Agenda item

Consider report by Executive Director.  (Copy attached.)

10.       OUR PLAN AND YOUR PART IN IT: SBC’S CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVEMENT REPORT QUARTER 1 2019/20

10.1     There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Customer & Communities which presented a high level summary of Scottish Borders Council’s Quarter 1 2019/20 performance information with more detail contained within Appendices 1a and 1b attached to the report.  The report included reporting on the progress of change and improvement projects across SBC within the four corporate themes.  The report explained that in order to monitor progress against the four themes, a review of performance and context information would be undertaken quarterly and presented to Executive Committee as well as an annual summary in June each year.  Section 4 of the report referenced examples of Change and Improvement projects, with further information contained in Appendix 1a.  These projects were monitored on a weekly basis by Corporate Management Team (CMT) and through the SBC Financial Plan and associated monitoring.  A summary of any additions or changes made to SBC performance indicators was provided at Section 5 of the report, followed by a high level summary of performance in Section 6.  To reflect the significant investment made by SBC, an overview of the work and impact of Police Scotland’s Community Action Team was provided at Section 7 with Appendix 2.    During Quarter 1 2019/20, SBC had continued to drive forward a range of innovative approaches including:

§    The in-depth review of services, under the Fit for 2024 programme has commenced; 

§    A milestone in the roll-out of the Inspire Learning approach was reached, with the issue of iPad’s to all secondary school teachers;

§    The latest round of the Localities Bid Fund will see local projects benefit from over £300k of funding.

In response to a question on the poor rate of recycling it was noted that work was being undertaken by Communications and that the new waste contract should also help increase rates.  With regard to the increase in complaint figures members were advised that a review of the more complex complaints was being undertaken and this was a priority for the DCA Project.  Further information with regard to the Business Gateway Figures would be provided.  With regard to the second CAT team it was noted that the Sergeant and 4 of the officer would be in place by the end of September with full staffing by the end of the year.

DECISION

NOTED:-

(a)          the progress update relating to Change and Improvement Projects, referenced in Section 4 and detailed further in Appendix 1a; 

(b)          the changes to performance indicators outlined in Section 5 of the report; and

(c)       the performance summarised in Sections 6 and 7, and detailed within Appendices 1a, 1b and 2 and the action that was being taken within services to improve or maintain performance.

10.2     Members moved on to consider the performance information presented for Live Borders activities in Quarters 3 & 4 2018/19).  The report explained during 2018, Live Borders developed a new strategic plan for the period 2018 – 2023 which was approved by their Board in February 2018. The Strategy contained a new vision (“Everyone living in, working in, and visiting the Borders will be healthier, happier and stronger”) and 6 strategic goals that are aligned to the outcomes specified in the contract:

 i.       Expand levels of participation

ii.       Grow earned income

iii.       Develop plural funding streams

iv.       Build on reputation for great customer service

v.       Create a sustainable charity

vi.       Nurture staff to be proud of what they do

The table contained in the report showed how the Strategic Plan goals would assist Live Borders in working towards the 6 outcomes in the contract with SBC. A range of Key Strategic Indicators (KSI) had been developed under the 6 strategic goals, along with a range of financial measures presented in Appendix 1 to the report.  Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive and Linda Ross, Director of Business Development were present to answer Member’s questions.

DECISION

NOTED:-

(a)        the changes that had been made to Live Borders’ performance reporting; and

(b)        Live Borders’ performance and the action being taken to maintain and   

 improve performance.