Annual Report 2024
Becoming financially sustainable and stronger
This annual report summarises the variety of activities and outcomes that the Council has delivered over the past year together with its priorities for the remainder of 2024/25.
Our vision
At the heart of the Council’s vision for Devon is the overall aim to make the county the best place to: grow up, live well and prosper. That goal is central to the Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2025 which was adopted when the impacts of the COVID pandemic were still being felt.
Devon is a wonderful place to live and work, with a glorious natural environment and opportunities for a more balanced lifestyle; but it isn’t without its challenges. At Devon County Council our vision is for the county to be the ‘Best Place’ to grow up, live well and prosper. We know that to achieve that, it’s important to reflect on outcomes, to learn from ourselves and others, and embrace opportunities for improvement.
Councillor James McInnes, Leader of Devon County Council and Donna Manson, Chief Executive.
A stronger and sustainable Council…
To ensure Devon County Council can continue to serve the needs of people in Devon, it’s essential we become a stronger and more sustainable council. To achieve this, our focus for further development will be in the following key areas:
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Operating principles
Six operating principles frame our change and improvement agenda and programmes of work.
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People First
The People First strategy outlines how we will ensure all our staff are able to deliver services to communities.
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Governance
How the Council operates, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed.
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Assurance and audit
Providing assurance on the adequacy and security of the financial and management systems we rely on.
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Performance management
A new performance framework will help us ensure we are providing value for money to residents and businesses.
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Risk management
Risks to the Council are identified and assessed – what are the current primary risks we are facing?
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Scrutiny
The work of the Council’s scrutiny committees in ensuring that the voice and concerns of the public are heard.
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Change programme
Find out more about the key areas of the Council in which we are currently making changes.
The Council’s programme of transformation saw 2023/24 as the year of building the foundations in order to stabilise the Council’s finances and reset services. In 2024/25, the focus is on improving and learning.
Our priorities for people in Devon are…
Making a child friendly Devon
Children and Young People's Futures
How the directorate is continuing its journey of improvement in services for children and young people.
Improving health and wellbeing
Integrated Adult Social Care
Promoting independence – how the directorate will help people find the support they need to stay living safely and independently at home.
Making Devon greener
Climate Change, Environment and Transport
Find out more about the recent work of the Climate Change, Environment and Transport directorate.
Supporting people and communities
Public Health and Communities
Find out more about the recent work of the Public Health and Communities directorate.
Supporting recovery and growth
Economy, Enterprise and Skills
How the directorate is helping to drive local economic opportunities that benefit everyone and generate inclusive and sustainable growth.