Message from the Chief Executive
I am delighted that you are interested in our Corporate Director post.
So, what are we looking for? Ambition, creativity, sound judgement, managerial and leadership skills and, crucially, a sense of fun – the sort of profile which has contributed to making Test Valley Borough Council such a good place to work. However, the nature of this post – one of a team of three – means that we also place particular emphasis on trustworthiness, and on having the courage and integrity to take collective responsibility.
Indeed, this reflects our broader ‘One Team’ ethos – all of us working together as one team with collective goals and a shared responsibility. That approach is an integral part of the ‘M’ in our strategic SCHEME priorities – Maximising Capacity and Impact. It is also about making the most of our resources and getting the best out of our people.
It is appropriate to dwell for a moment on the question of resources and particularly on the issue of finance. I have heard it said recently that, as the recession is coming to an end in the private sector, so it is beginning in the public sector. This gloom contrasts with our attitude at Test Valley where we maintain an optimism founded on the quality of our people. Nonetheless, we recognise that the need for fundamental review, generated by our financial position, will provide immense challenges to us all as we make the transition into what will undoubtedly be a very different local government environment.
Whatever happens, we believe that we shall need to continue investing in our people. Our recent achievements - the glowing IIP re-accreditation and Times award - are due to the positive attitudes and goodwill of our staff. There is no room for smugness or complacency. We know that we need to continue improving. We are striving to embed the elements of a Learning Organisation in everything that we do – from our communications to our culture to our structural arrangements.
But, our Vision to be an organisation of excellence is not an end in itself. It has a single clear purpose – to improve the quality of life of all the people of Test Valley. We must never lose sight of why we are here.
That Vision is reflected in our Values which we expect all our staff to identify with and to demonstrate. So, for example, our emphasis on Accountability to our communities is driving our focus on the ‘customer experience’, and the need to support this with technological and process change. Similarly, our value of Ambition reflects a culture which encourages and rewards innovation, but which is ultimately about delivering to our communities.
The mention of reward brings me full circle. I began by asking what you can offer us. In return, I believe that Test Valley can offer you the opportunity to further your career and grow personally in the sort of environment where you will enjoy working – as well, of course, as a competitive remuneration package.
Roger Tetstall
Chief Executive
