Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 If you would like this publication in an alternative format, 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

1-4

2.0 Key achievements

5-6

3.0

7 - 10

Duty to Improve and arrangements to secure continuous improvement

4.0 Performance Improvement Objectives 2022 to 2023 5.0

11 - 24

Update on previous Performance Improvement Objectives 25 - 26

6.0 Informing our Improvement Objectives 7.0

27 - 36

Management, Reporting and Governance Arrangements 37 - 38

8.0 Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 Summary Table

3 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

39

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1.0 Introduction

Our Vision is that...

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.

1 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

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 7 District Electoral Areas within the 3 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.

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.

Our ambitious Corporate Plan (2019 to 2023) shapes the direction of our work and services, and reaffirms our commitment to outstanding delivery for the benefit of everybody who lives, works, visits or invests in Mid and East Antrim.

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1.1 How we will deliver our Vision

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.

Performance Improvement Plan (2022 to 2023) Our Performance Improvement Plan aligns with the key priorities of the Community Plan and Corporate Plan, and

outlines the specific areas we intend to focus on in the year ahead.

Sustainable Jobs & Tourism

Community Safety & Cohesion

Good Health & Wellbeing

The diagram shows Council’s Corporate Plan, which includes the six strategic themes of: 1. Sustainable Jobs & Tourism 2. Our Environment 3. Community Safety & Cohesion 4. Learning for Life 5. Good Health & Wellbeing 6. High Performing Council

3 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe Mid and Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe &East inclusive community, & inclusive community, where people work together to improve quality of life where people work for all. together to improve the quality of life for all.

Learning for Life

H

Internally, among others, the Corporate Plan links to the Community Plan, Local Development Plan and the Performance Improvement Plan.

High Per for mi ng

C Through its delivery, we will support the ‘Programme for Government’, and other strategies that benefit the prosperity and wellbeing of the whole region.

£

ncil u Co g in m r

Our Corporate Plan sits at the heart of everything we do, setting out our vision, themes and objectives that guide our work towards 2023. The Plan was developed with reference to a number of internal and external drivers that make up the complex strategic landscape in which we operate.

Environment

ouncil ing C rm rfo Pe

Corporate Plan (2019 to 2023)

cil n ou

rforming Council h Pe Hig

Council intends to deliver the same long-term vision and themes for the Borough that are set out in the Community Plan.

High Performin gC ou nc Our il

Hi g h P e rf o

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”.

Diagram 1: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Corporate Plan 2019 to 2023

h ig

Community Plan (2017 to 2032)

Five of these themes are within the circle, with our vision at the core. The sixth theme of ‘High Performing Council’ forms the outer ring of the circle to show that everything we do as a Council helps to meet our strategic objectives and ultimately, our vision for the borough.

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2.0 Key Achievements As we look ahead towards 2023, it is important that we recognise the many achievements that have been realised since we launched our Corporate Plan back in 2019.

The critical support provided to our local residents and businesses has been invaluable, and made possible by the determination, adaptability and resilience of our staff and partners, particularly since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Continuous improvement remains a key priority for Council. We will keep transforming how we do things to make sure that we can continue to meet the needs of our local communities, businesses and visitors alike.

A snapshot of some of our key accomplishments over the past three years is provided on the opposite page.

4,185 Businesses engaged through business support programmes

290 participants in employability programmes have secured employment Work at St. Patrick’s Barracks continues to progress

Pilot Hydrogen Training Academy successfully launched

Mid and East Antrim Support Hub in its fourth year of operation #RediscoverMEA launched to bring tourism back to the Borough.

Received the APSE ‘Best Service Team’ for our ‘COVID Confidence Scheme’ 5 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

Awarded silver in the ‘UK Council of the Year’ category and bronze in the ‘Community Focus’ category at the iESE Awards

MEA

The PEACE programme continues to make a positive impact on the Borough

115k+ tickets sold to strategic visitor attractions

Good Relations Week continues to make a positive impact on local communities

58,000 trees planted via MEA4Tress

Youth Support Hub in its pilot year

ShopMEA app launched to support local businesses and encourage residents to shop locally Diverse Education & Training Programmes delivered

Digital transformation of key functions

3.0 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.

