LGA Corporate Peer Challenge action plan

The Corporate Peer Challenge report includes a number of recommendations for the LGA to consider. The LGA has accepted the recommendations and is addressing them through an action plan.

Recommendation Action Timescale
R1: Develop a closer working relationship with the Mayoral Combined Authorities and new county devolution areas as a key, growing part of the local government family.
  • continue discussions with CAs, M10 Mayors and Chief Executives
  • develop detailed action plan, informed by discussions.
  • Ongoing

     
  • December 2023
R2: Lead the design of a reshaped sector support and assurance framework for local government, reflecting the different needs seen across the sector.

Develop detailed action and engagement plans to:

  • define the elements that currently could be part of a sector assurance framework
  • identify areas for improvement
  • consider drafting a sector support and improvement framework.
 June 2023
R3:Tighten the networks around sector support and assurance, including between the various professional bodies and work with the DLUHC and the emerging OfLog in a way which leads to earlier support, challenge and sharing of best practice. To be addressed through 2, above.  
R4:Use the Business Plan and the priorities it sets for the organisation to more consistently shape financial and organisational planning, at a strategic level.
  • boards review business plan
  • implement new arrangements for performance reporting
  • business plan embedded in internal communications and board report templates
  • adopt new income generation strategy
  • quarterly review of resource alignment.
  • Complete

     
  • July 2023



     
  • July 2023



     
  • September 2023
  • July 2023 and ongoing
R5:Ensure sufficient, dedicated senior capacity and structures are in place to deliver the LGA’s internal change requirements fully.
  • Head of Corporate Services joins SMT.
  • Design arrangements for appropriate bidding capacity.
  • Review organisational development implications of CPC action plan.
  • April 2023

     
  • October 202

     
  • September 2023
R6:Agree and implement an internal change plan for closing the apparent gap in day-to-day working practices between functions across the LGA, as appropriate.
  • cross-organisation conversations on good practice and barriers
  • review findings in light of wider CPC action plan.
  • May 2023

     
  • July 2023
R7:Reaffirm to staff the commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and continue to provide the required internal leadership and resource requirements for this, building on the steps taken in the last 2 years.
  • LGA Board reaffirm commitment.
  • LGA Board adopt key indicators to measure progress
 March 2023
R8.1:Implement the planned training and induction programme for all staff about working in a member-led environment at the LGA.
  • Political Group input to staff induction
  • commence roll-out of training for staff
  • commence roll-out of training for senior officers.
  • Complete and ongoing
  • June 2023

     
  • September 2023
R8.2:Establish a member-officer protocol, specific to the LGA to help shape this. LGA Board agree protocol TBC
R9:Reset the Audit Committee function.
  • Audit Committee consider recommendations
  • LGA Board consider recommendations
  • changes implemented.
  • March 2023

     
  • June 2023

     
  • September 2023
R10.1:Refresh the member development and induction offer for members involved with the LGA board.
  • revise member induction programme
  • implement member induction programme
  • identify link officers for all board members.
  • July 2023

     
  • September 2023
  • September 2023
R10.2:Ensure suitable formal and informal feedback loops are in place across the activity of the boards. Ensure members involved in lobbying meetings are supported to consistently convey focussed points in succinct and disciplined way. Develop new officer training and support. March 2023 onwards
R11:Review how the LGA can better use the analysis from international networks to support its work on behalf of local government. Seminars for LGA staff to highlight international best practice/ refresh understanding of evidence available. November 2023 and ongoing
R12:Develop more horizon scanning positions on behalf of the sector, building on the work started and the methods used more recently.
  • analyse and publish cumulative impact of policy board horizon scanning
  • identify and publish relevant data/ trend analysis/ useful resources
  • ‘Sense check’ 2022 sector horizon scan
  • establish schedule of horizon scanning events for LGA senior leadership
  • convene cross-organisation working group
  • publish/ showcase notable horizon scanning practice in councils
  • reports for LGA conference
  • feed relevant content into updating of LGA Business Plan.
  • ongoing

     
  • December 2023

     
  • September 2023

     
  • Following May 2023 elections

     
  • April 2023

     
  • December 2023

     
  • July 2023

     
  • ongoing
13:Map, take stock and develop the LGA’s strategic relationships.

Adopt stakeholder management strategy.

 July 2023
14:Clarify the purpose of Corporate Leadership Team.
  • CLT review purpose and approach
  • make recommendations to SMT as appropriate.
  • October 2023
  • November 2023
15: Extend the membership of the Commercial Ideas Lab.
  • adopt new income generation strategy
  • revise Lab membership to include cross-organisation representation.
  • September 2023
  • October 2023
16: Consider ways to link the level of reserve held for each risk as part of the LGA’s risk management approach. Revise risk management approach July 2023
17:Increase the percentage of frontline councillors who speak positively about the LGA. Introduce process to contact all newly elected councillors. June 2023