Corporate peer challenge

Peer challenges are coordinated by the Local Government Association (LGA) on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. They are an opportunity for reflection and learning to support councils.

In November 2021, a team of 5 peers from a range of local authorities visited Bracknell Forest Council to take part in a peer challenge. During the visit they explored how the council operates. They focused on 5 themes and questions, as recommended by the LGA.

Challenge themes

Local priorities and outcomes

Are our priorities clear and informed by the local context? Are we delivering effectively on our priorities? Are we achieving improved outcomes for all our communities?

Organisational and place leadership

Do we provide effective local leadership? Do we have good relationships with partner organisations and local communities?

Governance and culture

Do we have clear and robust governance arrangements? Do we have a culture of respect, challenge and scrutiny?

Financial planning and management

Do we have a grip on our current financial position? Do we have a strategy and a clear plan to address our financial challenges?

Capacity for improvement

Are we able to support delivery of local priorities? Do we have the capacity to improve?

Summary of challenge outcome

During the 4 day visit, the team gathered information and views from more than 36 meetings, in addition to further research and reading. They spoke to more than 52 people including a range of council staff, councillors and external stakeholders and partners.

The review team found many strengths in the council’s approach, including:

• councillors having a clear focus on good services
• effective managerial leadership
• positive relationships between members and officers

The team also reflected on major achievements such as the successful regeneration of the Bracknell Town Centre, the collective response to the pandemic, and the quality of services.

The team recognised that most residents are happy with the council's work and the support they receive.

Challenge documents

The documents below provide more detail about the peer challenge and its outcome.

The report sets out the findings and the council’s action plan.

The position statement provides a self-assessment of the council's position at the time of the peer challenge.