For us, “Improvement” is not limited to gains in service output and efficiency. It also focuses on the issues that are important to our citizens and customers, helping to improve the quality of life for all.

We demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of our services through the development and

7 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

implementation of an annual Performance Improvement Plan, in addition to our other strategies and plans.

This year, we have a continued focus on meeting the needs of our citizens, and ensuring that we remain adaptable and resilient, so that we can flex and respond to our ever-changing environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact in our communities, and Council are proactively working to minimise any lasting negative effects.

In the Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023, we set out how we will deliver improvement in all seven Improvement Areas as specified in the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014:

Strategic effectiveness

Service quality

Service availability

Fairness

Sustainability

Innovation

Efficiency

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3.1 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 performance is measured and managed at all levels.

The diagram below demonstrates how strategic objectives within the Community Plan and Corporate Plan cascade down through to the Performance Improvement Plan, annual business plans and, ultimately,

Plan

Purpose

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.

•

Community Plan

We frequently monitor and evaluate our Framework to support our ‘Duty to Improve’.

Diagram 2: Performance Management Framework

•

•

Corporate Plan

• •

The Community Plan (2017-2032) sets out a 15 year vision for improving the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of our borough.

This Plan is led by Council and was developed in partnership with a wide range of people and organisations from the borough’s public, private and voluntary sectors.

Our Corporate Plan (2019-2023) provides strategic direction for the Council for this 4 year period.

It shapes our services and sets the performance targets against which we will measure our success.

It drives our annual business planning process, ensuring that everything we do is aimed at achieving our objectives and our vision.

Community Plan | 15 year strategic plan Annual Business Plans

•

Our Directors and Heads of Service develop business plans each year, which outline objectives that link directly to the Community Plan, Corporate Plan and Performance Improvement Plan.

•

Our Personal Development Planning (PDP) process has been implemented across the entire organisation.

This process gives staff a ‘line of sight’ as to how their individual objectives contribute to their departmental objectives, the Corporate Plan and ultimately, towards the Community 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 and learning and development needs

9 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

Employee Personal Development Plan (PDP)

•

Performance Management System Council’s electronic performance management system is in its fourth year of operation, and has significantly enhanced our approach to business planning and performance improvement.

The system has enabled the streamlining of our processes, allowing for more accurate and efficient reporting that is directly aligned with our strategic priorities. Our objectives for 2022 to 2023 continue to work towards achieving these. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 10

4.0 Performance Improvement Objectives 2022 to 2023 This Performance Improvement Plan sets out six Improvement Objectives for the 2022 to 2023 financial year, and beyond.

It demonstrates what we hope to achieve, how we plan to do it and how our citizens will be better off as a result. It does not detail every improvement we intend to make this

11 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

year, but focuses on the key areas identified for improvement through Community and Corporate Planning processes, stakeholder engagement and research analysis.

1. Growing the economy and creating jobs.

2. Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

3. Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

4. Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.

5. Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

6. Improve customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

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Growing the economy and creating 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.

•

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.

•

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased 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.

•

Between 2019 to 2021, over 2,410 jobs were lost in Mid and East Antrim*3.

•

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.

•

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.

•

85 jobs promoted through the ‘Go for It’ Programme by March 2023. *⁴

•

Major Planning applications processed within an average of 30 weeks by March 2023.

•

Local Planning applications processed within an average of 15 weeks by March 2023.

•

70% of planning enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks

by March 2023.

•

Director of Development

Why?

What you will see

How we will measure progress

Who is responsible?

13 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

*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 Trend Tables, published February 2022. *4 Statutory target of ‘85’ at May 2022 is expected to increase to ‘111’ during the 2022 to 2023 financial year, pending changes to legislation.

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Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy

?

•

Carrickfergus Castle is a key landmark and popular visitor attraction.

•

Significant factory closures, changes in buying habits and proximity to Belfast have led to a decline in Carrickfergus’ traditional town centre economy.

•

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 31 March 2023. *5

•

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.

•

Up to two new grants awarded by 31 July 2022.

•

A total of ten buildings of historical and architectural interest restored by 31 March 2023.

