We have been told we are making ‘good progress and there is much to be proud of’.

We were praised in a recent LGA (Local Government Association) Remote Corporate Health Check Report after we invited the LGA to conduct a peer review in May 2021.

The review, undertaken following a request made by the council’s Senior Leadership Team, was led by a team of officers and experienced peers from other local authorities.

In order to provide the greatest added value, we requested the review team focused on issues of ambition and aspiration; governance, performance and risk; council redesign; finance and strategic partnerships.

The report highlighted areas that we should look to focus on. An action plan has already been prepared to ensure we embrace the opportunities and improvements identified by the LGA.

The full report and action plan has been welcomed by senior leaders as it recognises that we're ‘on a journey’ and there are positive signs we're becoming a more responsive organisation to both local residents and councillors.

Several positive observations were made including our focus on transformational change and the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ in the regeneration of Torbay as a place.

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council said; “We want Torbay and its residents to thrive. This report demonstrates that positive progress can be seen across many areas of the council, and it helps us focus upon what still needs to be done. As a partnership we really welcome the peer support and the challenge that the LGA is able to facilitate. I am delighted the report recognises that we are making good progress and there is a lot for Torbay residents to be excited about and proud of.”

Anne-Marie Bond, Chief Executive of Torbay Council said; “I’d like to thank the Local Government Assocation for undertaking our Remote Corporate Health Check and for the resulting Remote Corporate Health Check Feedback Report. The process was incredibly useful for us and it’s going to help us to not only continue to improve but deliver on our ambitions for Torbay.”

The full report will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting taking place on 21 September 2021. At the meeting, the Audit Committee will be requested to monitor the implementation of the action plan.

The report and action plan is available on the website.

What is a Local Government Association Corporate Health Check?

The LGA provide councils with a variety of support through peer reviews. During the pandemic remote peer support was offered to councils to provide support and challenge to address COVID-19 related issues and broader challenges. This includes the Remote Corporate Health Check, which provides councils with a clear framework to consider key components that typically feature as part of a full corporate peer challenge covering, priority setting, place leadership, governance and capacity to deliver.