Report of the Assistant Director of People (Operational In-House Services)
Minutes:
The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Director of People (Operational In-House Services) that provided an update on the progress of Green Sefton’s operational delivery over the last year, and setting out the strategic work programme, in line with the new Service Vision 2030, and updated Service Plan for the next year.
The report concluded that the service had performed well under ongoing challenging circumstances over the last couple of years, as resources available clearly did not allow for service delivery to meet public, Councillor, nor the Services own expectations; that notwithstanding this, the Service had achieved many successes during the past year; and that the Service Vision, Service Planning and new key performance indicators, together with the workload matrix system detailed in the report, were all proving a useful tool to manage priorities.
The Committee was requested to review the proposals contained in the report and Annual Review and consider the submission of comments to the Cabinet Member - Health and Well Being and the Cabinet Member - Locality Services.
A copy of the Green Sefton Annual Review 2023 was attached as an appendix to the report.
Mark Shaw, Green Sefton Service Manager, made a presentation to the Committee and highlighted the work undertaken by his service during the past year which included:
· Undertook major consultation for Botanic Gardens Improvements and adopted Orrell Mount Park masterplan.
· Delivered the Parks Levelling Up scheme.
· Delivered the Coast Visitor Action Plan and continued to work in partnership with other landowners and emergency services.
· In Bloom success.
· Enacted the Coast PSPO.
· Contributed to the Climate Change Working Group.
· Responded to extreme weather events, climate changes, and other (e.g. bird flu).
· Successfully bid for external funds, developed and delivered improvement projects.
· Hesketh Park Legacy scheme approved.
· Developed concessions.
· Adopted a refreshed Service Vision, and Service Plan.
Mr. Shaw also identified activity to be undertaken in 2024 which included:
· Develop new funding bids, such as Botanic Gardens Heritage Lottery.
· Deliver further improvement schemes, such as Crosby coastal defences (interim works).
· Increase staff capacity, apprenticeships and training.
· Adopt the Tree, Allotment, Action Plan Nature Conservation Strategies.
· Start replacement of fleet and machinery.
· Continue to develop the Coastal Gateways.
· Support the development of the SCLP Board and contribute to wider regional activities.
· Publish the standards of what can be achieved within resources available.
· Promoting changes to overall Landscape Management including BNG, LCR works, Trees for Climate and more.
· Develop a Strategic Vision for our places in the future.
· Lead of key aspects of the Climate Action Plan.
· Update key performance indicators to track performance.
Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:
· The Green Sefton service was a service provided by the Council that had a direct impact on all communities.
· Community activity and involvement associated with improvements to Poet’s park.
· The marketing and PR around the bold move to rebrand the Green Sefton service.
· How the Green Sefton service publicised its many good new stories via social media and a dedicated corporate communications team member.
· How successful was the consultation and engagement with public, coastal landowners and partners in the development of the Coast and Visitor Areas Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
· Problems associated with waste and refuse at the Formby National Trust site.
· Natural Alternatives, Green Sefton’s own long-running inclusion programme for adults and young people with additional needs.
RESOLVED: That
(1) |
the report on the Green Sefton Annual Review 2023 be noted; and
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(2) |
Mark Shaw be thanked for his informative presentation.
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Supporting documents: