Corporate Plan
To view the full version of the corporate plan, click on the link below:
Setting the scene
We are pleased to introduce Walsall Council's corporate plan for 2007/08; a plan focused on the transformation of the council and its services. Transformation is what the whole council is about. The world is changing fast, as is local government. Changes driven by external factors from the Government white paper Strong and prosperous communities and the review by Sir Michael Lyons supplement local drivers of change - based on our knowledge of the borough and local communities, and our understanding of customer and citizen needs, priorities and expectations. This plan reflects the council's vision for Walsall developed through extensive consultation in 2003 and adopted in 2004. In an environment of constant change it is important to keep a clear focus on the horizon, so that our transformation agenda is fixed on a consistent vision of a borough that is prosperous, forward-looking, self confident and optimistic; a place where individuals and groups can thrive and develop. If we are to achieve this ambition, we need to address the key priorities for local residents wanting to live in safer, greener and cleaner neighbourhoods.
The past 12 months have proved to be another significant year for the council, providing further evidence that we are moving forward in line with our vision for the borough. In December 2005 the Audit Commission announced that Walsall was now a three star council, judged to be improving well, and during 2006 we have sought to demonstrate by our actions - providing services, meeting local needs and priorities, working with our partners for the good of the borough - that we are worthy of this rating. In 2006, our assessment for the effective use of resources demonstrates continued progress along our path to excellence, as does the evidence of consultation processes and the analysis of performance data in terms of housing, environment, children's social care, and customer satisfaction. In February 2007 our three star status was renewed, and results from the 2006 Best Value survey were announced showing a significant increase in resident satisfaction with the council and our services. We will build on this during 2007/08, a year of continuing transformation of our council. We will maintain our focus on improving our services, building customer satisfaction and citizen confidence in the council, and addressing local aspirations to make Walsall - the whole borough from Moxley to Brownhills, from New Invention to Streetly - a better place. This is a plan for everyone in the borough but, conscious that our children are our future, we are proud this year to be investing in our Change for Children programme which will transform our services so that ‘growing up in Walsall is as good as it can be'.
Our vision of Walsall in 2008: our priorities, and pledges for 2007/08
In 2004, following detailed consultation with local people, local agencies and organisations, we launched our vision of the sort of place we want Walsall to become by 2008. Our vision is based around ten strategic priorities, each of which is critical to our achieving the type of community we are aiming to build in our borough. This Plan sets out those priorities; and describes how the council is working with the community and our partners to achieve our vision.
Our strategic priorities to achieve our vision for 2008 are to:
- Ensure a clean and green borough
- Make it easier for people to get around
- Ensure all people are safe and secure
- Make our schools great
- Make Walsall a healthy and caring place
- Encourage everyone to feel proud of Walsall
- Make it easier to access local services
- Strengthen the local economy
- Listen to what local people want
- Transform Walsall into an excellent local authority
We believe these are critical issues for a successful Walsall that will demand sustained effort to 2008, and in the years beyond. We are already committed to working with our partners to deliver the Community Strategy for the borough, through to 2010 (see chapter 6 of attachment) and, through the Walsall Borough Strategic Partnership, we are undertaking a major consultation exercise, seeking to engage all with an interest and a stake in the future of Walsall, to build upon our present vision and develop a longer term vision of Walsall for the year 2021.
Our own vision for 2008 is a major contributor to the future of our borough, and we believe that the 24 pledges, each linked to one of our 10 strategic priorities, will provide further clear evidence of significant progress in key areas and of service improvement over the next 12 months.
To view the full version of the corporate plan, please click here