Westmeath County Council. corporate. plan

Transcription

1 Westmeath County Council corporate plan 15-19

2 To enhance the quality of life for the people of Westmeath by leading economic and community development, and, delivering efficient and sustainable services Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 2

3 15 Table of Contents 19 Page 1. Foreword 4 2. Profile of County Westmeath 5 3. Achievements from previous Corporate Plan 6 4. Introduction to Westmeath County Council 8 5. Operating Environment Corporate Plan Framework Core Values Strategic Goals Implementation, Monitoring and Review Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 3

4 15 Foreword 19 The Corporate Plan serves as the organisation s framework for action during the lifetime of the elected council. The publication of this Plan for the period comes at a time when the country has experienced a very difficult economic climate over the past number of years. These recent years have seen a significant contraction of the national economy and a consequent reduction in funding and resources available to the local government sector. Thankfully, the indications are that the national economy is returning to a period of growth which will facilitate a more positive role for the Council over the period of this plan. Throughout the last Corporate Plan period, the local government sector was subject to radical reform. This was motivated initially from a drive for efficiencies in the successful implementation of the local government efficiency review process. The subsequent government policy document Putting People First Action Programme for Effective Local Government, Oct 12, articulated a fundamental review of the local government sector. This document outlined its vision for local government in Ireland as: Local government will be the main vehicle of governance and public service at local level - leading economic, social and community development, delivering efficient and good value services, and representing citizens and local communities effectively and accountably. The reform programme set out in this policy, and provided for through the Local Government Reform Act 14, redefined the role of local government. This included structural changes such as the dissolution of Athlone and Mullingar Town Councils and the implementation of a new sub-county Municipal District structure following the 14 local elections. Local government will, in future, be central to public service delivery and will have an enhanced role in the area of economic and community development. Fulfilling this new role and the challenges it represents, will be a critical objective for the Council over the period of this plan. These challenges make it all the more important that Westmeath County Council adopts a strategic planning approach to its activities as set out in this Corporate Plan. The object of this plan is to present in a structured format which is easily understood, the policy objectives of the Council for the next five years. The Plan has been prepared following a consultation process and review by the Corporate Policy Group. It will be the primary influence for the preparation of the Annual Budget and Service Delivery Plans, through which the Council will seek to achieve its objectives. The Plan includes a framework for the implementation, monitoring and review of these objectives, which will ensure that the Plan remains focused, flexible and responsive in an everchanging environment. The elected members and staff are fully committed to the implementation of the Plan, and look forward to working with the various statutory, voluntary and community bodies with whom the Council shares a common interest in the development of County Westmeath. Cllr. Paddy Hill, Cathaoirleach. Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 4

5 15 Profile of County Westmeath 19 County Westmeath, the Lake County, is situated in the heart of Ireland, and is rich in arts, culture, heritage and natural amenities. The many natural amenities include the River Shannon and Lough Ree, adjacent to Athlone, the River Brosna, Lough Owel and Lough Ennell, adjacent to Mullingar, with Lough Derravaragh, Lough Lene and Lough Sheelin in the north of the county. The area of the county is 1,756 square kilometres and population, per the 11 Census, is 86,164 persons. The M4/N4 which traverses the county in a north-westerly direction gives the county close proximity to the greater Dublin area, with Dublin Airport just one hour s drive from Mullingar. The M6 runs from Kinnegad, through Athlone and on to Galway and the west. An important national secondary Route, the N52, connects the north east with the Munster region and also traverses the county. The Dublin-Sligo railway line serves Mullingar and the Dublin-Westport/Dublin-Galway line serves Athlone. The county has three electoral areas, Mullingar-Coole, Mullingar-Kilbeggan and Athlone which in turn form the Mullingar and Athlone Municipal Districts through which many of the local services are delivered by the Council Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 5

