Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet –

1. Approved the Quarter 4 Dashboard; and

2. Approved the Target Refresh Measures.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Leaders / all

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Leader introduced the item and was pleased to announce that the Council’s performance continued to be good across most areas. The Leader explained that it was not possible to report on some of the measures due to the decision to deprioritise them in light of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process. However, the Council would continue to monitor performance across services. It was noted that the new style of the dashboards showcased the annual narrative and explained the reasons behind certain measures and the improvements undertaken. The performance indicators would continue to be reviewed and opportunities would continue to be taken to review the targets given the current context.

The Performance and Insight Manager provided further points of information on the report. He explained that the new reporting format included a richer data set and allowed the Council to reframe and better illustrate the progress of the journey so far. The narrative history provided showed emerging trends or patterns and allowed cross examination alongside the steps taken to address any areas of underperformance. It was explained that there were 32 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the report as well as a summary of performance.

In terms of the Target Refresh, Cabinet heard that targets for each of the measures for the next financial year had been explored and approval was sought.  The Council’s Scrutiny Panels had reviewed the targets.  The revised format enabled a more effective cross examination and the new dashboards were acknowledged as clearer and more accessible with a healthy balance of green ratings across the board.  It was confirmed that there would be the opportunity for measures to be reviewed on those areas where the Council had received feedback.

Cabinet members expressed the view that the dashboards were an important opportunity to review and reflect in order to form lessons for learning. It was commented that staff continually provide excellent services and positive results. It was acknowledged that by being thorough in the measurement of performance the Council could improve their overall services.

Reference was made to the improvements seen in fly tipping management, chargeable waste, recycling rates and the reduction in carbon emissions from the Council’s fleet.

A non-Cabinet member made comment about the measure of staff-turnover. The Assistant Director for Transformation explained that work was under way to understand this matter in more detail. Optional exit interviews were seldom taken up and it was not easy to understand leaver destinations.  To gain better insight this, HR would carry out a data-gathering exercise, working with managers of those staff leaving and monitor the results to inform future actions.

Another non-Cabinet member commented on the measure of staff sickness days. Cabinet heard that although sickness remains a challenge, the performance rating had improved from red to amber over previous quarters. Cabinet was reassured that work continued with the Council’s HR team to support service managers on the matter of staff sickness absence.