Honesty monitor: Croydon’s new £166,000 pa assistant CEO Jenny Rowland
In what is overall a highly critical report from the government-appointed Commissioners after six months working closely with the council run by successive chief execs Katherine Kerswell (until she left in October with a £50,000 pay-off) and Elaine Jackson, and with failed Mayor Jason Perry chipping his tuppence-worth, they make a most intriguing observation.
Paragraph 20 of the eight-page report states:
“Finally, successful delivery of the Transformation Plan will depend on a clear, consistent and honest organisational narrative aligned to Croydon’s values and communications plan.
“Staff, members [they mean elected councillors] and partners must have a shared understanding of the purpose, priorities and expected outcomes of transformation, supported by open and transparent communication about progress, challenges and trade-offs.
“Consistent messaging, combined with genuine opportunities for open and honest feedback will be critical to building trust, supporting culture change and ensuring the whole organisation is aligned and working collectively to deliver transformation at pace and with impact.
“The appointment of a new Assistant Chief Executive to oversee this work offers a good opportunity to reset, refocus and drive forward this work at pace.”
Whatever could they mean?
Read more: Commissioners: council lacks focus and robust delivery plans
Read more: Budget-buster Perry hires another six-figure salaried ‘interim’
Read more: Council’s agency staff bill includes £726 per hour consultant
Read more: Kerswell takes another pay-off as she quits as council’s CEO
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