Facing the Challenge, Leading the Change ASCEL Conference 2011 Janene Cox - Commissioner for Tourism and the Cultural County Staffordshire County Council
The National Picture The Deficit Localism Accountability The public sector will be 25% smaller in financial terms by 2014 Localism Devolution to Councils and Society Local political leadership – “Member led” Accountability Accountable to communities not central government
Pre Coalition National Government Policy and Strategy Audit Commission CPA Ofsted MLA Action Plans Targets Frameworks Inspection Local Authority Delivery
Post Coalition National Government Audit Commission CPA Ofsted MLA Local Authority Communities
Today National Government Policy Strategy Themes Cabinet Will they make a difference? Can we afford them? Local Authority Has it made a difference? Delivery Communities
What do we enable others to do? The Operating Model What do we have to do? £££ What do we enable others to do? What do we commission? What do we stop doing??
The Challenge How do we save money/reduce budgets? People Bookfund Buildings What are the alternative options for delivery? Shared services – externally/internally Volunteers Community run services How do we evidence our value? How do we make our voice heard? Capacity
This is Staffordshire Library and Information Service 828,696 Population 43 libraries, 6 mobiles and 2 travelling libraries Part of the Place Directorate £9.1 million budget 250 full time equivalent staff 13,954 children joined the Summer Reading Challenge 8,556 children completed FTEs include Prisons and SLS staff
Critical Success Factors Understand the game and play it Be clear – what do you want to achieve? Engage with key stakeholders Map your aims against key policy and objectives Create, nurture and sustain partnerships Confidence and tenacity Belief in the importance of what we do Do not be a victim / do not be perceived as a victim Deliver on the promise / over deliver on the promise
“Advocacy isn’t a campaign it’s a way of life” 10
“I believe I am better”