6 15 Achievements from previous Corporate Plan 19 Notwithstanding the constraints of the difficult economic climate which pertained during the period of the last Corporate Plan, the Council has been successful in delivering on its primary objectives. Some of the achievements over the last five years include: a) ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY - Efficiencies and value for money arising from shared service initiatives and improved procurement and financial management procedures; Substantial reductions in expenditure including organisational restructuring and the implementation of staff performance management development systems; b) QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICES - Increased opening hours and implementation of e-government initiatives such as online payments, text alert system and Fix Your Street portal; c) SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION - Implementation of the annual Cathaoirleach Awards celebrating community initiatives and allocation of community grants; Implementation of various community strategies and initiatives such as Westmeath Age Friendly, Road Safety, National Pride of Place and The Gathering; Provision of playgrounds, village enhancement schemes and remedial works in social housing areas; d) INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITY - Completion of various roads and water services projects such as works on the N4 and N52, Clonmore and Robinstown link roads, Garrycastle Bridge, upgrading treatment plants and improvements to various water and waste water schemes throughout the county; Development of Mullingar as a cycling hub and provision of many new cycle ways in Athlone, Mullingar and environs; Construction of the Luan Gallery and provision of the Abbey Road Artists studios in Athlone; e) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Provision of a new Business Support and Advice Service including the introduction of a Business Promotion Fund and support for the provision of new Enterprise Units. Opening of the Local Enterprise Office; Support to Tourism including the operation of Belvedere House, Park and Gardens and the major refurbishment of Athlone Castle Visitor Centre; Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 6

7 15 19 f) ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Successful promotion of sustainable communities and their environment, including receipt of the Chambers Ireland award for eco-friendly schools in 12 and the Green Corporate Citizen award in 14; Implementation of energy efficient initiatives, litter control and street sweeping programmes and preparation of a biodiversity plan; Successful implementation of the Active Travel programme through co-operation with the Westmeath Sports Partnership and development of cycle ways, walkways and destination sport activities. ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICES SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 7

8 15 Introduction to Westmeath County Council 19 a) GENERAL Westmeath County Council, in common with all other county authorities, was established under the Local Government (Ireland) Act It has its administrative headquarters in Mullingar. The Council is mandated to deliver a diverse range of functions and services which can be broadly described under the headings of economic development, community development, provision of physical and social infrastructure, recreation and amenity services, and the enforcement of the planning and environmental regulatory framework. b) ELECTED COUNCIL The representative structure of the Council consists of democratically elected members from Athlone and Mullingar Municipal Districts who form Westmeath County Council. The role of the elected council is to determine strategic policy and to represent the general view of the citizens who elected them. The elected members exercise their authority by way of reserved functions, and do so in public session at each of the Council meetings. Reserved functions are primarily of a policy nature, the most important of which include the adoption of the County Development Plan, the Local Economic and Community Plan, the Annual Budget, the three year Multi-Annual Capital Programme, the Housing Action Plan and adoption of the Corporate Plan. c) STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES The elected council is assisted in its policy deliberations by four Strategic Policy Committees in the areas of: Economic Development, Enterprise and Community; Environment, Water and Emergency Services; Planning and Transportation; Housing Corporate and Cultural. The membership of the Strategic Policy Committees is drawn from the Council members, sectoral representatives and community representatives. d) CORPORATE POLICY GROUP The chairpersons of the Strategic Policy Committees, together with the Cathaoirleach of the Council, form the Corporate Policy Group. The Corporate Policy Group, supported by the Chief Executive, has statutory functions including the preparation of the Annual Budget and the preparation and ongoing monitoring of the Corporate Plan. In addition, the Corporate Policy Group provides general advice and guidance to the full Council membership on policy matters, as required. e) MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS The recent reform of local government structures included the dissolution of Athlone and Mullingar Town Councils and the establishment of a new sub-county representative structure consisting of Athlone and Mullingar Municipal Districts. These Municipal Districts provide increased scope for local decision making by elected members at district level with the work programme of the district set out in the Annual Schedule of Municipal District Works Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 8