•

An Education Programme completed by 31 March 2023.

•

Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by 31 March 2023.

•

Director of Operations

Why?

What you will see

How we will measure progress *⁵ *⁶

Who is responsible? *⁵ Timescales updated following funder approval to extend the scheme to 31 March 2023. *⁶ Prior key performance indicators relating to increased town centre footfall and lower vacancy levels have been removed. These targets are no longer deemed achievable by March 2023, in light of current economic trends and the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

15 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

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Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation

?

•

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.

•

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.

•

The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.

•

Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) or ‘kick about’ areas.

•

A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.

•

4 replacement play parks by March 2023: - Ballymena Road, Ahoghill - Martinstown - Ferris Park, Larne - Woodburn, Carrickfergus

•

3 new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) or ‘kick about’ areas by March 2023: - Portglenone - Carnlough - Glynn

•

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

•

A minimum of 50 participants across the five programmes.

•

Director of Community

Why?

What you will see

How we will measure progress

Who is responsible?

17 |

Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

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Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations

?

Why?

What you will see *⁸

How we will measure progress

•

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.

•

Improving the Borough’s electric vehicle infrastructure will facilitate a sustainable transition to low carbon transport systems.

•

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*7.

•

A target of three ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers (50kW, 80% charge in 20 minutes) installed at strategic locations in the Borough by December 2023, as part of the cross-border FASTER project.

•

A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers (22kW, charge in 1 to 2 hours) installed throughout the Borough by September 2023, as part of the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) *⁹.

•

A communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural towards electric vehicle use.

•

Three rapid chargers installed at key strategic locations by December 2023.

•

A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers installed throughout the Borough

by September 2023.

•

A public survey conducted to examine any changes in attitude and behaviour towards transport use by December 2023.

•

Director of Operations

Who is responsible?

*⁷ Survey conducted in July 2021 as part of the FASTER project, in conjunction with Transport Research Partners. *⁸ Note deviation from the Performance Improvement Plan Consultation Document - project timescales extended and targets have been updated. *⁹ This scheme is subject to a successful external funding application, the outcome of which is expected in June 2022.

19 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

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Creating an 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*¹¹.

?

Why?

•

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*12.

•

The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.

•

Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism friendly’ places*¹³.

•

Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.

•

The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.

•

Four additional ‘Autism Friendly’, virtual or in-person, public awareness sessions held for businesses, Council staff or the local community by March 2023.

•

At least 90% of attendees reporting that their knowledge of autism has increased following the training sessions.

•

Autism-Friendly action plans delivered in three Council venues by March 2023*¹³.

•

Six additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’ by March 2023.

•

An additional 100 Council staff completing ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training by March 2023.

•

Director of Community.

What you will see

How we will measure progress

1 in 22 children in Northern Ireland have a diagnosis of Autism*10.

Who is responsible?

*¹⁰ ‘2021, Prevalence of Autism in school aged children, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’. *¹¹ https://www.autismni.org/about-1 *¹² Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018. *¹³ Note deviation from Performance Improvement Plan Consultation Document – Outcome and Indicator amended – internal action plans will be delivered, rather than external formal recognition.

21 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

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Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology

?

•

Our services will be more effective and efficient, providing greater satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.

•

Digital transformation will lead to improved management reporting and will support better and more informed decisionmaking.

•

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.

•

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*14.

•

The continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen focused projects to include:

Why?

What you will see

•

A redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).

•

An expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.

•

The implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.

•

The digital transformation of at least one customer facing service.

•

A minimum of 4 digital projects completed by March 2023.

•

Director of Corporate Services

How we will measure progress

Who is responsible?

*¹⁴ Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Household Survey 2018.

23 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

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5.0 Update on previous Performance Improvement Plan Objectives

Objective

Development of Sullatober Household Recycling Centre.

Outcome

A larger site with improved infrastructure and accessibility to maximise re-use and recycling.

6500m2 by 31 March 2022.

The new Sullatober Household Recycling Centre (HRC) opened to the public on Monday 16 May 2022.

Increase recycling rate by 23.2% by 31 March 2022.

