IDeA Report 2000
Conclusion
Summary
Somerset County Council is a sound authority which delivers high quality services. It has loyal and committed staff, and relationships between members and officers are generally harmonious.
It has recently introduced new political structures for the second time in two years by establishing executive and scrutiny arrangements. It intends to monitor the effectiveness of these and to make adjustments to their operation as necessary.
SCC is keen to employ a wide range of consultation techniques and is perceived generally as a “listening council”. It has introduced many innovative projects, in partnership with other agencies, in order to meet the needs of its residents.
SCC has recently produced a vision statement for the county. However, the priorities which form part of it do not yet appear to be embedded in its programmes and plans. Indeed it is considered that the vision needs to be revisited in order to define more closely what the key issues for the community are.
The county council also needs to give consideration to the formulation of a corporate strategy in order to achieve its vision.
Recommendations
There are a number of both general and specific recommendations which appear throughout this report, and which the authority should address as part of its improvement plan. The review team considers, however, that priority should be given to the areas identified below:
Leadership
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Reinforcing the corporate leadership of the authority by identifying the key priorities within the current vision for Somerset and ensuring they are embedded within the authority’s current programmes, plans and budgets.
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Introducing mechanisms for learning through innovation and for evaluating the outcome of projects.
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Considering the adoption of a more strategic approach to partnership working
Democratic and Community Engagement
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Ensuring that there is adequate member training and support in relation to the new political structures.
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Adopting a more corporate approach to both internal and external communication designed to promote the county council and its work more fully and to celebrate its successes.
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Clarifying the purpose and role of consultation in decision-making.
Performance Management
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Ensuring that clear and consistent corporate performance management and financial management systems are in place to complement existing departmental systems.
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Introducing a consistent approach to project management to ensure that changes are introduced effectively and on time, and that outcomes are set and evaluated.
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