9 15 19 f) CHIEF EXECUTIVE The day-to-day operational decisions which derive from the implementation of council policies and the delivery of services are a matter for the Chief Executive of the Council. Typically such executive functions include all staff matters, individual planning decisions, the award of grants and loans, the allocation of houses and the management of the Council s assets. The Council s staff operates under the direction and control of the Chief Executive. g) LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is a committee of the Council which has recently been established. Its primary role is to develop, co-ordinate and implement a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. The membership of the LCDC comprises a range of statutory and non-statutory socio-economic partners drawn from the county. h) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK A new framework for public engagement and participation in local government called the Public Participation Network (PPN) has recently been established. The PPN will be the main link through which the Council connects with the community including social inclusion and environmental groups. The PPN facilitates input by the public into local government through a structure which ensures public participation and representation on decision-making committees and bodies within the Council such as the SPC s and the LCDC. i) ORGANISATION STRUCTURE The overall organisation structure of Westmeath County Council may be shown diagrammatically as follows - Westmeath County Council Athlone Municipal District Mullingar Municipal District Chief Executive Corporate Policy Group Westmeath Local Community Development Committee Statutory Agencies Local Development Company Head of Finance Director of Service Economic Development Enterprise and Community SPC Environment Water and Emergency Services SPC Public Participation Network Director of Service Housing Corporate and Culture SPC Social Partners Director of Service Planning and Transportation SPC Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 9

10 15 Operating Environment 19 The operating environment for the local government sector of which Westmeath County Council is a part, can be described as dynamic, uncertain, regulated, political and above all else, subject to change. A simple analysis of recent economic trends and their impact on the daily functions of local government is a timely reminder of this dynamic operating environment. In view of this, it is important in examining our future strategy to identify the external and internal factors which are likely to impact on the organisation s capacity to deliver on its objectives. A. EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT External issues, insofar as they can be predicted, include legal, financial, political, technological, environmental and demographic factors, all of which may present challenges in the immediate future. i) Legal The legal and regulatory framework within which local government operates has become increasingly complex in recent years and has particular implications for both the level of resources required and the future allocation of these resources. Legal responsibilities emanating from both E.U. and national government will have first call on resources available to the Council. ii) Financial Notwithstanding the recent introduction of a new funding model, including the Local Property Tax, the dependence of the local government system on centralised funding leaves it exposed to variations in economic climate and revenue allocation. The availability of finance is a critical factor for the success of the Council in achieving its objectives. iii) Political As an agent of government, local authorities have an ongoing responsibility for the implementation of government policy in a range of diverse areas such as the medium-term Economic Strategy, National Spatial Strategy, Social Housing Strategy, National Climate Change Adaptation Framework, Regional Planning Guidelines and various other national and regional policy initiatives and programmes. Our policy must therefore be aligned and consistent with the broader political agenda. iv) Socio-Economic Changing economic circumstances, demographic profiles and patterns, variations in emigration trends, etc., all have a significant impact on resource allocation, consumer demand patterns and the variations in policy response. Given the more recent turbulent variations in socio-economic data, it is evident that there will be a clear requirement for ongoing adaptation to the changed circumstances we are currently experiencing. v) Technological The technological advances which have been experienced over the period of the last Corporate Plan clearly underline the necessity for an understanding and awareness of the potential for further enhancements in service delivery in this area, in accordance with the e-government agenda Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 10

11 15 19 B. INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT Critical to the delivery of this Corporate Plan is organisational capacity in terms of staff resources, organisational structure, work environment, training programmes, technology, work processes, etc. i) Human Resources The Plan sets out the clear linkages between individual staff responsibility and the achievement of organisational goals through the staff Performance Management Development System. In simple terms, the Plan will not be achieved without the understanding and support of the staff and members of the organisation. Westmeath County Council remains committed to the training, support and encouragement of its staff and, in so doing, will fully implement the PMDS process to ensure improved performance, greater job satisfaction and more focused training programmes to improve capacity for both staff and elected members. ii) ICT The continuous improvement in service delivery will be driven by the staff of the Council, who in turn will require the technical assistance and advanced capability provided by technological improvements. The Council in this context, will continue to invest in ICT systems, such as GIS, and any opportunities to enhance work processes. iii) Performance Measurement and Service Indicators The use of service indicators, whether nationally or locally determined, provides an important framework for the benchmarking of performance across a range of areas. These indicators will demonstrate trends and benchmark with other Local Authorities, and hence indicate issues requiring further analysis or remedial measures. Westmeath County Council is committed to the continuous examination of its performance in the context of service indicators, both national and local, which will be published so as to facilitate a greater understanding and openness in relation to the workings of the Council. iv) Operational Efficiency Significant resource adjustments, changing demand patterns, alteration of functions etc. necessitate ongoing assessment of structures and resource allocation to ensure that the organisation is maximising its potential. Recent examples include the implementation of the new Municipal District structure and widening of the Council s role in economic and community development. The current shared services programme in local government will also present opportunities to secure further organisational efficiencies. The Council is committed to ongoing examination and continuous review of internal systems, structures and processes, to ensure that the organisation is best placed to deliver on its mandate and that the scarce staff resource is distributed in a manner that maximises efficiency and distributes the workload evenly Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 11

