Decision details

This will provide the strategic framework for whole council transformation including target operating model, governance farmwork, high-level transformation roadmap and success measures for 2025-29.

(a)            That the ambition, approach and scope for the Our Future Council transformation programme be approved, and plans to progress to a full business case, be endorsed. This would be presented to Joint Overview Committee for feedback and Cabinet for approval in January 2025.

(b)            That the draft transformation plan, target operating model design, governance plans and draft delivery plans for whole-council transformation, be endorsed (appendix B) The final versions would be presented Joint Overview Committee for feedback and Cabinet for approval in January 2025.

(c)             That authority be delegated to Executive Director for Corporate Development to commission strategic advisor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, (PwC) to the value of £520,000 to deliver a full business case with investment and implementation plans.

(d)            That authority be delegated to Executive Director for Corporate Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Capital Strategy, to replenish and approve use of the transformation fund allocated from capital and revenue reserves of £3m to be made available to support invest to save transformation activity.

Reason for the decision

Dorset Council was facing significant financial pressures and increasing demand for services, a challenge common to many local authorities. To address this, we must undertake a comprehensive, whole-council transformation to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery.