The proposed new Corporate Strategy is Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s four-year vision for a place where people, nature, coast and towns come together in sustainable, safe and healthy communities.

Residents and stakeholders helped shape the proposed new strategy after they fed into a consultation, which involved discussion groups, an online survey and a series of roadshows led by BCP Council staff over late summer and autumn.

The new Corporate Strategy aims to create an open, transparent and accountable Council, which puts our people at its heart. It has two key priorities. They are:

• Our Place and Environment: Vibrant places where people and nature flourish, with a thriving economy in a healthy, natural environment
• Our People and Communities: Everyone leads a fulfilled life, maximising opportunity for all
• These are underpinned by a set of principles regarding our approach as a Council

The proposed strategy was drafted by Cabinet Members and senior council officers following the local elections in May and will replace the previous Corporate Strategy and the Big Plan, when it is formally adopted.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places, said: "We have listened to our residents about what is important to them and the input we have received has made a real difference. I’m grateful to everyone who took part – their ideas and suggestions have helped make sure our people and communities are put front and centre in our plans. I’m pleased to say that overall, the priority themes of ‘People and Communities’ and ‘Place and Environment’ were endorsed by our residents. Your feedback will now be used to shape the delivery plans that underpin these priorities and are the ‘golden thread’ that link the organisation and those it serves. Thank you again to everyone who took part. Together we have produced a proposal that will give us the opportunity to become an open, transparent and accountable Council.”

BCP Council Chief Executive Graham Farrant said: “We recognise we are all living in challenging times and this new corporate strategy gives us a fantastic opportunity to work with our communities to face those challenges head on. It will enable us to do what local government does best - focus on what really matters, and ensure we all enjoy living in sustainable, safe and healthy communities for years to come.”

It is recommended that Cabinet:

a) Notes the consultation report, summarising feedback from residents and stakeholders
b) Recommends the revised Corporate Strategy High Level Summary for adoption by Council
c) Recommends to Council that the Corporate Strategy and supporting Performance Management Framework continues to be aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Purpose Goals.
The proposed Corporate Strategy demonstrates the Council’s commitments to sustainability, equality and diversity and will influence how the council commits its limited resources in accordance with its stated priorities.

It also provides a vital component for policy development, service planning and performance management, enhancing good governance and transparency in decision-making.

    •   Read the full Cabinet report here