Efforts to embed an open, transparent and collaborative culture at Swindon Borough Council have been recognised in a report by the Local Government Association (LGA).
In September 2024, the Council invited a team of senior councillors and officers from other local authorities to undertake a ‘Corporate Peer Challenge’, which included a four day onsite visit alongside seeking feedback from Swindon residents, its workforce and partners.
In its final report, published in full ahead of the Council’s Cabinet meeting next week (13 November), the LGA notes the organisational culture has undergone a “sea change” over the past 12 months.
“It is evident that the new leadership team – both members and officers – have prioritised resetting the organisational culture and they have done this to good effect with those that we spoke with describing an open, transparent and collaborative organisation,” the report comments.
It acknowledges the ”more proactive and honest way” the Council has engaged with communities, including through the ‘Let’s talk Swindon’ events held earlier this year that have been “welcomed and valued by residents, partners and businesses”.
The report also notes the levels of “self-awareness and transparency within the organisation”, as the Council grapples with significant financial pressures and ongoing work to improve services.
The LGA report makes a number of recommendations to help the Council as it continues to improve how it delivers services, better resident outcomes and value for money. The Council’s action plan in response will be tabled at December’s Cabinet meeting, ahead of the LGA team being invited back for a follow-up visit in July 2025.
Meanwhile the results of the 2024 Swindon Resident Survey, also tabled at November’s Cabinet meeting, show that resident satisfaction has increased over the past year in relation to many of the key metrics including how well the Council runs things, trust, value for money and how well it acts on the concerns of local residents.
Nearly 4,500 people responded to the survey, with the results due to be shared and discussed with residents at three ‘Let’s talk Swindon’ engagement events later this month, hosted by the Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, and Chief Executive, Sam Mowbray.
November’s Cabinet meeting will also review the results of the 2024 Swindon Colleague Survey which shows significant improvement across the majority of questions posed to the Council’s workforce.
This included a 10 per cent increase in the number of colleagues who agree that people from different backgrounds can be themselves and thrive working at the Council.
It builds on momentum following three positive Ofsted monitoring visits this year, which recognised the progress made as the Council continues to improve services and the support provided to families, children and young people.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “This administration is focussed on making sure the Council continues to build on the progress made over the past 16 months.
“It is heartening that the Local Government Association, our residents and workforce, recognise the steps that we are taking as an organisation to be better and improve what we do and how we do it.”
“I’m a grateful to everyone who took part in the LGA review and responded to our resident and colleague surveys. This feedback is invaluable as we work together to build on the progress so far.”