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.