12 15 Corporate Plan Framework 19 Mission Statement The Corporate Plan is in the first instance, predicated on the organisation s Mission Statement which reflects the ultimate goal of Westmeath County Council. To enhance the quality of life for the people of Westmeath by leading economic and community development, and, delivering efficient and sustainable services. Strategic Goals The achievement of this overriding statement can in turn only be realised through the attainment of a number of interrelated Goals. 1 Economic and Enterprise Development To maximise the continued and sustainable economic and enterprise development of our county. 2 Social Inclusion and Community Participation To facilitate the broadest possible participation by citizens in local decision making including the development of their communities and their county Infrastructural Capacity Protection of the Environment Quality Customer Service Organisational Capacity To ensure that our physical and social infrastructure is sufficiently developed to support economic development, and enhance the quality of life. To improve, protect and promote our environment in the interests of present and future generations. To ensure that quality customer service is at the centre of everything we do. To maximise organisational capacity through the continuous review of operational efficiency, human resource, financial and risk management. Note Goals are numbered for reference purposes only and not to indicate priority Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 12

13 15 19 Supporting Strategies In order to deliver these strategic Goals the Council will be required to implement a range of Supporting Strategies. The Supporting Strategies will form the basis of the functions of the Council as set out in the Annual Service Delivery Plans and Schedule of Municipal District Works. Core Values The guiding principles which underpin the operations of the Council are set out in its Core Values as follows: a) Leadership b) Honesty and Integrity c) Transparency and Accountability d) Engagement with all Stakeholders e) Quality Customer Service f) Operational Efficiency g) Adaptability and Continuous Improvement h) Sustainability Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 13

14 15 Core Values 19 In striving to achieve these strategic Goals, Westmeath County Council conducts its day-to-day operations in the context of Core Values which permeate the entire organisation and its activities. These values, irrespective of the work area involved, underpin all of the activities of Westmeath County Council. In pursuit of the various goals and strategies set out in the Plan, the members and staff of Westmeath County Council will be guided by the following core values in their everyday activities: a) Leadership - We are committed to providing civic leadership in guiding the positive development of the county and its people as provided for by the democratic mandate of the Council; b) Honesty and Integrity - We are committed to ensure that all of our functions are performed in a fair and honest manner that is not subject to influences other than the public interest; c) Transparency and Accountability - Westmeath County Council is acutely conscious of the need to uphold its mandate through ongoing open and transparent communication and dialogue with its citizens, including transparency in decision making. This will be achieved through formal and informal communication processes, voluntary and statutory networks, use of the print media and the internet, and the continuing conduct of business in open, publicly accessible meetings; d) Engagement with all Stakeholders - We will secure the engagement of all sectors of the community and other agencies by building working relationships through consultation, planning and co-operation in order to secure the most comprehensive and efficient range of services for the people of Westmeath; e) Quality Customer Service - Westmeath County Council is committed to treating our customers equally and to respect their human rights. We will deal with our customers with the utmost courtesy and impartiality in open, accessible customer-friendly environments in all of our offices, while at the same time offering a choice of options through flexible opening hours at accessible locations in conjunction with access to services via the internet; f) Operational Efficiency - Westmeath County Council is committed to the management and deployment of resources in a manner that maximises operational efficiency and value for money. All of our activities are grounded in sound financial management practices and are the subject of ongoing assessment through our internal audit procedures and statutory external audit; Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 14

