Cllr Liz Wardlaw reflects on the progress (and problems) when bringing forward culture change at Cheshire East
"Much has been said about the culture and conditions within Cheshire East over the last 2 years. I have read letters and commentaries in the press and listened to opinions and questions in person. Until now I have remained quiet in the hope that the hard work being done by so many of us from all areas of the elected and unelected teams within the Council will speak for itself. But is now time to share what we have done, what we have achieved and what is still to do!
The creation and adoption of the "Values, Behaviours and Vision for Cheshire East Council" was developed through workshops and engagement with hundreds of employees and by the introduction of 'champions', who volunteer to provide forums for all staff to discuss the new ethos and vision.
The all-Party Member Forum has been created to discuss in a non-political manner, the most constructive ways we can contribute to improving relationships between Members and Officers. Members, who have taken the time to attend the “Conversation for all Members” sessions, now have a better understanding of the obstacles and opportunities of the Brighter Futures Programme and are able to drive the changes forward. There are improved training systems and improved communications between the many diverse teams located in multiple locations across the Borough and a genuine improvement in communication between Members and Officers. All this has been achieved in a relatively short space of time but this is a dynamic and on-going process.
I am told it can take 10 years to completely change the ethos of an organisation, but I am also aware that every journey starts with the first step. We are taking those steps and trying to bring everyone with us. Sadly, there will be those who have been damaged by their past experiences and find it hard to trust the promises being made - that is understandable and is why we must redouble our efforts to help them. However, there are also some who are entrenched in the past and nothing will entice them to move forward - sadly in terms of accessing the media, there is no sensationalist headline in “Cheshire East is Making Good Progress.”
No matter how loud, how often or how hard I try to convince the doubters of the sincere and successful efforts of the many at Cheshire East to move forward, it will remain easier for the few to say they’re aware of a grievance or an issue that has not been addressed or to find fault with the pace of change or to criticise an action taken or not taken.
But we remain positive because no amount of negativity will impede the progress of the Brighter Futures Programme. There is a quiet majority of voices at Cheshire East encouraging and supporting each other to deliver a productive, professional and happy work place - a place where the majority want to be - and I am one of them.
Cllr Mrs E Wardlaw
Odd Rode Ward
Deputy Leader Cheshire East Council
Chair of Brighter Future Members Forum
