An independent review has found that Conservative-led East Sussex County Council to be well-run and well-managed with a strong track record of service delivery.
The conclusions follow a rigorous assessment by the Local Government Association which conducted a Corporate Peer Challenge on the Conservative-run authority earlier this year.
Its final report notes that the council is a respected and trusted partner with good relations between members and offices, built on mutual respect. The council is noted for doing what it says and doing it well, with a strong delivery record across all key service areas.
Speaking on the findings, Council Leader Keith Glazier said: “The independent review confirms that our managerial and political leadership is well-established and experienced.
“It concluded that the whole council is open and approachable, and noted how this attribute came through consistently in interviews, and in feedback from stakeholders and partners.
“I am proud of our loyal and dedicated staff, and their commitment was reinforced by the review which cited that we work together collaboratively.”
The findings follow a three-and-a-half-day review involving a team of both officers and elected councillors. The inspectors met staff and partners as well as extensive reviews of documentation.
One of the council’s staff interviewed as part of the process is quoted in the report as saying they were proud to work for East Sussex County Council which has “no egos. It is well run and positive".
The review is intended to be a robust and effective continuous improvement tool to help councils with their development, by providing a ‘practitioner perspective’ and ‘critical friend’ challenge.
The report also sets out some recommendations to consider, building on strong foundations already in place, to put the council on an even firmer footing for the future. These are being considered by the council and a report will be discussed by Cabinet members at their meeting on 28 September. It will outline work already underway as well as plans for the coming months.