Due to the revised opening date, it is anticipated that Council will have robust recycling data available by September 2022.

Financial savings by compacting waste and reduction in fuel consumption.

A more effective and efficient service with increased customer satisfaction and value for money for ratepayers.

Progress in relation to the remaining outcomes and indicators will continue to be measured and reported in this year’s Performance Improvement Plan updates, as 12 additional tonnes of re- appropriate. used materials by 31 March 2023.

50% reduction in On-going progress updates will be reported in this year’s containers hauled per Performance Improvement Plan updates, as appropriate. newly compacted material by 31 March 2023.

Reduce tCO2e by 800 by 31 March 2023.

Increased rate of customer A customer satisfaction survey is expected to take place in satisfaction. summer 2022.

2020 to 2021 Key Performance Indicator

Status

2021 to 2022 Reduce the impact of poverty through the delivery of a Slow Cooker programme.

Status

1046 additional tonnes of recycled materials by 31 March 2023.

We have outlined our progress towards meeting our objectives as follows:

Objective

Key Performance Indicator

2021 to 2022

The following table provides an update on objectives that were not taken forward into the next year’s Performance Improvement Plan. Some of these were not fully complete by the end of the last financial year.

Green | Achieved / On track Amber | Delayed but progressing Red | Not achieved / Stopped Grey | Not due yet / Not available

Outcome

A “Slow Energy Cookbook launched by the end Efficient” cookbook of July 2021. for households to prepare low cost, enjoyable and nutritious meals.

The cookbook was successfully launched in summer 2021, and is available for download on Council’s website, or in hard copy. It has also been made available to other organisations, to support their activities.

It was promoted across our social media platforms, and in the Community Health and Wellbeing e-zine.

98 hard copies have been distributed so far, with 1,749 views online (in the UK and internationally).

This objective is now fully complete, and therefore will not form part of the 2022 to 2023 Performance Improvement Plan. It will continue to be delivered and reported as ‘business as usual’.

Delivery of free slow cookers to vulnerable households.

50 slow cookers provided to vulnerable households.

53 vulnerable households received slow cookers by 31 March 2022.

A series of fun and interactive virtual demonstration sessions for using a slow cooker.

6 slow cooking demonstrations completed by March 2022 (virtually or in person).

By March 2022, six demonstrations were delivered.

89 people attended, with 94% feeling more confident to produce healthy, nutritious meals in a slow cooker.

70% of attendees of slow cooking demonstrations stating they are more confident to produce 25 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023healthy, nutritious meals using a slow cooker.

Five more demonstrations took place throughout April and May 2022.

Encourage people to value our natural environment through the promotion of the Green Dog Walkers scheme.

Responsible At least 1,500 active Green dog ownership Dog Walker Pledges by through increased March 2021. participation and support of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme.

A marketing and A further 2 organisations promotional committed to taking campaign to action by March 2021. challenge attitudes and change behaviours.

Pledge numbers were greatly affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that Council were unable to attend road shows, and promotional activities were restricted. The number of active pledge numbers at March 2021 was 1160 pledges.

Council’s focus is currently on building community participation and reducing dog foul in the borough. An update on the progression of the scheme is being provided in the annual Environmental Performance and Carbon Footprint Report (2021 to 2022), which is being reported to Council’s Direct Services Committee, as an example of an environmental initiative.

14 community groups are now participating in the Green Dog Walkers Scheme.

Regular social media messages have been posted about the scheme and targeting dog foul. New themed signage has also been displayed throughout the Borough.

In February 2022, Council gave a presentation to the Outdoor Recreation NI Webinar, as a best practice showcase.

New video content is currently in development.

A cleaner borough. A 10% reduction in the 2021 to 2022 saw a greater balance between enforcement number of dog fouling and education, with an increase in the number of Fixed complaints by March 2021. Penalty Notices issued on the previous year. This resulted in a 25% reduction in dog foul complaints from 2020 to 2021.

