Renfrewshire Council: the Audit of Best Value and ... - Audit Scotland

Exhibit 8
The recent staff survey reflects a positive culture and shows clear improvement since 2001
The key results of the recent survey are:
• 89.6% of respondents stated they liked their job. An increase from 74%.
• 76.4% of respondents feel their work is valued. An increase from 38%.
• 91.5% of respondents know what standards are expected of them. An increase from 91%.
• 71.9% of respondents felt they got the training and guidance they required. An increase from 56%.
• 71.3% of respondents felt they are listened to and their views are taken seriously. An increase from
55%.
• 72.4% of respondents feel able to come forward with suggestions and ideas. An increase from 39%.
• 83.6% of respondents feel the council is looking for ways to improve what it does. An increase from
67%.
Source: Renfrewshire Council, Audit Scotland
Managing assets
The council has reviewed some major asset holdings at service level and has recognised the need
to take a more strategic approach to asset management across all of its activities.
87. The council holds assets worth approximately £732 million, mainly represented by land and property.
A number of key property holdings have been reviewed. For example:
A schools estate strategy has been produced, which includes a public private partnership
agreement for ten new schools, two nurseries and a learning centre by 2007, and the
refurbishment of up to 37 schools through more traditional funding routes.
A major refurbishment and rationalisation project is underway for the council headquarters.
Social work services are currently managing a number of initiatives involving the co-location of
staff and services with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and three new care homes for older
people.
A public buildings estate strategy is being drawn up for other buildings such as libraries and
museums.
88. The council recognises the need for a more strategic approach to asset management to assist with
capital expenditure planning and ensure best use is being made of assets. This area was reviewed by
the council’s scrutiny board and an asset management working group has been established to
develop the council’s corporate asset management arrangements.
89. The council is making progress in developing a corporate, strategic approach to asset management
and approved its corporate asset management policy in March 2006. The new approach aims to
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