Issue - meetings

An officer presentation will be given at the meeting.

The Chair invited Andy Thomas (Head of Strategy Engagement & Marketing) to give a presentation to the Panel (attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes).

Andy Thomas highlighted the following points in his presentation:

·  Our Corporate Strategy 2020-2024

·  Background

·  Next Steps for Delivery

·  Our Organisational Framework

·  Key Issues for Strategy

Following questions and comments from the Panel, these points were highlighted:

·  Members of the Panel were delighted to see that the climate and ecological emergency has been firmly embedded at the centre of Corporate Strategy.  The Panel inquired about the integrated performance framework and the metrics used for measuring the targets. The Panel felt that this was critical because the Council must ensure that the right areas were measured in the right ways in order to move forward. The Panel requested to receive a report in its draft stage so that they can comment on the suggested metrics and the suggested targets or target areas.

·  The Panel felt that the Strategy should have residents’ engagement/communication approach.  Andy Thomas replied that there has been a range of webinars by the Council where residents have been invited to participate.  The Council would continue to engage with residents via webinars, face to face (once lockdown restrictions are lifted) or via hybrid meetings.

·  The Panel recognised that some areas of the Corporate Strategy may have remit within other scrutiny Panels.  Therefore, the Panel acknowledged that some sort of joint working with other Panels may be required.

·  The Panel also suggested that the consultation on the future aims and objectives of the Corporate Strategy should not just invite residents to engage, but also Town and Parish Councils, businesses, partner organisations, and 3^rd sector/volunteer organisations.

It was RESOLVED to note the presentation and to receive a further report on ‘Corporate Strategy – operating frameworks, metrics and public engagement’ at one of the future meetings of the Panel.