Reorganisation paves the way for a transformed council
Released: 10 January 2008
Wolverhampton City Council has paved the way for fast, convenient public access to more efficient and cost-effective services with a reorganisation of senior staff and departments.
The changes approved by Cabinet yesterday (Wednesday 9 January 2008) have been planned ahead of the appointment shortly of a partner from the private sector who will help the council transform itself into a modern customer-focused and efficient organisation.
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Cabinet Member for Resources, Governance and Support Services said achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction was the main driver for the transformation of the council.
“The council has been improving services and efficiency year on year for some time now. But it is clear that our citizens, visitors and businesses expect us to accelerate the rate of improvement. In particular, they are demanding greater ease of access to services.
“At the same time, the council has a critical role to play in leading the regeneration of our city through multi-million pound investment in our schools, city centre and neighbourhoods. Through this reorganisation, we’re gearing up for that challenge.”
He said that the council planned to transform itself in three main areas.
“We want to create a stronger culture of putting customers first. That means developing our managers and staff to be more focused on the needs of our customers in line with modern business. And we intend to invest in modern information communication technology and business processes to deliver services more cost-effectively and efficiently with the help of a strategic partner from the private sector.”
From April 2008, two new departments will be created to focus on improving efficiency and easing the public’s access to council services.
A new customer services operation will provide faster and more convenient ‘one-stop’ access to all council services for council customers. A new shared services organisation will provide all the professional and business support services – such as information technology and financial services - the council needs to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.
In addition, the office of the chief executive will be strengthened to support the overall management of the council as well as the delivery of an ambitious vision for the city.
Though the reorganisation will include the creation of new posts to drive the transformation, it will yield net savings of £30,000 per annum with the deletion of two director posts and a chief officer post. The new posts of director of customer and shared services, chief financial services officer and assistant chief officer will be advertised publicly in due course.
The council is in the final stages of selecting its partner and will make an announcement on this shortly.
Issued by the press office.