Purpose

To approve the year 2 and 3 implementation plan for Cotswold District Councils People and Culture Strategy

Decision

The purpose of this item was to provide an update on the People and Culture Implementation Plan and to seek Cabinet approval for the plan for years 2 and 3, 2026-2028.

Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council introduced the report, which noted the progress made during the first year in strengthening organisational culture, embedding workforce values, implementing the revised organisational structure, improving performance management, refreshing on-boarding and mentoring arrangements, and delivering the retention strategy.  The Leader asked the Monitoring Officer to outline the proposed priorities and actions for years two and three.

Cabinet heard that the implementation of the People and Culture Strategy had built on the achievements of the previous year, with a particular focus on maintaining service delivery and organisational stability during the uncertainty arising from Local Government Reorganisation.

The Cabinet noted the importance that had been placed on supporting staff through organisational change, developing future workforce capability, strengthening retention and recognition, and maintaining effective internal communication and employee engagement. The Cabinet also noted that the employee survey had provided an important mechanism for capturing employee feedback and informing the future direction of the Strategy.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy, seconded by Councillor Paul Evans and put to the vote.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the years 2 & 3 implementation plan as detailed in Annex A (August 2026 – March 2028).
2. Delegate authority to the Director of Governance & Development, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make minor amendments to the plan in response to emerging organisational or legislative changes.

Voting record:

7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions