Agenda item

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Sharman, Deputy Leader, introduced a report by the Chief Executive, which, as part of the next stage of policy review of policies recommended for refresh/review in 2008, detailed a new process of monitoring the effectiveness and impact of policies using the new National Indicator Set and other local measures and proposals to create an Electronic Policy Library for the publication of policies.

Policy review in Rotherham had gone through several key stages in recent years. The process started with a major review of the Council’s key plans and strategies, ensuring alignment to the Community Strategy and Corporate Plan priorities and fit for purpose criteria. The process then proceeded to review a range of operational policies and plans for alignment, which resulted in the development of a Policy Framework Map, setting out, in a clear and consistent manner, the Council’s policies and those adopted in partnership with other agencies.

The report now took forward proposals for Policy Review 2008. The proposals have been developed following a review of the overall policy framework and build on experience to date with key criteria being taken into account.

Several Policies were due for refresh in 2008/09 and also a number have been identified as requiring review.  These included:-

·              School Organisation Plan.

·              Inclusive Learning Service Plan.

·              Youth Justice Plan.

·              SEN Strategic Development Plan.

·              Anti Bullying Plan.

·              Rotherham Early Education, childcare and Extended Services Strategy.

·              Education Development Plan.

·              Regeneration Plan – to be replaced with the new Economic Plan for Rotherham 2008 / 2020.

·              Tourism Plan.

·              Cultural Strategy – not to be replaced.

·              Extra Care Housing Strategy.

·              Housing Strategy.

·              BME Housing Strategy.

·              Homelessness Strategy.

·              Customer Access Strategy.

·              Neighbourhood Charters.

·              Area Plans.

·              Corporate Equality Strategy.

·              Race Equality Scheme (plus a single equality scheme to be developed).

·              Workforce development Strategy.

·              Sustainable Development Framework.

·              Town Centre Action Plan.

·              Strategic Economic Zones.

·              Rural Framework.

·              Cycling Plan.

·              Parking Strategy.

The introduction of the new National Indicator Set provided the opportunity to rationalise the process for monitoring impact of policies with the framework. The revised map identified the alignment of National Indicators to policies where a clear link existed. It was proposed that this was the principal form of monitoring, but that local indicators, where relevant and would add value should also be used. Alongside the use of data, policy officers for each theme would give a qualitative overview of the success and impact of policies in their relevant theme. 

The findings have fed into the list of policies recommended for review this year and such a qualitative assessment would also be used as part of the ongoing policy review process.  It should be noted that these have been done in partnership with directorates.

Some key cross-cutting policies were identified as not easily aligning with National Indicators. Where this was the case, it was proposed that policy officers agree with Directorates what measures would be used for monitoring the policies concerned.

It was imperative that the Council’s financial profile reflected its overall priorities and so the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy was a key strategy for the Council that needed to ensure was Fit for Purpose and aligned with the emerging priorities.

The development of a robust corporate policy framework was critical to effective corporate governance.  Without it, the Council was at risk of not delivering its priorities and commitments effectively.

It was noted that this review was part of the Year Ahead Commitments and that many policies had either been refreshed or were in the process of being reviewed.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the policies recommended in the report for refresh/review in 2008 be noted.

(2)  That the National Indicators, aligned to policies as set out in the Policy Framework Map, together with any relevant local indicators and qualitative assessment, be used for monitoring the impact of the policies selected.

(3)  That the policies to be monitored be those with national indicators aligned plus cross-cutting and corporate policies.

(4)  That monitoring be reported half yearly to the Cabinet, with the first report being presented in the autumn.

(5)  That an “Electronic Policy Library” be created for the publication of policies on the Council’s web site.