An independent advisory board is meeting monthly to scrutinise the Isle of Wight Council’s progress on improving services, identifying risks and ensuring that planned changes deliver better outcomes for Island residents.
The Voluntary Improvement Board has been established by the Isle of Wight Council as part of its ongoing commitment to improving performance, governance and service delivery.
Unlike externally imposed intervention arrangements, the council has chosen to introduce the board voluntarily, bringing in experienced individuals from local government, public services and organisational improvement.
The board’s role is to provide independent oversight, expert advice and constructive challenge as the authority works through its improvement priorities.
Members meet monthly to assess progress against improvement plans, identify potential risks and opportunities, and share examples of good practice from other organisations.
Although the board provides scrutiny and advice, it does not have the power to make decisions on behalf of the council.
Responsibility for decision-making remains with elected councillors, with the board instead acting as a ‘critical friend’ to help keep improvement work on track.
The arrangement is intended to complement the council’s existing scrutiny and governance processes while providing an additional layer of independent challenge.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, has said:
“The Voluntary Improvement Board provides us with valuable support, expertise and independent challenge, helping us stay focused on our improvement journey and our ambition to deliver better services for Island residents.
“The council is making good progress, but we know there’s always more we can do. The Board is helping us to achieve this.”
The council says the board will continue to support its efforts to strengthen governance, monitor performance and deliver sustainable improvements across services for Isle of Wight residents.
