Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) 2022/23 PIP Consultation 2022/23 If you would like this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, or another language, please email communications@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena BT43 5EJ T: 0300 1245 000 E: enquiries@midandeastantrim.gov.uk W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Contents 1.0
Introduction
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2.0 Duty to Improve and arrangements to secure continuous improvement
6-7
3.0
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Proposed Improvement Objectives 2022/23
4.0 Summary Table 20 5.0
Consultation Questionnaire
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1.0 Introduction
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Our Environment
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Community Safety & Cohesion
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Good Health & Wellbeing
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Learning for Life
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Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe & inclusive community, where people work together to improve quality of life for all.
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Sustainable Jobs & Tourism
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Through the Corporate Plan, we will support the delivery of the Programme for Government, as well as regional strategies that benefit the prosperity
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The Corporate Plan was developed with reference to a number of external and internal strategic drivers. Together these make up the complex strategic landscape in which we operate.
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PIP Consultation 2022/23
We continue to work with a wide range of partners to develop and deliver action plans to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the Borough.
Internally, the Corporate Plan connects to other council plans, including the Community Plan, the Local Development Plan, the Performance Improvement Plan and other relevant strategies and plans.
Our Corporate Plan sits at the heart of everything we do, setting out our vision, themes and objectives that will guide our work towards 2023.
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Council intends to deliver the same longer-term vision and themes for the Borough that are set out in the Community Plan.
and wellbeing of the whole region.
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Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community where people work together to improve the quality of life for all.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council leads the Community Planning Partnership in the development and delivery of the 15-year Community Plan for the Borough, “Putting People First”.
Corporate Plan 2019-2023
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Our Vision
Our ambitious Corporate Plan shapes the direction of our work and services from 2019-2023. It reaffirms our commitment to outstanding delivery for the benefit of everybody who lives, works, visits or invests in Mid and East Antrim.
Community Plan
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We are providing more services to our citizens than ever before, ranging from responsibility for waste management, leisure and parks provision, to our crucial role in economic growth and investment, health and education, community safety and safeguarding our environment.
1.1 How we will deliver our Vision
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Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was established in 2015 as part of the programme for local government reform. The Council consists of 40 Councillors elected in seven District Electoral Areas within the three main towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. Mid and East Antrim has a population of 139,443 people and covers an area of just over 400 square miles.
Performance Improvement Plan Our Performance Improvement Plan 2022/23 aligns with the key priorities within the Community Plan and Corporate Plan, and outlines the specific areas we intend to focus on in the year ahead. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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2.0 Duty to Improve & arrangements to secure continuous improvement The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 put in place a framework to support continuous improvement in the delivery of council services. The Act requires councils to set one or more improvement objectives each year and to have appropriate arrangements in place to achieve them.
our services through the development and implementation of an annual Performance Improvement Plan, in addition to the plans and strategies outlined previously.
For us, “Improvement” is not limited to gains in service output and efficiency, but also focuses on the issues that are important to our citizens and customers, helping to improve the quality of life for all.
For the upcoming 2022/23 year, Council is also focused on recovery and adapting to the ‘new normal’, in addition to improvement. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on our citizens and local businesses, and Council are proactively working to minimise any lasting negative implications.
We demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of
2.1 Arrangements to secure continuous improvement As a Council, we use our Performance Management Framework to drive performance and continuous improvement within the organisation. This framework links together all the corporate planning processes that we have in place to ensure that performance is measured and managed at all levels. The diagram below demonstrates how strategic objectives within the Community Plan and Corporate Plan cascade through to the Performance Improvement Plan, annual
business plans and, ultimately, to every employee’s work objectives. Each plan is supported by Key Performance Indicators, both statutory and self-imposed, so that we can continually measure and improve our performance. We frequently monitor and evaluate our framework to support our Duty to Improve.
Community Plan | 15-year strategic plan
Corporate Plan | 4-year strategic plan
Performance Improvement Plan | Annual Improvement Plan
Annual Business Plans
Employee Personal Development Plan Annual plan linked to work objectives & learning & development needs 06 |
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3.0 Proposed Improvement Objectives
Grow the economy and create jobs
?
•
You said ‘investment to grow the economy, create jobs and attract tourists’ was one of the most important forms of investment for Council*1.
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You also ranked ‘improving skills, employability and job prospects’ as the second most important thing that needed to be improved to make your area a good place to live*1.
