A new framework to help chief executives get the best out of their staff has been launched by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA). Developed by the IDeA in conjunction with the regional improvement and efficiency partnerships (RIEPs), it comes after discussion with chief executives, and a look at best practice in other sectors. Twelve chief executives were interviewed, and one of the key factors highlighted was the need to engage with staff. What also set apart successful local authorities was a clear vision for the council and the area, and a good organisational culture. Stockport MBC's chief executive, John Schultz, said: ‘The productivity framework neatly summarises much of what we have done on our 10-year improvement journey.' The council began a business improvement, transformation and efficiency programme last year, and has seen a jump from 17% to 80% staff satisfaction in IT services since the council introduced a system where IT staff deal directly with all technical problems rather than them first being logged then passed on to a support team.
