Decision details

Cabinet received a report of the Managing Director.  This report set out the work undertaken to date on reviewing the Council’s vision, priorities and values and also to develop the Corporate Plan 2016-20.

The Managing Director introduced the report and stated that all well led organisations should review their vision, priorities and values from time to time to ensure that they were fit for purpose.  The overall vision and priorities had been in place since 2012, and much had changed in that period to date.  It was important for staff and stakeholders that the vision and priorities needed to reflect the ambitions and aspirations held.  A full report on the recommended vision, values and priorities would be brought to May Annual Council.

In paragraph 3.2 of the report it set out the current values, these had been embedded in the council, particularly the need to be fair, honest and inclusive.  One value that resonated with external stakeholders and staff was about being bold.  The town was now very successful and a place where people wanted to live and visit.  Paragraph 3.4.2 of the report suggested that it was the right time to express a change of emphasis and direction in the council’s vision.  Work had also been done to link the council’s brand to the theme of being bold.

The Mayor commented that there was a need to refresh.  Watford acted like a small city but was only a medium sized town.  She confirmed that there would be a full report to Annual Council.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1. notes the progress in developing a corporate planning framework that reflects the council’s current opportunities and challenges and its future ambitions.  This framework includes a new council vision, set of priorities and corporate values and will be articulated through its Corporate Plan 2016-2020.
   
   
2. notes the proposed timescale for the development of the framework and the Corporate Plan 2016-2020 and approval by Council in May 2016.