A report by the Chief Executive set out the conclusions of a review of policy undertaken as part of the governance work programme agreed by the Cabinet at its meeting on 16 November 2011.

The Committee was informed that the Director of Public Health had been appointed as the project manager to undertake the review of policy and a project team had been established in November 2011.  The scope of the review had been agreed by the Chief Executive as project sponsor and the Deputy Leader of the Council as Lead Member, and the agreed objective had been to identify a model for a Council Policy Unit and take the necessary action required to implement this by April 2012.

As the result of the review, the Chief Executive’s report made proposals with regard to the decision made to establishment of the Policy Unit by April 2012.  Set out within the report was:

• the methodology and key findings of the research undertaken to inform the review;

• the proposed core functions of the Policy Unit based on these findings;

• an assessment of the requirements necessary to ensure the effective delivery of these functions; and

• the initial staffing and resource considerations.

The proposed functions of the Policy Unit were as follows:

To lead on a coherent and joined up approach to policy, planning and strategy development for the Council

The products and features of this function would include:

• regular policy briefings;
• well coordinated policy framework;
• development of the Council’s Corporate Plan and other strategic plans as appropriate; and
• policy network for the Council with all departments represented.

The intended outcomes of this function would be:

• Elected Members being well informed on current and future policy issues;
• an effective collaboration between departments on cross cutting policy issues;
• an robust implementation and review of policy decisions; and
• effective sharing of learning and best practice

To ensure that there is a robust knowledge and evidence based approach to decision making in order to tackle the key challenges for Wirral

The products and features of this function would include:

• a robust approach to ‘horizon scanning’ and dissemination of information;
• regular policy briefings;
• a single knowledge ‘hub’ / evidence base e.g. statistics, demographic information;
• an annual ‘state of the borough’ report; and
• a joined up approaches for research and information.

The intended outcomes of this function would be:

• the consistent use of evidence to develop Council plans and strategies; and
• a shared view within the Council and amongst partners about the key challenges / opportunities for Wirral

To engage with local and sub-regional partners to shape and respond to policy developments and implement decisions

The products and features of this function would include:

• utilising the Local Strategic Partnership to discuss policy drivers;
• innovative partnership working; and
• a clear briefing process in place to inform the Council’s contribution at City Region, regional and national level

The intended outcomes of this function would be:

• the Council and LSP proactively anticipates and plans for policy changes;
• shared view within the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35