Charter Mark
First for Building Control
Building control is the first section to achieve Charter Mark status within the Authority and it signifies another feather in the cap for the council. It also demonstrates to the public the qualities that the council is striving for.
We have been awarded the prestigious Charter Mark for excellence in public service. Charter Marks are awarded by an independent panel of judges, working on the recommendations of experienced Charter Mark assessors.
The Charter Mark is awarded only after a rigorous assessment by accredited assessors. The initial process involved a written submission document which reflected the quality of service we provide. The assessor then determined the issues that needed to be individually explored during a visit to our offices.
The second stage required the Assessor to visit Blackpool to witness and assess the service being delivered; to check any areas that were unclear in the written submission; and to collect any further evidence.
We can now claim to be "a model of public service" - having satisfied the Government’s criteria - proving that we use our resources effectively; respond to customer’s needs; have helpful staff; and readily accessible information.
Our level of service is continually evolving and we recognise the need for change. It is only through the commitment of everyone that we have brought, and continue to bring, improvements in our service. The awarding of the Charter Mark has provided recognition of our efforts in providing a quality customer orientated service.
The awarding of Charter Mark to Building Control recognises the hard work of staff in bringing about continuing improvements to the service.
Comments from the assessors :-
Many people commented on the Management Team’s leadership style as fostering a staff team approach with a strong emphasis on customer care. To this should be added the very dedicated attitude of all staff who are prepared to 'go the extra mile' in providing services. This has the effect of demonstrating excellent customer service. The main observation throughout the assessment was the high regard that customers and partners have for the Service.
Strengths
· The Service demonstrates an outstanding commitment to excellent customer service. Staff work well with customers and partners to ensure that they are kept informed and to pre-empt difficulties. High levels of customer satisfaction are evident.
· A rigorous system of regularly monitoring performance against core business standards is embedded within the Service.
· The Service is well publicised and provides information in a very comprehensive manner which links well to its user-friendly web site.
· Services are accessed in a variety of ways.
· The Service is well aware of the special needs of customers, staff and partners and works well with the community to enhance special needs provision.
· Financial management is effective and the Service provides very good value for money.
· There is a variety of partnerships which work effectively to provide benefits for customers and for the wider community.
· The leadership within the Service engenders a very positive ethos that benefits staff, customers and partners.