A reduction in the number A dedicated Green Dog Walkers facebook page has now of residents perceiving dog been set up as a key engagement tool. Focus groups will fouling to be an issue in be organised for community participants by the end of this our local areas. year. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 26

6.0 Informing our Improvement Objectives How we identified the Improvement Areas for 2022 to 2023

Criteria for Selecting Improvement Objectives

The Community Plan for the Borough, “Putting People First”, was developed with widespread stakeholder engagement and was heavily consulted upon. The Plan identified the areas that our citizens viewed as being most important and where improvement would have maximum impact.

The following criteria were developed and applied to help us select our Improvement Objectives for 2022 to 2023.

Our Corporate Plan for 2019 to 2023 complements the Community Plan, and aligns with its key themes and priorities.

In shaping the Corporate Plan, we actively engaged with residents, community

3. Will it support delivery of at least one of the Council’s Strategic Themes?

88% 82%

of residents are satisfied with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council*.

groups, employees and local businesses.

This was to make sure we listened to what our stakeholders felt was most important for our Borough and to identify how satisfied they were with us as a Council.

Top five priorities for making residents’ areas a good place to live are:

1. Supporting local businesses, attracting investment and jobs. of residents believe that the Council helps to make the borough a good place to live*.

* Household Survey 2018

2. Improving skills, employability and job prospects.

3. Improving people’s health and wellbeing.

4. Improving community relations.

5. Supporting our older and most vulnerable residents.

1. Does it support delivery of the Draft Programme for Government?

2. Will it support the achievement of at least one of the five Community Planning Themes?

4. Will it demonstrate improvement in at least one of the seven improvement areas?

Strategic effectiveness

Service quality

Service availability

Fairness

Sustainability

Innovation

5. Are outcomes SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Bound)?

6. Are resources in place or committed (budget, capacity, leadership, skills/knowledge) in order to successfully deliver the project?

On reviewing the improvement areas stipulated within the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, Council will prioritise the following improvement areas for the 2022 to 2023 year:

Council has gone through a process of reviewing the six Improvement Objectives against the criteria set out above. As a result of this process, we believe that our Improvement Objectives are:

• Strategic effectiveness;

•

• Service quality; • Service availability; • Fairness; • Sustainability; • Efficiency; and • Innovation.

27 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

Efficiency

• • •

•

Legitimate – making a demonstrable contribution to at least one of the improvement areas listed above; Clear – setting out the visible improvement that citizens can expect; Robust – with defined terms of success; Deliverable – with established links to individual service programmes and budgets; and Demonstrable – capable of being supported by objective evidence. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 28

6.1 Improvement Area

Strategic effectiveness

Growing the economy and creating jobs.

Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

Service availability

Fairness

Sustainability

Efficiency

✔

Programme for Government (Draft Outcomes Framework 2021)

Innovation

✔ Growing the economy and creating jobs.

✔

Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.

Service quality

6.2 Alignment with other key strategies

Everyone can reach their potential

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

29 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

✔

✔

Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

✔

✔

Our economy is globally competitive, regionally balanced and carbon-neutral

Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.

✔

✔

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

✔

✔

Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

We live and work sustainably – protecting the environment

Our children and young people have the best start in life We all enjoy long, healthy and active lives

Community Plan (2017-2032)

Corporate Plan (2019-2023)

Sustainable Jobs & Tourism

Progress in Education

Learning for Life

Sustainable Jobs and Tourism Our Environment

Our Environment Good Health and Wellbeing

We live and work sustainably – protecting the environment Our economy is globally competitive, regionally balanced and carbon-neutral

Our Environment

We have an equal and inclusive society where everyone is valued and treated with respect Good Health and Wellbeing We have a caring society that supports people throughout their lives

We live and work sustainably – protecting the environment

Our Environment

High Performing Council

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6.3 Consultation The consultation process undertaken for the Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023 is outlined below: The Senior and Operational Management Teams identified key performance improvement areas for the year.

•

A draft plan was developed, which was aligned with the Community Plan for the Borough, Council’s Corporate Plan, and the investment and improvement priorities identified through our Residents’ Survey 2018 (consisting of a representative sample of 775 people across the Borough).

•

Following approval from Council, a public consultation on the draft Performance Improvement Plan was held over an elevenweek period from 8 March 2022 to 24 May 2022, including:

•

A consultation document was published on Council’s website, with a link provided to an online survey.