15 15 19 g) Adaptability and Continuous Improvement The requirement for adaptability can manifest itself in the context of changed economic circumstances, reform programmes, sharp variations in resource allocation, adjustments in consumer demand patterns, new legislation and climate change. Westmeath County Council will continue to review its operating environment in the context of strategic planning and risk management analysis with a view to ensuring that it remains open to change and is capable of adaptation and improvement as the need arises; h) Sustainability We are acutely aware of the basic requirement of ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of all our decisions. This includes sustainability in financial, environmental, land use, and socio-economic terms. It is fundamental to decision making in areas such as quality of life, climate change, allocation of resources, energy efficiency, etc. Honesty and Integrity Leadership Transparency and Accountability Quality Customer Service Engagement with all Stakeholders Operational Efficiency Adaptability and Continuous Improvement Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council Sustainability 15

16 15 Strategic Goals 19 Goal 1 - Economic and Enterprise Development To maximise the continued, sustainable and balanced economic and enterprise development of our county. Supporting Strategies Work with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, other agencies and the business community to ensure that all avenues for job creation in the county are fully exploited. 1.2 Provide for co-ordinated and cohesive support of enterprises through the promotion of entrepreneurship, fostering of new business start-ups and development of existing businesses to drive job creation. 1.3 Guide the sustainable development and growth of the county in accordance with EU, National and Regional policy through the implementation of the County Development Plan. 1.4 Prepare and implement a new Retail Strategy for the county in consultation with other agencies and the business sector. 1.5 Facilitate and support the preparation and implementation of the six year Local Economic and Community Plan for the county. 1.6 Facilitate the continued expansion of the tourism sector in association with other agencies, as a means of effective impact on economic, social and cultural development in the county. 1.7 Facilitate the rural development of the county through implementation of the Rural Water Programme and support of initiatives for Rural Transport and provision of broadband services. 1.8 Promote and support the business and commercial sector through initiatives such as the Business Incentive Scheme, the Economic Development Promotion Fund and support for festivals and events. Key Indicators: Number of enterprises provided with assistance through the Local Enterprise Office; Preparation and adoption of comprehensive Retail Strategy for the County; Number of visitors to Belvedere House, Park and Gardens, Athlone Castle Visitor Centre and Dublin-Galway cycleway; Progress on preparation and implementation of Local Economic and Community Plan; Number of initiatives supported through the Festivals and Events Fund Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 16

17 15 19 Goal 2 - Social Inclusion and Community Participation To facilitate the broadest possible participation by citizens in the development of their communities and their county, including participation in the formation, development and implementation of policies and programmes. Supporting Strategies Facilitate community participation in local decision making structures through support for the Public Participation Network. 2.2 Support the operation of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and its role to develop, co-ordinate and implement a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. 2.3 Ensure that all policies and programmes of Westmeath County Council are subject to, and supported by, community consultation. 2.4 Support and recognise community participation and achievement through such initiatives as the Community Grants, Cathaoirleach Awards and Pride of Place Schemes. 2.5 Promote social inclusion by engagement with communities and other agencies in initiatives to improve the quality of life for all the people of the county including the elderly, youth and the disadvantaged. 2.6 Promote participation in sport and recreation in association with other agencies and the community. 2.7 Work in partnership with local community groups in the promotion of heritage, fire prevention, water safety and environmental awareness programmes together with actively supporting tidy towns, playgrounds, recreational and local tourism initiatives. 2.8 Maintain and develop an arts service and implement the County Arts Plan which contributes to the enrichment of people s lives while supporting the celebration of Westmeath s unique traditions and evolving identity. 2.9 Facilitate and participate in the Westmeath Joint Policing Committee as a forum for consultation, discussion and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the county. Key Indicators: Establishment and operation of Public Participation Network including number of community groups registered and number of meetings held; Procurement and oversight by the LCDC in respect of implementation of the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme; LCDC to undertake role of Local Action Group in respect of 14- Rural Development Programme (LEADER); Level of support for Community Groups through Community Grants Scheme; Progress on the implementation of County Arts Plan; Progress on implementation of the County Age Friendly Strategy; JPC re-established and operational in accordance with 14 Ministerial guidelines Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 17

