Follow up inspection results

We have just received the results of our corporate governance re-inspection by the Audit Commission, carried out in January 2008. This found that the Council has "significantly improved its corporate governance arrangements over the past 12 months".

Read the Executive Summary or Full Report from the Audit Commission follow up inspection.

Improvement plan

We have recently completed a major Review of our Improvement Plan. This self-assessment sets out what has been achieved to date and the next steps of the improvement journey.

Our Improvement Plan sets out our response to the challenges presented by the Audit Commission's Corporate Governance Inspection (This link will open in a new window) report of February 2007.

The plan shows in detail the objectives and actions of our comprehensive improvement journey and not only addresses the concerns identified in the report, but the wider improvement objectives of the Council.

Our Commitment to Change
The Council recognised the need to change. Cllr Ray Manning, the Council leader has stated, 'No change is not an option'. We have adopted a vigorous approach to changing processes, performance and conduct to achieve a more effective focus on providing services which meet the needs of the district and on delivering the aims of our Community Strategy.

Our Improvement Plan
Our Improvement Plan is split into eight separate areas. Each is championed by Cabinet Members. The Scrutiny and Overview Committee will have an important role in ensuring that progress is maintained. Our aim is for all councillors to play an active, positive role in the work of the Council.

The plan focuses on the following areas:

  • Leadership - strong political leadership, focused on the needs of the community and a culture of mutual respect
  • Prioritisation - clear and effective decision-making, ensuring the Council delivers the priorities of the local community
  • Performance Management - councillors and officers working together with a clear focus to deliver improved services to local people
  • Capacity - building capacity across the Council to ensure that improvement is delivered and sustained
  • Partnership - proactive partnership working, delivering services meeting the needs of local people
  • Communication - building a positive image of the Council in the local community and clear communication with our staff and partners
  • Political Structures - robust political structures, enabling effective decision making throughout the Council
  • Delivering the Improvement Programme - the plan itself.

The Council fully supports this Improvement Plan and calls upon all councillors, employees and partners to work together to implement the plan in order to achieve continuing improvements in services and tackle the major challenges facing the district.

Find out more
For more information about our Improvement Plan please contact: Improvement manager Cecilia Tredget, 08450 450 500.

For a full copy of the review on CD, contact: Inspire project officer Michele Campbell, 08450 450 500