Issue - meetings

To submit the report of the Head of Profession, HR and Transformation.

It was resolved to adopt the Self-Assessment and Performance (Wellbeing) Report 2024/25.

The report of the Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation incorporating the Self-Assessment and Performance (Wellbeing) Report 2024/25 was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

Councillor Robin Williams, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the statutory report which for the first time combines the Council’s self-assessment, performance (wellbeing) report for 2024/25. The report sets out how effectively and efficiently  the Council has discharged its responsibilities over the year. It summarises the outcome of the service review process which examined service planning and performance, financial planning, workforce planning and governance including procurement, contract management, risk and audit. The report reflects the Council’s outputs and performance against its stated plans and commitments but does not necessarily reflect the full impact of its work on community outcomes which can be influenced by wider factors beyond the Council’s control.  It also identifies areas for improvement. The second part of the report focuses on progress against the Council’s wellbeing objectives, the Council Plan and its longer term outcomes for 2028.

Councillor Jeff Evans, Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported from the committee’s 18 November 2025 meeting, which had reviewed the self-assessment report. He noted the committee’s recognition of the positive conclusions on performance and its request for assurance that the Council remains on track to achieve the objectives of the Council Plan by 2028.The committee had also sought assurance on progress against the  wellbeing objectives, particularly the day care strategy and plans to equip young people with skills to benefit from future economic developments. The committee had emphasised the importance of continuing to communicate the Council’s successes and positive stories and had discussed the findings relating to resident trust and consultation processes. The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had endorsed the report and recommended it to the Executive.

The Executive highlighted the significant effort underpinning the self-assessment report involving rigorous challenge and examination undertaken across all services to reach its conclusions. The Executive also noted that one of the key messages from Scrutiny’s review of the report was the importance of the Council communicating more clearly the breadth of its work and the achievements it delivers. The Chair observed that the Council is frequently recognised at regional and national forums as being pioneering and demonstrating leadership across several portfolio areas, and that these successes are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of its staff.

It was resolved to adopt the Self-Assessment and Performance (Wellbeing) Report 2024/25.