URL: https://democracy.dacorum.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2615

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for People & Transformation

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The 2020–2025 People Strategy set out six core pillars—Culture, Change Management, Attraction & Retention, Leadership Development, Efficient Working, and Staff Wellbeing—anchored in the vision: “The right staff, in the right place, at the right time, working in the right way.” Developed during the uncertainty of COVID?19, the strategy aimed to support staff, maintain organisational resilience and agility, and prepare for transformation across the Council. Over the past five years, the People Team has delivered a series of high?impact initiatives that strengthened organisational culture, leadership capability and employee experience, while ensuring Dacorum remained safe, compliant and future?focused. Key achievements include: Implementation of the Management & Leadership Competency Framework Development of a new EDI&B Strategy and action plan Roll?out of Leadership Development Programmes building capability at all levels Establishment of the Staff Engagement Group, delivering wellbeing?focused activities such as knitting clubs, coaching sessions, menopause workshops and creative arts Launch and embedding of the Dacorum Values & Behaviours, supported by the Values Delivery Group and Values Champions The 2025 Staff Survey evidences the sustained impact of this work: 89% of staff are proud to be part of their team 85% feel colleagues treat each other with respect 84% feel supported by their line manager 80% receive regular recognition 89% strongly align with our core values Almost all survey questions improved on previous years, demonstrating clear upward momentum The review of the 2020–2025 strategy confirmed that the six core pillars remain relevant and essential. Given the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and wider transformation, it was agreed that refreshing the current strategy—rather than creating a new one—would provide clarity, sustain momentum, and better support staff through change. The refresh focused on strengthening references to LGR and change management, while removing outdated content, such as references to Covid-19 where no longer relevant. The six core pillars remain central, and our efforts will continue to be aligned to these. A tracked changes version of the Strategy is annexed for information which shows all the changes made. An updated work plan accompanies the strategy, outlining the key projects and workstreams the People team will lead to drive its delivery.   The updated People Strategy can be found attached.   Due to the limited changes made to the strategy, it was agreed with SLT that it would come to Portfolio Holder for decision.  

Content: The 2020–2025 People Strategy set out six core pillars—Culture, Change Management, Attraction & Retention, Leadership Development, Efficient Working, and Staff Wellbeing—anchored in the vision: “The right staff, in the right place, at the right time, working in the right way.” Developed during the uncertainty of COVID?19, the strategy aimed to support staff, maintain organisational resilience and agility, and prepare for transformation across the Council. Over the past five years, the People Team has delivered a series of high?impact initiatives that strengthened organisational culture, leadership capability and employee experience, while ensuring Dacorum remained safe, compliant and future?focused. Key achievements include: Implementation of the Management & Leadership Competency Framework Development of a new EDI&B Strategy and action plan Roll?out of Leadership Development Programmes building capability at all levels Establishment of the Staff Engagement Group, delivering wellbeing?focused activities such as knitting clubs, coaching sessions, menopause workshops and creative arts Launch and embedding of the Dacorum Values & Behaviours, supported by the Values Delivery Group and Values Champions The 2025 Staff Survey evidences the sustained impact of this work: 89% of staff are proud to be part of their team 85% feel colleagues treat each other with respect 84% feel supported by their line manager 80% receive regular recognition 89% strongly align with our core values Almost all survey questions improved on previous years, demonstrating clear upward momentum The review of the 2020–2025 strategy confirmed that the six core pillars remain relevant and essential. Given the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and wider transformation, it was agreed that refreshing the current strategy—rather than creating a new one—would provide clarity, sustain momentum, and better support staff through change. The refresh focused on strengthening references to LGR and change management, while removing outdated content, such as references to Covid-19 where no longer relevant. The six core pillars remain central, and our efforts will continue to be aligned to these. A tracked changes version of the Strategy is annexed for information which shows all the changes made. An updated work plan accompanies the strategy, outlining the key projects and workstreams the People team will lead to drive its delivery.   The updated People Strategy can be found attached.   Due to the limited changes made to the strategy, it was agreed with SLT that it would come to Portfolio Holder for decision.   Decision made and reasons: That the People Strategy 2026-2028 be agreed.  

Date of Decision: April 7, 2026