18 15 19 Goal 3 - Infrastructural Capacity To ensure that our physical and social infrastructure is sufficiently developed to support economic development and quality of life into the future. Supporting Strategies Operate housing services which seek to maximise the various forms of social housing support available. 3.2 Work with the National Roads Authority on the implementation of a maintenance and improvement programme for our national road network in the county. 3.3 Implement a comprehensive maintenance and improvement programme for the regional and local road network. 3.4 Co-operate with Irish Water in the implementation of their capital investment programme to ensure that water and waste-water infrastructure is adequate to facilitate the economic and community development of the county. 3.5 Maintain and develop high quality social infrastructure including libraries, arts, sport and recreation facilities to support sustainable communities and enhance quality of life for people of the county. 3.6 Continue construction of the National Cycle Network and promote and support development and maintenance of walking/cycling routes within the county in conjunction with other agencies. 3.7 Work with the Road Safety Authority, the Gardaí and other interests in promoting and improving road safety in the county. 3.8 Ensure that the Annual Service Plans agreed between Irish Water and Westmeath County Council provide adequate finance and personnel to deliver a high quality water and waste water service throughout the county. Key Indicators: Implementation of Social Housing Strategy; Review and implementation of Library Development Plan including refurbishment of Moate Courthouse to provide Branch Library; Progress on upgrading of National Secondary routes within the county; Progress on Dublin-Galway and Royal Canal cycle/walking routes through Westmeath; Implementation of approved Annual Road Works Programme; Annual Service Plan agreement in place with Irish Water in respect of Water Services Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 18

19 15 19 Goal 4 - Protection of the Environment To improve, protect and promote our environment in the interests of present and future generations. Supporting Strategies Secure the sustainable development of the county by the implementation of the County Development Plan. 4.2 Support the implementation of the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework through flood risk management and land-use planning. 4.3 Assist Irish Water in leak detection and promotion of water conservation to minimise wastage. 4.4 Minimise impact on the environment from all of our activities through energy efficiency measures and reduced carbon emissions. 4.5 Protect and improve water quality in our lakes and rivers by the implementation of the River Basin Management Plans. 4.6 Protect and enhance the natural and built environment by implementation of the Westmeath Heritage Plan. 4.7 Protect and maintain the natural environment of the county and implement the actions of the Westmeath Biodiversity Plan. 4.8 Implement the Smarter Travel policy and develop sustainable transport initiatives to reduce carbased travel. 4.9 Enhance urban environments by the implementation of streetscape improvement projects, elimination of dereliction, litter management and provision of parks and open spaces Implement regulatory framework in respect of Waste Management, Litter Control, Planning Enforcement, Building Control, Dog and Horse Control Maintain a responsive fire and emergency service to protect the safety of people, property and the environment. Key Indicators: National Tidy Towns results for towns in the county; Natural water quality of lakes in county including loughs Ennell, Owel, Lene, and Derravaragh; Implementation of annual energy efficiencies measures; Implementation of smarter travel initiatives; Progress on implementation of Litter Management Plan; Review and implement Fire and Emergency Operations Plan Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 19

20 15 19 Goal 5 - Quality Customer Service To place quality customer service at the centre of everything we do. Supporting Strategies To maximise the use of Council facilities, such as District Offices and Libraries, for the dissemination of information on services. 5.2 Review and implement our Customer Services Action Plan. 5.3 Seek to provide efficient housing, planning, environmental and other services to our customers in an equitable and courteous manner. 5.4 Continue to operate a Customer Contact Management System to record customer interactions. 5.5 Ensure that appropriate staff training programmes are in place to deliver quality customer service. 5.6 Provision of timely response to requests for information in respect of Office of the Ombudsman, Freedom of Information, Access to Information on the Environment and Data Protection. 5.7 Enhance and promote online transactional and information services including use of social media. 5.8 Maximise organisational performance in the context of the National and Local Service Indicators and other performance measures. Key Indicators: Progress on review and implementation of Customer Service Action Plan; Customer Contact Management System reports; Level of on-line services provided via Council website; Libraries customer service report; Preparation and implementation of social media policy; Review and monitor performance with reference to national and local service indicators Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council