A hard copy summary document was provided at key Council reception areas.

The consultation was promoted through: •

• •

Emails to local businesses and community groups who engage with Council.

Emails from our Acting Chief Executive to Elected Members and staff requesting their views via the survey.

Council’s social media platforms.

Local press coverage.

Survey Responses 59 people responded to our online survey, which is similar to last year’s response rate.

• Growing the economy and creating jobs (81% said ‘yes’).

• Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation (81% said ‘yes’).

• Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (74% said ‘yes’).

A reasonable level of support was given for the following objectives: • Supporting the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy (53% said ‘yes’, 20% said ‘no’). The main point raised was that the objective appeared to have a narrow geographic focus. It is recommended that the wording of the objective is changed to

Consultation Review Given the level of support indicated through the survey, all six Improvement Objectives are recommended for inclusion in the Performance Improvement Plan for 2022 to 2023.

We asked “Have we got these Improvement Objectives right?” The results are summarised below: Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.

Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

Supporting the communities within the historic conservation area of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

Growing the economy and creating jobs.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes

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Significant support was given for the following objectives:

No

Don’t know

Despite a reduction in support for the objectives in relation to conservation in Carrickfergus and Council’s use of information technology, these projects are ongoing from previous years. From an accountability and audit perspective, it is important that Council continues to report on the endeavours to achieve the outcomes before removing them entirely from the Performance Improvement Plan.

better reflect the intent of the objective, to read, ‘Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy’.

• Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations (59% said ‘yes’, 24% said ‘no’). Whilst there was support for this objective in terms of satisfying a need within the Borough, concerns were raised as to the cost of electric vehicles and the scale of the project and its potential to make an impact.

• Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology (57% said ‘yes’, 19% said ‘no’). Respondents were generally supportive of this objective; however, it was highlighted that Council must take account of and support the needs of all members of society in its implementation.

6.4 Statutory Key Performance Indicators In addition to the improvement areas identified by us, the Department for Communities also sets statutory targets for Councils in the functional areas of Planning, Economic Development and Waste.

Our arrangements to meet these are through the delivery of our statutory services. They are outlined in our annual business plans, and as far as possible, within our Improvement Objectives.

This will ensure, through a project management approach, that these indicators are progressing and the arrangements are in place for the targets to be met. Specifically, for Waste, we are continuing to work to reduce the level of recyclates placed in black bins by householders that end up in landfill. This will enable us to continue to meet and exceed our statutory targets.

033 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

We submit progress updates against the indicators to the relevant regional bodies and reports are issued showing comparisons against all 11 Councils.

We closely monitor these indicators to ensure they are progressing in line with our targets and publish our performance on our website every three months at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ improvement *¹⁵ Target likely to increase to ‘111’ during the 2022 to 2023 financial year, pending changes to legislation.

Indicators

Targets

The average processing time of major planning applications.

Major applications processed within an average of 30 weeks.

The average processing time of local planning applications.

Local applications processed within an average of 15 weeks.

The percentage of enforcement cases concluded within 39 weeks.

70% of all enforcement cases progressed to target conclusion within 39 weeks.

The number of jobs promoted through business start-up activity.

85 jobs*¹⁵.

The percentage of household waste collected by district Councils that is sent for recycling.

50%

The amount of biodegradable Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste that is landfilled.

16,387 tonnes

The amount (tonnage) of Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste arisings.

N/A. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 34

6.5 Self Imposed Performance Indicators In addition to statutory performance indicators, a series of self-imposed performance indicators are included within our Corporate Plan; these are outlined on the opposite page.

We set targets against the indicators, where possible, and monitor and report on them regularly.

Progress updates are provided to Elected Members at Full Council every six months, and are also published on our Council website.

Community Plan, it is not appropriate to set annual targets. However, these indicators are monitored. For instance, they are published by regional bodies, such as the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), to track changes and improvements and, therefore, providing strategic context and direction for Council’s Improvement Objectives.

£ • Number of businesses engaged across business support programmes.

• Visitors at strategic tourist attractions.

