COUNCIL AGREES TO MODERNISE ITS MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Argyll and Bute councillors have approved a number of changes to the structure of the authority’s senior management team.

A report recommending the revised framework, written by Chief Executive Sally Loudon, was agreed by the Council today.

The existing structure of four Directors will become three Executive Directors covering Community Services, Customer Services and Development and Infrastructure Services.

In addition, as Phase Two of the programme, the existing 15 Heads of Service posts will be reduced to 12.

Their posts will cover Strategic Finance; Improvement and HR; Governance and Law; Support and Customer Service; Facilities; Roads and Amenities; Planning and Regulations; Economic Development; Adult Care; Children and Families; Education and Community and Culture.

“This is a very exciting next step forward for Argyll and Bute Council,” Mrs Loudon said.

“We have been working extremely hard as an organisation to improve the way in which we operate and provide our services, and all the indications are that we are going in the right direction in this respect.

“We are determined to continue to make progress, but the management structure needs to change to ensure that we are best equipped to meet the challenges we face.

“I am pleased that the Councillors were supportive of this new approach, and I very much look forward to making a start on implementing the revisions and overseeing a more focused drive towards greater performance and efficiency, for the benefit of everyone in Argyll and Bute.”

Senior Management across the Council will undergo a competency evaluation, overseen by an external organisation, as part of the assessment procedure.

The process will be staged, with the Directors appointed first followed by the Heads of Service, and should be concluded by the end of February 2010.

Council Leader Dick Walsh welcomed the changes.

“This is an indication that we will not shy away from decisions which have a major impact on this authority if the outcome is likely to be better services and better value for those who live in, work in and visit Argyll and Bute,” he said.

“We believe that these measures will ensure that we are in the best possible shape to face the challenges of the future, and I look forward to this Council continuing to drive forward its plans for improvement.”

The new structure will save £370,000 per annum compared to the existing framework.