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The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in the number of job claimants in the region; a trend observed across almost all council regions in Northern Ireland. As of December 2021, figures remain 25% higher than January 2020*2.
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Between 2019-2021, over 2,400 jobs were lost in Mid and East Antrim*3.
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A series of pre-employment programmes to upskill and enable residents to access employment opportunities that provide a progressive career pathway.
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The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for it’ Programme.
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An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.
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7 employability programmes/academies delivered by March 2023. - 120 participants engaged. - 120 qualifications achieved. - 10 participants progressing to Further Education. - 60 participants gaining employment/self-employment.
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111 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2023.
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Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2023.
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Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2023.
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70% of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks by March 2023.
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Director of Development
Why?
What you will see
How we will measure progress
Who is responsible?
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Proposed PIP Consultation Improvement 2022/23 Objectives 2020/21
*1 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018. *2 Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service (Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency - NISRA). *3 NISRA Confirmed Redundancy Figures
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Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy
?
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Carrickfergus Castle is a key landmark and popular visitor attraction.
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Significant factory closures, changes in buying habits and proximity to Belfast have led to a decline in Carrickfergus’ traditional town centre economy.
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Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including eight existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by December 2022*4.
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The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.
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Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.
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Up to 2 new grants awarded by December 2022, to be measured in line with revised programme timescales*4.
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A total of 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored by December 2022.
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Education Programme completed by December 2022.
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Increased town centre footfall by December 2022.
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Lower levels of town centre vacancy by December 2022.
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Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by December 2022.
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Director of Operations
Why?
What you will see
How we will measure progress
Who is responsible? *4 Council are seeking an extension to the scheme to December 2022 to enable all projects to be fully completed; this is subject to funder approval.
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PIP Consultation 2022/23
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Support our citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation
?
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The need for play is evidenced through the ‘Play Strategy’ and ‘Play Investment Framework’ for Mid and East Antrim. We are committed to invest in fixed play in the Borough, and to make play provision more inclusive.
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Our ‘Outdoor Recreation Strategy’ sets out how the Borough’s rich landscape provides excellent opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. This was particularly evident during the global COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more people engaging in outdoor recreation on our waters and hillsides, it is important that these activities are enjoyed safely.
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Delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.
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Three new/upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA) / kickabout areas.
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A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.
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4 replacement play parks by March 2023: - Ballymena Road, Ahoghill - Martinstown - Ferris Park, Larne - Fourth location to be confirmed
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3 new/upgraded Multi Use Games (MUGA) / kick-about areas by March 2023: - Portglenone - Carnlough - Glynn
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A minimum of 5 outdoor-safety training courses delivered by March 2023, for example: - Hill and moorland leader training - Lowland Leader training - Open Water Swimming Safety - Remote Emergency Care First Aid training - Stand Up Paddle Boarding training
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A minimum of 50 participants across the five programmes.
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Director of Community
Why?
What you will see
How we will measure progress
Who is responsible? 06 || 12
Proposed Improvement Objectives 2020/21 PIP Consultation 2022/23
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Improve our infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations
? Why?
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The UK Government has announced the phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be 2030. From 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully zero emission at the tailpipe.
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Improving the Borough’s electric vehicle infrastructure will facilitate a sustainable transition to low carbon transport systems.
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In a survey conducted in 2021 as part of the FASTER Project to establish attitudes and behaviour towards transport use, almost 30% of Northern Ireland respondents (464) were from Mid and East Antrim (134). Of these, 34% of respondents who plan to change their vehicle in the next 3 years said they would be likely to purchase a battery electric vehicle*5.
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Target of two ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers installed at strategic locations in the Borough by March 2023, as part of the crossborder FASTER project*6.
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Minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers installed throughout the Council area by March 2023, as part of the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS)*6.
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Communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change toward electric vehicle use.
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2 rapid chargers installed at key strategic locations by March 2023.
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Minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers installed throughout the Council area by March 2023.
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A public survey conducted to examine any changes in attitude and behaviour towards transport use by March 2023.
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Director of Operations
What you will see
How we will measure progress
Who is responsible?
*5 Survey conducted as part of the FASTER project in July 2021, in conjunction with Transport Research Partners. *6 The FASTER and ORCS Projects are subject to successful external funding applications, the results of which are expected at the beginning of the 2022/23 financial year.
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Proposed Improvement Objectives 2020/21 PIP Consultation 2022/23
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Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council •
Autism is lifelong, and affects the social and communication centre of the brain. It affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment. Many individuals with autism have difficulty processing everyday sensory information like sight, smells, touch, taste and sounds*8.
