Council praised for ‘impressive’ improvements
A team of senior leaders from across local Government conducted a review of the council on January 15 and 16 to assess the action taken since their previous visit in 2023 under the LGA’s peer challenge programme.
Following the recent visit, the LGA wrote in its report: “The council has clearly embraced the recommendations from the corporate peer challenge in November 2023 and delivered change and improvement in a range of areas in response. What has been achieved is impressive.”
The council received praise in several key areas, including:
- Transition in leadership
- Organisational leadership and collaborative working
- Strategic partnership
- Equalities, diversity and inclusion
- Internal communications
- Information and Communication Technology
- Governance
The report found that staff within the council feel more valued and appreciated by both political and managerial leadership.
It also points to improvements in the ICT systems within the council with staff ‘hugely benefitting’ from investments in new systems and equipment that are helping improve efficiency and productivity at the council.
The report also praised the way the organisation had managed the recent transitions in leadership, with Cllr Stephen Davies taking over from Cllr Mark Hawthorne as leader of the council. The LGA found that change was ‘being navigated in a planned and smooth way’.
Cllr Davies, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am proud that the LGA has delivered such a positive report of our progress since their last visit in 2023.
“It is important that the council continues to improve to ensure our residents are getting the best possible service.
“I would like to thank the LGA for their visit and we will use their comments to make further improvements to the organisation.”
The report can be read in full on the council's website.