National award for controversial temporary council officer

THE work of West Somerset Council’s controversial temporary chief officer Dr Jack Neal has been recognised with a national award from the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE).
Dr Neal’s appointment hit the headlines because he was costing £3,500 a week at a time when the council was already in a financial crisis after Independent councillors took control from the Conservatives at local elections.
The council had lost its chief executive and deputy chief executive in quick succession after the coalition of Independent councillors began running the authority.
Dr Neal, aged 61, who lives near Honiton, Devon, was given a temporary contract to try to turn around the management of the council.
Now, his work has been recognised at the prestigious SOLACE interim manager of the year awards, held in Claridge’s Hotel, Mayfair, London.
He received the runner-up award in the strategic management category.
West Somerset economic development portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes said: “It is no mean feat given that we are a small council and the winners came from larger London authorities.
“I am delighted that the work he did with us has been acknowledged.
“He has fantastic management skills and I am pleased these have been recognised on a national scale.”
Adrian Dyer, who has since become the council’s chief officer with the title executive director, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Jack.
“He is an inspirational manager and excellent problem-solver who is not phased by anything.
“I have learned a lot from him, and the council as a whole has seen marked and lasting improvements thanks to his help.”

• Our photograph shows Councillor Michael Downes (left) and Dr Jack Neal. Photo submitted.

New tourism partnership could boost local economy

A NEW tourism industry partnership to promote West Somerset and Greater Exmoor is to be considered by West Somerset Council cabinet members next week.
They will be asked to work with potential partners to establish the form of any partnership before a further report comes back to cabinet later in the year.
If the cabinet agrees at its meeting on April 8, then council executive director Adrian Dyer and tourism portfolio holder Councillor Michael Downes will start the partnership ball rolling.
The partners could include the Exmoor Tourist Association (ETA), Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) and Active Exmoor.
The mix of private and public sector organisations have been working together to see if pooling resources and co-ordinating tourism services could underpin and enhance this important area of the West Somerset economy.
The idea of the new partnership evolved following the disbanding of Visit Exmoor in 2007, which came after disagreements between its numerous partners undermined its effectiveness.
Since then, the council has supported tourism through event co-ordination, providing a new Visitor Information Centre on Minehead seafront, and funding the district’s tourism guide Exmoor Coast and Country, which was produced in partnership with the ETA.
Active Exmoor, which is also part-funded by the council, has developed outdoor activities for visitors and the ENPA through its management plan and is committed to sustainable tourism projects to develop and enhance the visitor experience.
Now, through ‘a coming together of minds’, the group will explore what each partner can bring to the table by way of resource and/or money to deliver four essential tourism themes:

• Marketing the area to attract visitors
• Providing information on accommodation options
• Letting visitors know what activities are available
• Maintaining a good product by looking after and enhancing the local environment

Cabinet members will also consider approving the proposed partnership’s aim, which is to develop the area as a leading tourism destination based on providing a sustainable, quality experience for visitors which will, in turn, support and enhance the economy.
The partnership’s objectives will also be considered.
These include increasing visitor numbers and the duration of stays, ensuring the area is a leader in sustainable tourism, encouraging professional standards and consulting with the private and public sectors and local people.
Deciding resource and financial contributions, and the operation of a viable and professional partnership to achieve a vibrant industry are also seen as key objectives in delivering successful tourism services.
Councillor Downes, who will present the report next week, said: “I think this targeted, objective approach is very timely as the local economy needs all the support it can get at the moment.
“The recently approved economic strategy singled out tourism as an important sector to develop in order to underpin the local economy.
“The priorities and aims of the strategy dovetail with the propositions in the report.
“The input of private sector organisations such as the ETA, which is a very constructive and proactive partner, along with public sector commitment is important in making sure the visitor experience is enhanced so that people keep coming back to the area for holidays.
“In these uncertain economic times, I feel it is an excellent opportunity to combine the skills and knowledge of committed private and public sector agencies in a firm partnership.
“The partnership will consult with other local tourism operators to consolidate the area’s position as a quality tourism destination, and will be a key strength in leading this sector in future economic growth for the benefit of all local people.”