? Why?
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Improving people’s health and wellbeing (and reducing health inequalities) is one of residents’ top five priorities for making the local area a good place to live*9.
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Continued rollout of an awareness-raising programme.
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Additional Council venues securing Autism IMPACT Awards.
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Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.
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Continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.
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4 additional ‘Autism Friendly’, virtual or in-person, public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff or the local community by March 2023.
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At least 90% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following the training sessions.
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3 additional Council-owned facilities securing Autism IMPACT Awards by March 2023.
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6 additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’ by March 2023.
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An additional 100 Council staff completing ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training by March 2023.
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Director of Community.
What you will see
How we will measure progress
1 in 22 children in Northern Ireland have a diagnosis of Autism*7.
Who is responsible?
*7 2021, Prevalence of Autism in school aged children, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety *8 https://www.autismni.org/about-1 *9 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018. 16 |
PIP Consultation 2022/23
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Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology
?
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Our services will be more effective and efficient, providing greater satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.
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Digital transformation will lead to improved management reporting and will support better and more informed decisionmaking.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for greater flexibility in delivering online services. ICT can be used as a driving tool to minimise face-to-face scenarios and help ensure our services are more accessible.
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Our Household Survey (2018) found that 39% of residents said they would like to be able to report a problem online, 37% would like to book activities, 27% would like to buy tickets and 22% would like to pay bills*10.
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Continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen-focused projects to include:
Why?
What you will see
•
Redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).
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Expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.
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Implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.
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Digital transformation of at least one customer-facing service.
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A minimum of 4 digital projects completed by March 2023.
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Director of Corporate Services
How we will measure progress
Who is responsible? 18 |
PIP Consultation 2022/23
*10 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018.
4.0 Performance Improvement Plan 2022/23 Summary Table Improvement Objective Grow the economy and create jobs.
What you will see •
• •
Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy. Support our citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation. Improve our infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations. Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
•
• •
• • •
•
•
•
• • • •
Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology.
•
By when *11
A series of pre-employment programmes to upskill and enable residents to access employment opportunities that provide a progressive career pathway. The promotion of new jobs in the Borough by successfully delivering the ‘Go for It’ Programme. An effective and efficient Planning Service to maximise economic development.
March 2023
Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including eight existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by December 2022 (subject to funder approval). The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage. Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.
December 2022
Delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough. Three new/upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA) / kick-about areas. A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.
The six proposed Improvement Objectives for 2022/23 are summarised below, and we are keen to hear your views on them. Have we got these Improvement Objectives right (please tick)?
Improvement Objectives
Yes
No
Don’t Comments Know
2. Support the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy. 3. Support our citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.
March 2023
March 2023
Continued rollout of an awareness-raising programme. Additional Council venues securing Autism IMPACT Awards. Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events. Continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.
March 2023
We welcome ongoing feedback on our Performance Improvement Plan. If you would like to make any comments, our contact details are on our website www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/PIP
The Performance Improvement Plan 2022/23 aligns with the key priorities of both the Community Plan and the Corporate Plan, and outlines some of the improvement areas that we intend to focus on in the year ahead.
1. Grow the economy and create jobs.
Target of two ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers installed at strategic locations in the Borough by March 2023, as part of the cross-border FASTER project (subject to a successful external funding application). Minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers installed throughout the Council area by March 2023, as part of the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS), (subject to a successful external funding application). Communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change toward electric vehicle use.
Continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen-focused projects to include: - Redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3). - Expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area. - Implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim. - Digital transformation of at least one customer-facing service.
5.0 Consultation Questionnaire
4. Improve our infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations. 5. Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. 6. Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing our use of information technology. Thank you for taking the time to complete this consultation. Are you: (please tick) Return all questionnaires to: Corporate Performance Team, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ You can also complete the consultation online on our website: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/consultations
March 2023
*11 Timescales are subject to change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deadline for responses is Tuesday 24 May 2022 at 12 noon. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is collecting your personal information as part of the consultation exercise on our Performance Improvement Plan 2022/23. We will keep your information secure, accurate, and for no longer than necessary in accordance with data protection law. If you wish to find out more about how we control and process your personal data and protect your privacy please visit: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/privacy-notice
A Resident A Business From the Community / Voluntary Sector An Elected Member
