the chief executive and corporate directors will have the option of applying for voluntary redundancy. Any recommendation concerning the dismissal of the chief executive on the grounds of redundancy is subject to confirmation by Council.
It is anticipated that the new leadership team will be in place in November.
Our decision today demonstrates that we will not avoid making tough decisions if we believe that they are right for our communities. We will now focus on delivering our business plan and what is needed for the people of Wiltshire.
We will always do what we believe is right for Wiltshire’s communities and if it means being a radical local authority which leads the way then that is what we will be.
The cabinet also agreed to recommend the Council to agree that the service director human resources will be designated the head of paid service. Other necessary changes to the constitution will be considered by Council on 8 November.
Jane
We considered feedback submitted during the consultation period, before agreeing the new model which deletes the post of chief executive and reduces the number of corporate directors from four to three making year-on-year savings of £500,000.
This decision is a reflection of the strong position that the council is in, and the strategic plan that it has, setting out how we will manage the challenges we face over the next few years. Our key priority is to continue to deliver front line services and minimise reducing resource in these services. The focus will be less on strategy and more on delivery. The decision is a commitment to deliver what is right for the people of Wiltshire.
The implementation of this decision and its implications for particular individuals will be considered separately by the Senior Officer’s Employment Sub-Committee and the Officer Appointments Committee. As part of the agreed process the chief executive and corporate directors will have the option of applying for voluntary redundancy. Any recommendation concerning the dismissal of the chief executive on the grounds of redundancy is subject to confirmation by Council.
It is anticipated that the new leadership team will be in place in November.
Our decision today demonstrates that we will not avoid making tough decisions if we believe that they are right for our communities. We will now focus on delivering our business plan and what is needed for the people of Wiltshire.
We will always do what we believe is right for Wiltshire’s communities and if it means being a radical local authority which leads the way then that is what we will be.
The cabinet also agreed to recommend the Council to agree that the service director human resources will be designated the head of paid service. Other necessary changes to the constitution will be considered by Council on 8 November.
Jane
Thursday 29 September 2011
Thursday 29 September
Hello everyone, I just wanted to update you that the report on the proposal for a new senior management structure has been published and is available on our website.
The cabinet will meet on Thursday 6 October to consider the report. I would like to say thank you to all of you who submitted your views and thoughts on the proposed structure, which I have considered in the preparation of the report.
The proposal is a reflection of the strong position that we are currently in. We have a clear strategic plan for the next few years; our four year business plan sets out how we intend to manage the challenges we face and we have a strong and highly skilled management team. Our key priority now is to make sure that we focus on delivering this plan.
It is in this context that a new senior management model is proposed. It is critical that we continue to deliver our front line services and to minimise the reduction of resources in these service areas. Our focus will be less on strategy and more on delivery.
I would not have put forward such a proposal unless I firmly believed in all of you, and your commitment to deliver what's right for the people of Wiltshire.
I will be in touch again soon.
Jane
The cabinet will meet on Thursday 6 October to consider the report. I would like to say thank you to all of you who submitted your views and thoughts on the proposed structure, which I have considered in the preparation of the report.
The proposal is a reflection of the strong position that we are currently in. We have a clear strategic plan for the next few years; our four year business plan sets out how we intend to manage the challenges we face and we have a strong and highly skilled management team. Our key priority now is to make sure that we focus on delivering this plan.
It is in this context that a new senior management model is proposed. It is critical that we continue to deliver our front line services and to minimise the reduction of resources in these service areas. Our focus will be less on strategy and more on delivery.
I would not have put forward such a proposal unless I firmly believed in all of you, and your commitment to deliver what's right for the people of Wiltshire.
I will be in touch again soon.
Jane
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Hello everyone... I am writing this blog in Lincoln, where I am currently part of a peer review team, piloting the government’s new assessment model for local authorities’ performance and standards.
Meanwhile, we (Wiltshire) continue to be in the media spotlight and some of you may have seen the Politics Show on Sunday, where we were featured for our transformational approach in proposing a new structure that removes the post of chief executive. The coverage made it clear that we will be of national interest if the proposal is agreed, to see how it works, so we will continue to be of media interest for some time. I was also interviewed by the Local Government Chronicle last week and an article will be published in this week’s edition.
Thank you to all of you who have submitted your views and thoughts on the proposed structure. The consultation period ends today and all the comments received will be considered as part of the report that will go to a special Cabinet meeting on 6 October. The date reflects the time needed to consider your comments and any alternative proposal that may be received.
I am aware that some of you have asked about the principles behind the proposal, particularly regarding the structure chart published on my last blog entry. The report to cabinet will cover this in more detail, but the key principles are;
· To focus on the delivery of our 4-year business plan
· To deliver transformational change and improvement programmes
· To focus on communities and people and not on services
· To adopt a corporate approach and remove silo thinking and working
· To develop one culture that reflects our values
· To make savings of £500,000 from strategic posts and not delivery posts
As I said last week, I would not have put forward such a proposal without the confidence in all of you and your hard work and commitment in delivering what’s right for the people of Wiltshire. This combined with our clear vision and plans for the next four years places us in a position of strength to be able to consider this new model.
I will be in touch again soon.
Jane.