Forging stronger links between community and public services

A NEW attempt is being made to forge stronger links between representatives of local public organisations and the community of West Somerset in what is known as a Local Area Panel.
The Minehead Area Panel is piloting the first of the new-look panels with a meeting to be held in the United Reform Church Hall, Bancks Street, Minehead, at 6 pm next Wednesday (December 10).
It is open to anybody to attend.
Representatives of Exmoor National Park Authority, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, officers from the county council’s locality and community teams, Somerset Primary Care Trust, and Magna West Somerset Housing Association, have been invited to join the panel.
West Somerset Council’s Minehead panel representative Adrian Dyer said: “The police already have a standing item on the agenda so that people can raise any issues that affect their community.
“Members of the business community, and officers and councillors from the local authorities are also present so that people can discuss anything from roads to regeneration.
“The panels have been very successful in some areas and we are looking to develop all of them, which is why we have asked other agencies to come along.
“The panels have the potential to be dynamic, interactive forums where the public can influence policy and make positive changes at a grass roots level.
“We hope this will appeal to people in our community, and we would welcome their input and their views.
“By working together, we can improve local social and economic well-being and help ensure our communities remain strong and active.”

Council receives glowing IIP praise for supporting staff

WEST Somerset Council has been praised for the way it supports staff and encourages initiatives, in a report by Investors in People specialist assessor Richard Sloane.
Mr Sloane renewed the council’s Investor in People (IIP) status for a further three years, commenting on the authority’s ‘outstanding ethos that encourages and supports initiative at all levels’.
He also said the authority was ‘welcoming and friendly, yet disciplined’ and ‘continuous improvement is at the heart of this excellent council’.
Mr Sloane said: “The council is bucking the trend where there is more evidence of an increase in poor management behaviour across many sectors, often as a result of concentrated focus on targets to the exclusion of valuing staff.
“It was a privilege to review this council in terms of its culture and commitment to investing in people.”
Investors in People UK is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills.
It works in partnership with organisations throughout the UK to improve their productivity and performance to help them realise their full potential.
Reviewers look at an organisation’s processes, conduct staff interviews, and monitor developments aimed to benefit staff, customers, and the organisation as a whole.
Council leader Councillor Keith Ross said: “We are delighted that IIP assessors and other external organisations recognised that throughout the changes of the last 18 months, the council has remained committed to investing in its staff.
“The council’s RECO training programme was praised for bringing staff together, while the advances under the council’s improvement plan, such as better leadership, management, and communication, closer cross-party working and an ongoing commitment to our staff’s continuing professional development, have been key to improving staff morale and providing a positive environment in which to work.
“The assessors also acknowledged that uniting staff in the new offices is bringing about further positive changes for the organisation itself, as well as for its customers.
“We are justifiably proud of our IIP standard being renewed and of what staff have achieved in the past 18 months.”
Staff said the council was compassionate and supportive in difficult domestic circumstances.
Because of this, staff went ‘the extra mile’ to support the council in times of need.
Workers felt appreciated and valued as individuals and as part of the team.
Acting head of paid service Adrian Dyer said: “Our staff are important to us and our customers.
“They have supported customers, senior staff, and members loyally and it is only right that they receive equal investment for their efforts.
“We have a hard-working team of professional people and we are delighted that the IIP assessors have acknowledged this.
“We are pleased to have retained the IIP standard and to have achieved such an excellent report.”

Dress down council staff raise funds for Children in Need

DISTRICT council staff in West Somerset dressed down to raise more than £70 for Children in Need on Friday, November 14.
Council chairman, Councillor Eddie May, acting head of paid service Adrian Dyer, and corporate director Bruce Lang, clubbed together to offer prizes for staff who made the best -or worst - of the dress down theme.
Visitors to the council offices in Williton were surprised to be welcomed by the likes of witches, bath-time belles, and men dressed in shocking pink, but it was taken in good heart because it was for a great cause.
Councillor May, who selected the prizewinners, said: “It is great to see the staff having some fun and dressing down to raise funds for such a worthwhile charity.
“They really entered into the spirit of the day and while it was difficult to choose the winners the ladies really made a special effort, so they deserved to win.”
Councillor May is pictured with the prizewinners.

