Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities.

(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.   

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Development and Transformation presented a report providing an update on the current progress of the “Our Future Council” transformation programme. The Portfolio Holder sought endorsement for the work so far and approval to initiate the next phase of work to support addressing the council’s future financial challenges as set out in the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

The purpose of transformation was to fundamentally change and or redesign systems, processes, and services across the organisation to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and customer experience. And to support the council in delivering a balance budget.

A non-executive member spoke in support of the transformation programme with a particular focus on value for money and increased commercial approach.

It was proposed by Cllr J Haynes and seconded by Cllr G Suttle

Decision

(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.