Sustainable Jobs & Tourism

Our Environment

Due to the longer-term nature of some of these indicators, which link to our Community Safety & Cohesion

Learning for Life

Good Health & Wellbeing

You can view the Corporate Plan at www.midandeastantrim.gov. uk/corporateplan 35 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

High Performing Council

• Major awards secured and maintained.

• Level of external investment secured per annum for regeneration projects.

• ‘Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’ Cleanliness Index.

• Number of anti-social behaviour incidents.

• Number of hate crime incidents recorded.

• Percentage of people reporting that fear of crime has a minimal impact on their quality of life.

• Percentage of people with a sense of belonging to their area.

• Number of participants securing employment as a result of employability programmes.

• Number of days per employee spent on training.

• Number of apprenticeship, work placements or work experience opportunities delivered by Council.

• Number of education and training programmes delivered by Council.

• Employee attendance.

• Gap in life expectancy between the most deprived areas in the borough and the borough as a whole.

• Percentage of available Grant Support Scheme funding awarded.

• • • •

Average escalation rate of complaints.

Net cost of Council services per head of population.

Customer satisfaction.

Staff satisfaction.

7.0 Management, Reporting and Governance Arrangements We designed our reporting structures to ensure there is proper oversight and accountability for all business, and to provide our Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and Elected Members with assurances that our governance arrangements are robust.

Plan

We also publish a Self-Assessment Report for our citizens, service users and stakeholders by 30 September each year, in line with statutory requirements.

Community Plan

Corporate Plan

You can view previous Self-Assessment Reports on our website at www. midandeastantrim.gov. uk/performance

You can view last year’s SelfAssessment Report at www. midandeastantrim. gov.uk/PIP

Performance Improvement Plan

Annual Business Plans (Directorate)

37 | Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023

Report to

Frequency

Strategic Alliance

Every six months

Community Panel

Quarterly

Direct Services Committee

As appropriate

Council and SMT

Every six months

Council (approval and annual report)

Annually

Audit and Scrutiny Committee

Quarterly

Senior Management Team

Quarterly

Project Boards

As appropriate

Relevant Committee (for noting)

Annually

Audit and Scrutiny Committee

Every six months

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk | 38

8.0 Performance Improvement Plan 2022 to 2023 Summary Table Improvement Objective Growing the economy and creating jobs.

What you will see •

• •

Supporting the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy.

Supporting MEA citizens’ health and wellbeing by providing quality, inclusive play and recreation facilities, and promoting safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

•

• •

• • •

Improving infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle uptake in the Borough to reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations.

•

Creating an Autism Friendly Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

• • •

Improving customer engagement and service delivery by enhancing Council’s use of information technology.

•

•

•

•

By when *¹⁶

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 31 March 2023.

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.

March 2023

The delivery of four replacement Play Parks across the Borough.

Three new or upgraded Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) or ‘kick about’ areas.

A programme of training and development opportunities for people to take part in safe and sustainable outdoor recreation.

March 2023

A target of three ‘rapid’ electric vehicle chargers (50kW, 80% charge in 20 minutes) installed at strategic locations in the Borough by December 2023, as part of the cross-border FASTER project.

A minimum of 12 ‘fast’ chargers (22kW, charge in 1 to 2 hours) installed throughout the Borough by September 2023, as part of the On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) *¹⁷.

A communications and awareness campaign to influence behavioural change towards electric vehicle use.

December 2023

The continued rollout of an awareness raising programme.

Additional Council venues becoming ‘Autism friendly’ places.

Additional Council staff recognised as ‘Autism Champions’, to advocate on behalf of individuals with autism within Council venues and events.

The continued rollout of ‘Just A Minute’ (JAM) Awareness Training to Council staff.

March 2023

The continued implementation of Council’s Agile Framework, through delivery of a number of citizen focused projects to include: - A redesign of Council’s website, developed from user experience feedback (Phase 3).

- An expansion of the Automated Customer Call System into an additional service area.

- The implementation of the new Northern Ireland Planning Portal for Mid and East Antrim.

- The digital transformation of at least one customer facing service.

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

*¹⁶ Timelines are subject to change. *¹⁷ Subject to a successful funding application.

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