As part of this we’re creating a new role in the Place directorate, previously Growth, Environment, Transport and Health.
The Director of Communities and Engagement will lead place-based working and oversee:
Communications and engagement.
Civic pride, community safety, resilience, health and safety.
Cultural services, including libraries.
Internal recruitment for this role is now open. We aim to appoint the successful candidate so service areas can start reporting in January.
Staff Survey 2025 - key findings
People Services and Business Intelligence have now reviewed all staff survey responses, including the free-text feedback, to understand priorities and shape improvements.
You highlighted key positives, and these include:
Strong teamwork and supportive management.
Respect and clarity of objectives.
Valued flexible/hybrid working.
Pride in public service.
Good benefits and training opportunities.
You also told us that our key challenges include:
Weak change management, staff influence and involvement.
Concerns about pay fairness and recognition.
Need for better leadership visibility.
Workload and stress issues.
Improvements needed in career pathways, facilities, IT, and EDI (especially for disabled, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ colleagues).
Bullying and harassment remain areas of concern.
Our senior leaders are developing commitments to address these issues and will share updates as actions progress.
As a council, we need to deliver savings of at least £100 million over the next three years. Achieving this requires everyone’s input, so we’re asking you to share your ideas and expertise to help identify opportunities across all service areas.
To support this work, we’ve already taken important steps, including launching an Efficiency Review at Cabinet in June 2025. This review is a key part of our wider transformation agenda and underpins the 2026/27 budget and medium-term financial strategy.
We launched our saving suggestion scheme in September. All ideas submitted are being reviewed by directorates to identify opportunities for improvement.
Most recently we launched a budget consultation so staff, residents, businesses and community groups can share their views on how we set the council’s budget.
Your support matters, please take part by sharing your ideas, completing the consultation and encouraging your teams to get involved. Together we can make these savings and deliver services more efficiently.
Local Government Reorganisation update and survey link
You'll know that Government is changing how local councils work in county areas to make them simpler, stronger and closer to communities.
The plan is for the current two-tier system (county and district councils) to move to unitary councils, where one council delivers all local services in each area.
Sharing information with our workforce is one of our highest priorities.
We have developed a short survey to help us improve how we do this and make it easier for you to stay informed. It only takes a few minutes to complete.
The survey is accessible from any device. Managers, please share this with your teams.
You can also find out more or ask questions via the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation intranet site or the staff area of the county council website.