Council updates  |  21 Sep 2021

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Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale and her new Executive Leadership Team are proposing a change to the organisation’s third tier management structure, with some consequential changes also proposed for fourth tier.

“The proposed change is being made in light of imminent Local Government sector reform, rapid technology change, social and environmental challenges and increased citizen expectations,” Mrs Baxendale says.

“We recognise the need for accelerating the transformation of the Council and providing a better service to residents as well as improving internal efficiencies and collaboration.”

The proposed reorganisation follows a new Executive Leadership Team restructure in March this year when third tier managers, their teams and units were regrouped under four second tier  managers - Strategic Policy and Performance, Resources, Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory Services and Citizens and Community - or reporting directly to the Chief Executive.

Mrs Baxendale says it was always intended to further refine the structure and to realign teams and roles to better support achieving the Council’s strategic priorities following the adoption of the Long Term Plan.

In this proposal, changes are proposed in all four areas of the Council business, with a proposed reduction of six heads of service (third tier). Some reports to general managers also face a change in reporting line.

The proposed reorganisation would result in savings of between $700,000 and $800,000.

“A recent review of the tier 3 position descriptions highlighted the need to better align expectations and responsibilities across the group heads of service roles. These roles are critical for the delivery of Council activities and services,” Mrs Baxendale says.

“We see this proposed structure strengthening our delivery and enhancing our collaboration working as senior leaders.”

The proposed change, which is currently out for consultation, will not impact on Council services. 

A final decision on the proposed restructure is expected by the end of October.