www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Members Update – 4th December 2007
The Department for Communities and Local Government has now sent us a second draft of the Statutory Orders, the 'rules' for implementation of the new authority. These were discussed at the informal meeting of the Implementation Executive (Members from the five authorities) last Wednesday and final suggested amendments were sent to DCLG on 30th November.
We are now focusing on three key areas of work. Continuing to gather baseline information (finance, staffing, performance etc) to ensure we know what we can measure future performance against. Secondly we aim to complete the major appointments to our programme and finally we have just begun work on our Access to Services strategy, which is due to be completed by April 2008. This will produce the framework by which we will radically improve how customers and service users access and experience our services
Staffing issues
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has been consulting nationally with groups involved in developing new Unitary Councils. The results of the consultation are currently being looked at. The official rules about staffing arrangements will probably be agreed at the end of this year. They are likely to reflect the view that all staff should be transferred to the new council on their existing terms and conditions. It will be the responsibility of the new council to ensure that staff grade, pay, terms and conditions comply with equal pay requirements. We will let you know about any changes but you can also keep an eye on the extranet for further developments.
Shaping the new council
Members of the five authorities met on the 28th November for the first, informal meeting of the proposed Implementation Executive. In the latest draft of the Statutory Orders, it has been proposed that the membership of the Implementation Executive includes two councillors from each district council (eight in total), eight councillors from Wiltshire County Council and the Leader of Wiltshire County Council.
The draft terms of reference and the work programme for the Executive were discussed, with a view to adopting them in January. A presentation was also made to the members about proposals for Community Area Boards and Partnerships.
Workstream news…..
The Resources Workstream held a workshop with all the lead officers that have been appointed to the workstream on Wednesday 28th November. The purpose of the workshop was to clarify the role of the lead officers, develop how the projects will proceed and to produce a first draft of a high-level milestone plan for the workstream.
The Frontline Services Workstream now has a vacancy for the role of Frontline Services Workstream Owner. Nominations have been put forward, with a closing date of the 7th December. Interviews will be held the following week. The role of Frontline Services Workstream Manager will be advertised from the 3rd December and will be recruited after the workstream owner has been appointed. For more information please contact the Programme Office.
The Community Leadership and Governance (CL&G) board has met for a second time. The board is working towards a number of key projects including piloting 8 to 10 Community Area Boards in the spring of 2008. The aim is to ensure that services respond to local needs. The CL&G board has also started discussion with Town and Parish Councils to debate the activities and services that could be devolved to them by the new council.
The Business Management Programme (BMP) is in final discussions with two key suppliers to supply a new business management system that will deliver finance, human resources, procurement and payroll systems.
The Customer Focus cross cutting theme now has a temporary lead, John Rogers. The programme has appointed the consultancy firm CDW for a six month period, to facilitate our work in developing our Access to Services Strategy, together with our partners as appropriate. This will form the backbone to the service delivery of the new organisation. More information on this work will soon be availablet.
A One Council event for senior managers from across all five authorities will take place on the 4th December. A number of workshops will also run in the next few weeks for members of the Joint Implementation Board and workstreams.
More information?
The communications team dealing with the transition currently comprises Cath Hasted (713664) and Claire Adams (756177)
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