Our values guide how we work with each other.
They shape the culture of our organisation, influence how we make decisions, and ensure we provide the best working environment for our colleagues.
We put residents first
We listen, communicate and act in ways that put our residents’ needs at the heart of everything we do.
Putting residents first means:
- taking the time to listen and using what we hear to improve services
- keeping people informed about decisions that affect their lives
- helping residents access the right support across council services
- prioritising residents’ needs, even when it’s not the easiest option
Our goal is to deliver services that work for people, not just for the council.
We treat people with respect
Our staff culture is shaped by how we treat others.
We believe everyone deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity and kindness, no matter who they are or where they come from.
We respect people by:
- treating everyone as equals
- taking time to listen, without judgment
- showing empathy and understanding in every interaction
- creating spaces where people feel safe, seen and valued
- speaking up when we witness disrespect or unfairness
We take responsibility
Being accountable builds trust with colleagues. We do what we say we’ll do and own the outcome.
This means:
- doing what we’ve promised, and on time
- apologising when things go wrong, and working to fix them
- being honest about what we can and can’t do
- focusing on solutions, not just problems
- going the extra mile when it makes a difference
We drive improvement
We’re always learning, growing, and finding better ways to deliver.
We don’t stand still because our residents deserve the best.
Driving improvement means we:
- find smarter, faster or more cost-effective ways to work
- focus on the tasks that make the biggest difference
- learn from mistakes instead of placing blame
- share what works and what does not with others
- bringing in new ideas and best practices from outside the council
We work together
We get better results when we work as one team.
By joining up across services, we deliver more for our residents.
Working together means:
- building strong partnerships across teams and departments
- offering help even when it’s not part of our job
- thinking about how our work affects others
- sharing information, ideas and experience openly
- focusing on shared goals, not just individual ones
We do not just encourage collaboration. It’s how we get things done.
Why these values matter
These values aren’t just words on a page.
They shape how we work, support each other, and serve our residents.
It reflects our ambition to be a fair, inclusive, and effective council.
When we live our values, we build a workplace we’re proud of and a borough that works for everyone.