Issue - meetings

Report of the Watford 2020 Programme Manager

The scrutiny committee received the report of the Watford 2020 Programme Manager updating members on developments since a report was last brought to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 24 October 2019. 

Introducing the report, the Group Head of Transformation explained that Watford 2020 was entering its final period with completion due at the end of March 2020.  A small number of projects would be completed in early 2020/21.  However, this would not impact on the delivery of the expected £1m savings during 2020/21.  Where additional costs were incurred, due to the extension of the programme timescales, the Group Head of Transformation advised that these would be limited and could be managed within budgets.

There followed a short discussion about the new Firmstep ‘Contact My Councillor’ form, which was due to go live on 2 March 2020.  In response to a query, it was confirmed that the form included the facility for photographs and documentation to be uploaded in support of any enquires.  Member guidance was being provided and this would be available on the council’s intranet. 

In response to a question about business continuity should officers be required to work from home, for example as a consequence of the current coronavirus, the Group Head of Transformation advised that all staff, subject to specific job requirements, could work remotely following the successful roll out of personal IT kit and unified communications.

Scrutiny members welcomed the transformation programme which had brought significant changes to the workings and processes of the council.  Responding to a query about the impact on officers, the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Customer Services, advised that staff resilience had been notable and sickness absence levels remained low.  These levels continued to be monitored carefully.

The scrutiny committee agreed that it would be useful to review the final closure reports for the Watford 2020 Programme.  It was noted that the Watford 2020 Programme Manager and Group Head of Transformation would be returning to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 18 June 2020.

RESOLVED –

that the report be noted.

Action: Group Head of Transformation