Annual Self-Assessment 2023-24

Methodology - A Thematic Approach

To provide a clear structure and focus, our self-assessment is designed around a thematic framework built around key corporate and organisational themes, with performance under each of these themes assessed.

 

Our self-assessment framework looks different to that which we used in the previous two versions of our report.  This is because the Council approved a new Corporate Strategy in May 2022 which included the adoption of twelve new Well-being Objectives.  These new Well-being Objectives provide greater breadth of coverage across the Council’s organisational priorities that those previously. 

 

The overarching themes are:

  1. Well-being Objectives
  2. Corporate planning, performance and working with others

 

Each theme is supported by a set of sub-themes to supplement our understanding of how we are performing in each area.

 

Theme: SA1 - Well-being objectives

  • SA1.1 - We will improve the provision of education and learning, equipping our learners with lifelong skills and knowledge they will need for the future.
  • SA1.2 - We will ensure the appropriate provision of care and support, focusing on prevention and ensuring vulnerable people are safe.
  • SA1.3 - We will enable the delivery of affordable, available, adaptable and energy efficient homes.
  • SA1.4 - We will deliver our economic ambition through supporting growth, jobs and prosperity and enable the transition to a more sustainable and greener economy.
  • SA1.5 - We will promote and support initiatives to deliver decarbonisation, manage climate adaptation and tackle the nature emergency.
  • SA1.6 - We will support our communities, maintaining positive relationships with them to help to build active, resourceful, connected, sustainable and creative communities.
  • SA1.7 - We will support the Welsh language within communities and through schools.
  • SA1.8 - We will focus resources on delivering core services such as highways, waste and recycling, public protection and leisure and culture that contribute to communities’ quality of life, ensuring residents live in neighbourhoods that are clean, green, safe and active.
  • SA1.9 - We will develop a strategy to reduce poverty and inequality.
  • SA1.10 - We will build a culture of good governance in the Council to enhance trust and confidence in our decision-making processes.
  • SA1.11 - We will be a financially sustainable and resilient Council managing our resources and assets effectively and efficiently, for instance by reviewing and optimizing our corporate estate.
  • SA1.12 - We will enhance the development of our workforce, improving skills and opportunities as well as tackling issues of recruitment and retention.

 

Theme: SA2 - Corporate planning, performance and working with others

  • SA2.1 - Corporate planning and performance.
  • SA2.2 - Strategic partnerships.
  • SA2.3 - Consultation and engagement.
  • SA2.4 - Complaints and compliments.
  • SA2.5 - Equalities.

 

Self-assessment is an evidence-based analysis, understanding what a range of quantitative and qualitative information at the Council’s disposal reveals about how it is exercising its functions, using its resources and governing itself.  We have asked ourselves 3 key questions to assess performance under each sub-theme.  These are:

  • How well are we doing?  (Assessing current performance using both qualitative and quantitative information.)
  • How do we know? (Providing appropriate evidence to demonstrate the above.)
  • What can we do better and how?  (Identifying forward looking improvement actions.)

 

The self-assessment draws on a range of internal and external sources, ensuring a broad evidence base to inform the actions the Council will take to increase the extent to which it is meeting the performance requirements in future.  Below are a range of examples of the type of information we have drawn on as an evidence base:

  • Service plan self-assessment sections
  • External regulatory reports
  • External service reviews
  • Corporate Performance Scorecard
  • Citizen engagement and consultation exercises
  • Annual Governance Statement
  • Budget monitoring reports
  • Other statutory reports e.g. Director of Social Services Annual Report
ID: 12316, revised 09/01/2025
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