Decision details

Decision details

Strategic Framework 2020-21 Q4 Update

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Progress update on the council strategic framework, including the Delivery Plan 2020-22, Organisational Development Strategy 2020-24 and Road to Renewal Plan

Decisions:

Cabinet received a report of the Executive Head of Strategy and Communications and Head of Enterprise Programme Management Office which provided an update on the council’s strategic framework, comprising

 

·        The Council Plan 2020-2024 and Delivery Plan 2020-22

·        The Organisational Development Strategy 2020-24; and

·        Covid-19 Road to Renewal Plan

 

The Mayor thanked the officers for the update and noted the huge amount of work that had been undertaken across the council.  He invited the Managing Director to provide further details.

           

The Managing Director advised that this was the third update to Cabinet.  During the last quarter the council had continued to face the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic whilst continuing to provide services to its community.  The delivery of the framework had continued at pace.  When the framework had initially been adopted it had not been expected that the council and the country would be having to deal with a lengthy pandemic.  The whole framework was currently under review and an update would be provided to Cabinet in the summer. 

 

The Managing Director then outlined some of the key highlights from the last quarter.

 

·        Watford Borough Council had been assigned as district lead on ‘Staying Connected’, a Hertfordshire-wide project, aiming to support people with accessing information technology devices and training to get them digitally connected and reduce social isolation.

·        £3.5 million awarded to the council towards the decarbonisation of the Town Hall and Colosseum.

·        £1.85 million awarded to the council to roll out external wall insulation.

·        Excellent careers festival held in March 2021; the council having been very involved in the event.

·        Watford Business Park development – planning permission had been granted and demolition had commenced.

·        Very high percentage of managers had undertaken the mental health awareness training.

·        Time to talk initiative, second sessions held.

 

In response to a question from the Mayor the Managing Director explained that the completed items would be migrated from the delivery plan following the relevant quarter the action had been completed. 

 

Councillor Bell commented that it was good to see that many of the actions had either been completed or were on track.  He asked about the proposal for six apprentices and if this was still on track for September.

 

The Mayor responded that there had been many discussions about the apprentices and he was keen for this to happen.  The council was working with Watford Chamber of Commerce.  The Managing Director confirmed that September continued to be the target date.

 

RESOLVED –

 

That Cabinet notes:

 

1.         The progress updates within this report relating to:

 

·        the Council Plan 2020-24 and Delivery Plan 2020 -22 (Appendix A);

·        the Organisational Development Strategy 2020-24 (Appendix B); and

·        the Road to Renewal Plan (Appendix C).

2.         As outlined in the original report to Cabinet in July 2020, that the progress to date will be communicated publically to our residents, with the proposal to do this in September 2021.

 

3.         The significant corporate effort over the last three months that has resulted in a substantial level of progress made against all three plans.

 

4.         The impact of external factors on some of the areas of delivery. Where this is the case, the area have been reviewed to reflect the current environment during Quarter 4. The focus on delivery within the life of the plans remains a corporate commitment.

 

5.         The Road to Renewal plan will adapt to best serve residents and businesses as the Covid-19 incident continues and develops. As confirmed as part of the last update to Cabinet, a review and refresh of the existing plan has been undertaken to ensure that it is responding to the impact of the pandemic and the arising needs of residents and businesses. This will be presented to Cabinet in July 2021.

Report author: Liam Hornsby

Publication date: 15/06/2021

Date of decision: 07/06/2021

Decided at meeting: 07/06/2021 - Cabinet

Accompanying Documents:

 

rating button