How we work - our principles
Ensuring fairness and opportunity for all are at the core of our work.
The principles guiding all our plans and actions are:
- Customers first: Putting our customers at the heart of service design and delivery, we will seek regular feedback through consultations and resident surveys.
- Digital transformation: We are modernising services and harnessing new digital technology to make it easier for residents to interact with us. We are improving our website, streamlining processes, and making more services available online.
- Building self-reliance: We work with others to build the ability of individuals and communities to solve their problems and withstand the shocks that come their way. We will support those who need it – but our priority is always to help people live independently for as long as possible.
- Getting the best value: We strive for value for money in everything we do, and we are focused on financial stability and delivering our Medium-Term Financial Plan. However, we acknowledge that the best deal is not always the cheapest – it protects people, jobs, the environment, and the budget. So, we are also evolving our procurement practices to enhance the social value in all we do.
- Collaborating with others: We work closely with partners and other bodies within and beyond our district, increasing our collective ability to achieve our vision and improve our residents’ quality of life and well-being. We are building on the work done during the pandemic to consolidate partnerships and ensure a more robust network to support the most vulnerable.
- Respect for democracy and ensuring inclusivity: Our councillors, elected by local people, understand the needs and expectations of their communities. This understanding informs our actions and helps us make balanced decisions. We will practice genuine engagement with those affected by our work or decisions.
- Integrity and Good Governance: As community leaders, honesty, accountability, and transparency are at the core of everything we do. We recognise our responsibility to serve all the communities of our district to the best of our ability. We will treat the people we work with and serve with integrity, respect, and decency. We will use data and research to drive improvement, listening to our residents, communities, and businesses to underpin informed decisions.
- Valuing our staff: Our staff are our biggest asset, and through their dedication and expertise, we can deliver the services that people rely on. Therefore, we promote our employees’ health, safety, and wellbeing. We support our staff in gaining new skills and qualifications throughout their careers, and empower them to innovate, collaborate and achieve our shared goals.