Agenda item

7.1

The Director of Policy, Performance and Communications presented the report which provided the Committee with an overview of the Council’s financial, policy and operating context.  The report set out the key issues and opportunities facing the authority over the coming year.

The report also set out a proposed approach for the development of a Corporate Plan, with an intention of bringing forward a draft of the plan to the Strategy and Resources Committee in September 2022.

7.2

RESOLVED: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

1. Note the financial, policy and operating context set out in this report, and the risks and opportunities identified therein;

2. Agree to receive further reports on these issues as required, whilst noting that the primary responsibility for responding to these issues will lie with the relevant policy committee;

3. Agree the proposal to develop a statement of policy priorities for the year ahead and to hold a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Urgency Committee to consider and agree this;

4. Note the importance of developing a Corporate Plan for the organisation and to note the work already done to engage with staff across the council on this;

5. Agree to holding a series of Member workshops as set out in paragraphs 25 and 26 of the report to help develop the content of the Corporate Plan;

6. Agree to receive and consider a draft of the Corporate Plan at its meeting on 30 August in advance of a final report being considered by Full Council.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The proposals set out in the report will help contribute to set a clear direction for the organisation for the forthcoming year, and through the development of the Corporate Plan, beyond.  They will help to ensure that the organisation stays focused on key objectives whilst responding to the changing context within which it is working.  In turn this will ensure that the council continues to place the wellbeing of the people of Sheffield and the communities in which they live at the heart of its decision-making.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

Two alternative options were considered:

·       Producing a Corporate Plan for discussion at the Strategy and Resources Committee in July.  This was discounted on the basis that it would leave insufficient time for engagement with Members, staff or other stakeholders.

·       Not producing a Corporate Plan at all.  This was discounted on the basis that the policy, financial and operating context for the organisation was such that not having a clear statement of direction, objective and priorities would have a significant detrimental impact on the organisation’s ability to operate effectively.

7.1

The Director of Policy, Performance and Communications presented the report which provided the Committee with an overview of the Council’s financial, policy and operating context.  The report set out the key issues and opportunities facing the authority over the coming year.

The report also set out a proposed approach for the development of a Corporate Plan, with an intention of bringing forward a draft of the plan to the Strategy and Resources Committee in September 2022.

7.2

RESOLVED: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

1. Note the financial, policy and operating context set out in this report, and the risks and opportunities identified therein;

2. Agree to receive further reports on these issues as required, whilst noting that the primary responsibility for responding to these issues will lie with the relevant policy committee;

3. Agree the proposal to develop a statement of policy priorities for the year ahead and to hold a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Urgency Committee to consider and agree this;

4. Note the importance of developing a Corporate Plan for the organisation and to note the work already done to engage with staff across the council on this;

5. Agree to holding a series of Member workshops as set out in paragraphs 25 and 26 of the report to help develop the content of the Corporate Plan;

6. Agree to receive and consider a draft of the Corporate Plan at its meeting on 30 August in advance of a final report being considered by Full Council.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The proposals set out in the report will help contribute to set a clear direction for the organisation for the forthcoming year, and through the development of the Corporate Plan, beyond.  They will help to ensure that the organisation stays focused on key objectives whilst responding to the changing context within which it is working.  In turn this will ensure that the council continues to place the wellbeing of the people of Sheffield and the communities in which they live at the heart of its decision-making.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

Two alternative options were considered:

·       Producing a Corporate Plan for discussion at the Strategy and Resources Committee in July.  This was discounted on the basis that it would leave insufficient time for engagement with Members, staff or other stakeholders.

·       Not producing a Corporate Plan at all.  This was discounted on the basis that the policy, financial and operating context for the organisation was such that not having a clear statement of direction, objective and priorities would have a significant detrimental impact on the organisation’s ability to operate effectively.

7.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

7.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

7.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Acting Chief Executive