Corporate Plan 2025 - 2030

The priorities in this plan are interconnected. Many of the priorities and the outcomes from the pledges are dependent on one another. For example, we know well-paid employment, affordable homes and transport, clean air and access to green spaces can all contribute to good physical and mental health.

Inclusivity

We will:

• embed our organisational values and behaviours
• promote, champion and advocate diversity
• demonstrate inclusive leadership, partnership, and a clear organisational commitment to be a leader in equality, diversity, and inclusion
• involve and enable our diverse communities in our decision-making processes
• encourage and build a skilled and diverse workforce to build a culture of equity and inclusion in everything we do

Customer experience

We will:

• put our customers at the heart of everything do
• provide a consistent quality of service to our customers
• reflect customer feedback in the design and delivery of services
• continue to adopt a digital by default approach, enabling self-service where achievable
• co-design and collaborate with partners where possible, to deliver for local communities
• effectively communicate and engage residents and partners in the work of the council

Financial sustainability

We will:

• ensure effective and prudent use of the council's resources
• provide value for money through efficient and effective service delivery
• provide services without the use of reserves
• continue to identify and develop new and appropriate income generating opportunities that are in keeping with our Vision
• maintain an investment strategy that preserves and improves the financial resources available to the council
• rigorously manage the council's risks
• have sound governance arrangements in place

Culture

We will:

• ensure our refreshed core values are incorporated into how we work and everything we do
• continue to embed our Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy across the council
• promote communication and transparency
• welcome challenge and learn from our mistakes

Continuous improvement

We will:

• review and strengthen our performance management framework, including regular reporting and clear accountability
• develop a clear programme of transformation and improvement activity
• recognise and celebrate good performance and address poor performance through a strengthened Appraisal and Development framework for employees
• develop a council-wide awareness and culture of continuous improvement in every aspect of council activity

Good governance

We will:

• review the council's constitution to ensure it is accessible, comprehensive, and meets the needs of the council in the delivery of this Corporate Plan
• promote awareness of the seven principles of public life ('the Nolan principles') and ensure effective application of the respective codes of conduct for councillors and employees
• review the council's overview and scrutiny function to ensure it is robust, challenges constructively, and contributes continually to the delivery of this Corporate Plan
• ensure the revenue budget and capital programme remain balanced and sustainable over a rolling five-year period
• maintain a programme of reviews for our services to ensure they are delivered efficiently and effectively