21 15 19 Goal 6 - Organisational Capacity To maximise organisational capacity through the continuous review of operational efficiency, human resource, financial and risk management practices. Supporting Strategies Facilitate and support the representational role of the elected members through ongoing training and increased use of technology. 6.2 Continued implementation of the Human Resource Strategy and review of organisation structure and workforce plans having regard to legislative, financial or other changing circumstances. 6.3 Maintain and develop effective financial management systems which are responsive to our everchanging needs, obtain value for money at all times, consist of strong cash-flow management and robust budgetary control. 6.4 Plan for the protection of our citizens through the emergency management framework for response to flooding, adverse weather and other emergencies. 6.5 Implement an organisation-wide Health and Safety Management System. 6.6 Ensure the property and assets of the Council are managed in a manner which maximises their present and future potential. 6.7 Fully explore and maximise opportunities that may arise through increased use of shared services and implement local shared service initiatives advanced under the Local Government Efficiency Review Group Report. 6.8 Facilitate and promote the implementation of organisation-wide ICT initiatives which provide opportunities for engagement with our communities and support increased efficiency and customer service. 6.9 Constantly review and have regard to the Risk Management System currently in place Maintain an Internal Audit function and fulfil any audit requirements arising therefrom, together with any requirements arising from Statutory Audits or recommendations of the Audit Committee. Key Indicators: Council revenue account annual balance; Internal and External Audit report requirements; Review and implement Human Resources Management Strategy; Number of staff training days provided; Completion of regular Risk Management review; Report on annual review of implementation of Health and Safety Management System Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 21

22 15 Implementation, Monitoring and Review 19 The Corporate Plan reflects current demands, challenges and priorities for the Council over the next five years. These objectives have been developed based on an assessment of what is realistic in the context of resources likely to be available during the plan period. It is essential that a management process is put in place to facilitate the implementation, monitoring and review of objectives, where appropriate. Such a system is set out diagrammatically below. The implementation, monitoring and review framework involves, on an annual basis, both the Management Team and the Strategic Policy Committees identifying priorities from the overall Corporate Plan for action during the following year. These will be approved by the Corporate Policy Group in the context of the budget preparation. Final approval will rest with the full Council and the necessary financial commitments made in the Revenue Budget and the Capital Programme. We will prepare Annual Service Delivery Plans and Schedules of Municipal District Works to be implemented in that particular year. These will inform the Team Plans of the various Directorates and staff units within the organisation. Each Team Plan and individual Personal Development Plan will encompass the agreed objectives for that year. This will ensure clear linkage between individual performance and the overall organisational strategy. The effectiveness of the Council in achieving the Corporate Plan objectives will be monitored on an ongoing monthly basis by the staff Performance Management Development System where progress on the implementation of Team Plans is assessed. In addition, external reporting on achievement of objectives is undertaken through a number of mechanisms such as: Monthly Management Report to Council; Annual Progress Report to Council; The Council s Annual Report; National Service Indicators Report; Annual Financial Statement and Audit Reports. In addition, a small number of Key Indicators in respect of each Strategic Goal has been included in this Plan. These indicators are intended to provide a measure of the effectiveness of the Council in implementing the Goals and Strategies of the Plan. It is envisaged that these Key Indicators will be supplemented by future requirements of the recently established National Oversight and Audit Commission and further guidance in this regard is awaited. Where any of these monitoring mechanisms indicate that goals or strategies are not being achieved as envisaged, corrective action such as resource re-allocation, will be implemented where appropriate. It is inevitable that new demands and challenges will arise which cannot at this time be anticipated and that priorities may change as a result. It is also inevitable that there will be changes in the external environment and within the organisation itself which may help or hinder our ability to achieve our objectives. Therefore, it is critical that there is a strategic management process provided for review of the Plan. An annual review of the Corporate Plan will be undertaken by the Corporate Policy Group. The annual review will determine the continued validity of the strategies, with a view to making any necessary adjustments. The content of the annual review and annual appraisal will be incorporated into the Council s Annual Report for publication each year. This Annual Report will be brought before the full Council at an early stage in the following year Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 22

23 15 19 Corporate Plan Executive Management Team Strategic Policy Committee Corporate Policy Group Westmeath County Council Annual Revenue Budget Capital Budget Annual Service Delivery Plan Schedule of Municipal Works Performance Management Development System Monthly Reports to Council Annual Progress Report to Council Annual Report Service Indicators Annual Report Annual Review of Corporate Plan Corporate Plan Westmeath County Council 23

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