Urgent-only service from district council as it moves into new headquarters

PEOPLE are being advised that West Somerset Council will not be able to provide its full range of services on the day the authority moves into its new headquarters next month.
A reduced service will be available on Friday, September 5, while staff relocate to their new offices a few yards away in Killick Way, Williton.
The council’s acting head of paid service, Adrian Dyer said: “There will be staff in the customer centre and the current offices in Williton who will try and assist with urgent inquiries.
“However, they will not be able to take payments such as council tax or business rates because the IT systems will be closed down.
“We will be working over the entire weekend to restore the IT systems and anticipate that full service will be resumed from 10 am on Monday, September 8.
“We urge anybody who feels this may cause them hardship to get in touch with our customer services team on 01643 703704 as soon as possible so we can help to resolve any issues.”
Information on services will be available on the council’s website at http://www.westsomerset.online.gov.uk/ throughout the weekend as this will not be affected by the move.
However, the telephone service will be limited and staff from all service sections, with the exception of customer services, will not be available on September 5.
Mr Dyer said: “We would appreciate it if people who need to make payments or need appointments with service staff call us now to arrange a convenient time.
“We ask people only to phone or visit the offices on Friday, September 5, if their call is urgent. We would like to thank people in advance for their patience.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure people that the customer centre in Minehead is not closing.
“Like the new offices in Williton, it will be open for business on Monday, September 8.”
The council’s main contact number will remain the same - 01643 703704 - although the postal address will change to West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Somerset, TA4 4QA.
West Somerset House will be open for business from 10am on Monday, September 8, and will then revert to its usual opening times of 8.30 am to 5 pm on Monday to Thursday, and 8.30 am to 4.30 pm on Fridays.
The customer centre in Summerland Road, Minehead, will be open from 9 am to 5 pm daily and can be contacted on the same telephone number.

• Our photograph shows West Somerset House under construction in Killick Way, Williton. Photo submitted.

Crisis council brings in management troubleshooter

A TEMPORARY chief executive costing nearly £3,500 a week has been appointed by West Somerset Council to steer it through a financial crisis.
Management consultant Dr Jack Neal, aged 60, has been brought in to run the council for the next few months while it grapples with staffing and funding shortages.
His £30,000 fee, however, is likely to be fully met by Lift South West, an agency set up to support councils and promote excellence in local government.
Dr Neal, who lives near Honiton, Devon, was chief executive of Caradon District Council, in Cornwall, for 10 years until 2002, where he experienced many of the issues now facing West Somerset.
Since then, he has worked all over the country as a troubleshooter taking temporary charge of councils in crises and guiding them through their problems.
He has had short spells running Erewash Borough Council, Lincolnshire County Council, and Richmondshire District Council, and provided training and consultancy to Plymouth City Council, Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council, and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.
Dr Neal said: “I am looking forward to working with the staff and councillors at West Somerset Council.
“We have a joint aim, which is to stabilise the council and to establish the best way forward to ensure more effective service delivery.
“I believe passionately in teamwork and think that by working together, staff and councillors can meet the challenges ahead positively and secure a better future for services and people in West Somerset.”
The council’s acting chief executive, Adrian Dyer, said: “We are delighted to have Jack’s skills and experience on board.
“His strong focus on team work will help us stabilise the council and drive forward improvements to meet the district’s longer term needs.
“Essentially, the majority of the council’s services are good which is down to our hard-working and loyal staff.
“However, we accept that we need to change in order to bring effective improvements across all services.
“We are enthusiastic about working with Jack, councillors, and partners to find a positive way forward for the authority for the benefit of the whole district.”
Beleagured council leader Councillor Keith Ross, who is facing a rebellion within the ranks of the controlling Independent group, is hoping Dr Neal will embed a new way of working ‘with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, trust, and respect’.
It will include facilitating a review of how the council is organised internally with a view to ensuring that capacity and accountability are aligned to deliver on the council's corporate priorities.
Work will be undertaken to refine and focus the council’s short-term improvement programme, with particular emphasis on financial standing and performance management.
Consideration will also be given to finding the most suitable longer-term plan for a more integrated service delivery model across Somerset, which could include letting Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council take on some services.