Decision details

Proposals for change set out in an invest to save business case.

(a)  Cabinet endorsed the progress made on the Our Future Council programme, Phase 1, as described in section 1.4. of the report to Cabinet on 7 November 2023.

(b)  That the continued expansion of Phase 1 to deliver identified and further savings across the organisation, aligned to the activity described in section 1.4. 3. of the report, be approved.

(c)  That the initiation of Phase 2 of Our Future Council programme aligned to and in support of the ongoing budget process and medium-term financial strategy, be endorsed.

(d)  That existing governance in place, to oversee the programme as it develops, through the council’s performance board and Our Future Council Programme Steering Group and officer board, be acknowledged.

(e)  That an update report on Phase 2 progress be received in early 2024.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council has embarked on an ambitious programme called 'Our Future Council' putting our customers first and exploring new ways of working. The primary goal of this programme was to bring about sustainable change and create a streamlined, digital and unified customer experience, resulting in better outcomes at a lower cost.

The council aims to move beyond convergence and comprehensively review how it is organised. Central to this transformation was a renewed emphasis on our priorities, customers, and communities, with a resolute commitment to placing people and outcomes above our internal organisational boundaries and bureaucracy.