Friday 16 September 2011
Friday 16 September 2011
Well what a week! We have been in the media spotlight and I suspect this will continue for some time. I have been asked by local and national media about the proposal for a different leadership model and, my response, which I hope you may have read or heard, is that I fundamentally believe that the council is in a position of strength, and that we have all the strategic plans in place and can now focus on delivery and do what’s best for the people of Wiltshire. That is why the proposal makes the savings of £500,000 from the senior strategic posts and not from delivery posts elsewhere in the organisation.
I am also being asked, a lot, about who will lead the organisation. I am quite clear that the leadership of the council is the politicians who set the vision, direction and policies for the council, and that the corporate leadership team manages the plans and resources to deliver this vision.
The cabinet works closely with the corporate leadership team and this will continue. Together they will ensure that the 4 year business plan is delivered, the budget is managed and that we promote a culture that places our customer first, that focuses on communities and a can-do approach to everything we do.
The proposed new model will continue with this the close working arrangement and will provide clear and robust leadership.
Lots of you have submitted comments on the proposal, thank you for this feedback. The consultation period ends on 21 September and all your views will be taken into account as part of the process.
I would just like to take this opportunity to reiterate what the corporate leadership team said earlier this week, that it is the strength of your hard work and commitment to delivering excellent services, combined with our clear vision and plans for the next four years that has placed the council in a position of strength to be able to consider a structure that promotes this new model.
Have a good weekend everyone and I will be in touch again on Monday.
Jane.
I am also being asked, a lot, about who will lead the organisation. I am quite clear that the leadership of the council is the politicians who set the vision, direction and policies for the council, and that the corporate leadership team manages the plans and resources to deliver this vision.
The cabinet works closely with the corporate leadership team and this will continue. Together they will ensure that the 4 year business plan is delivered, the budget is managed and that we promote a culture that places our customer first, that focuses on communities and a can-do approach to everything we do.
The proposed new model will continue with this the close working arrangement and will provide clear and robust leadership.
Lots of you have submitted comments on the proposal, thank you for this feedback. The consultation period ends on 21 September and all your views will be taken into account as part of the process.
I would just like to take this opportunity to reiterate what the corporate leadership team said earlier this week, that it is the strength of your hard work and commitment to delivering excellent services, combined with our clear vision and plans for the next four years that has placed the council in a position of strength to be able to consider a structure that promotes this new model.
Have a good weekend everyone and I will be in touch again on Monday.
Jane.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Wednesday 14 September
I thought it may be helpful and a good time to re launch my blog and keep you all updated of what’s happening at the moment and, in particular, information relating to the proposal for restructuring the council’s senior management team.
I’m sure many of you will have seen the recent media coverage and maybe aware of the questions I have been asked about this proposal.
I have been extremely clear that the proposal is based on the council being in a strong position and able to adopt a new management model that focuses on delivery in our local communities.
We have a vision and a four year Business and Financial Plan that sets out what we will deliver and where we will invest in key services.
However, the pressures we face in budgeting both now and in the future are huge. Next year the council needs to find savings of around £36 million and the proposed restructure will save us £500,000. I am proposing that we find these savings from our senior team and not from our front line staff.
Yesterday, I met with the Extended Leadership Team and talked to all the directors about the proposal. I used this meeting to reaffirm my confidence in the team and their extensive knowledge and capability to continue to deliver excellent services and new initiatives for the people of Wiltshire.
I invited the team to submit their views and thoughts on the proposal. The proposed structure is now on The WIre and if any of you wish to submit your thoughts by 21 September, these will be considered by the cabinet, when it meets at the end of September/early October to decide the future management arrangements for the council.
I realise that the announcement to propose a new senior management structure is unsettling for some of you, particularly those directly affected by the proposal, but I am both confident and clear that the hard work, commitment and professionalism of all of you has enabled this proposal to be put forward for debate and consideration.
I welcome your thoughts and am pleased to see that the rumour buster is being used as a channel to seek clarity and the facts and that some of you have joined the discussion forum.
Jane
I’m sure many of you will have seen the recent media coverage and maybe aware of the questions I have been asked about this proposal.
I have been extremely clear that the proposal is based on the council being in a strong position and able to adopt a new management model that focuses on delivery in our local communities.
We have a vision and a four year Business and Financial Plan that sets out what we will deliver and where we will invest in key services.
However, the pressures we face in budgeting both now and in the future are huge. Next year the council needs to find savings of around £36 million and the proposed restructure will save us £500,000. I am proposing that we find these savings from our senior team and not from our front line staff.
Yesterday, I met with the Extended Leadership Team and talked to all the directors about the proposal. I used this meeting to reaffirm my confidence in the team and their extensive knowledge and capability to continue to deliver excellent services and new initiatives for the people of Wiltshire.
I invited the team to submit their views and thoughts on the proposal. The proposed structure is now on The WIre and if any of you wish to submit your thoughts by 21 September, these will be considered by the cabinet, when it meets at the end of September/early October to decide the future management arrangements for the council.
I realise that the announcement to propose a new senior management structure is unsettling for some of you, particularly those directly affected by the proposal, but I am both confident and clear that the hard work, commitment and professionalism of all of you has enabled this proposal to be put forward for debate and consideration.
I welcome your thoughts and am pleased to see that the rumour buster is being used as a channel to seek clarity and the facts and that some of you have joined the discussion forum.
Jane
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