Issue - meetings

Report attached.

The Board was advised that the core principles of the transformation programme were to use remote working effectively and aim to maximise income rather than cut services. Core functions were being rationalised with investment made in the digital provision of services. Some 48 business cases had been put forward for the streamlining of processes with a net saving of £9.675m over five years.

The Council’s Covid-19 response had seen smart and remote working being used successfully access to food and been arranged for people in need and there had been a more joined up approach to resolving issues locally. The Havering Way initiative had led to a cultural and leadership change across the Council.

The Council’s ambitions were to be seen to be modern and progressive and a place where employees felt confident to do their job. It was also planned t0 reflect the diversifying population of Havering and focus on borough & place leadership.

As the borough moved out of the Covid-19 period, the transformation programmes would continue and develop at a faster rate. Smart working would extend to the use of cloud-based services further community hubs in areas such as Rainham, Romford or Collier Row could follow the hub already opened in Collier Row.

It was accepted that digital services were a challenge for the Council although good progress had been made in areas such as cybersecurity and the development of a customer platform. The policy of remote working by default would continue but staff would be supported if they had a clear need to come into the office. New training and organisational development plans would lead to a modern, efficient Council workforce.

The service redesign team, used the model of the team becoming an internal consultancy but with a lower rate charged than in the private sector which led to greater efficiencies. Service redesign would take place across the Council under a rolling three-year programme. Members were welcome to view approved service redesign business cases if they wished. Further details of the transformation programme could be shared with Members once approved by the relevant director.

The service redesign team was working with HR to understand the impact of remote working on areas such as sickness absence, wellbeing and staff turnover. There had been some reduction in sickness levels but this was not necessarily due to the introduction of remorte working. Staff turnover had lowered but this may have been due to the wider impact of the pandemic.  A staff survey had shown different attitudes to remote working, depending on age and income. The Council wished to respond to these needs and upskill staff.  Whilst there was a move towards a hybrid model of home/office working, officers accepted that there was a lot of work needed to involved staff in this.

It was planned to try and improve the engagement of local people in the budget consultation process. More details on the financial savings could be provided, subject to the approval of the director. Savings from digital transformation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7