Vision, Priorities and Performance

'Together we will make Lewisham the best place in London to live, work and learn'.

Vision and Values

The publication of the final comprehensive performance assessment results for local authorities saw Lewisham confirmed as a 4 star authority [the highest level]. Whilst we are proud, we are not complacent. Our vision is of consistent improvement based on values of openness, respect and fairness. We have a series of core values which provide a benchmark for behaviour across the organisation:

• we put service to the public first
• we respect all people and all communities
• we invest in employees
• we are open, honest and fair in all we do.

The diversity of our population and workforce is one of our greatest strengths in Lewisham. Our goal is to foster a community of communities locally that offers people security and inclusivity alongside economic prosperity, achieving improved quality of life for all. Our commitment to equalities and diversity is intrinsic to the way we think and is consequently part and parcel of everything that we do. We believe that our work with local communities, and other agencies, sets out a strong account of a borough that is pulling together to promote a culture that welcomes and celebrates diversity.

The vision we have created was developed following consultation with Lewisham residents, public sector agencies, local business, voluntary and community sector organisations. It has been adopted by our Local Strategic Partnership. Find out more about our Lewisham Strategic Partnership website.

Shaping our future is Lewisham's Sustainable Community Strategy. It reflects the many individual strategies and plans endorsed by different agencies and partnerships in Lewisham, which are all working with our citizens to build a successful and sustainable future. The two overarching principles of the strategy are:

• reducing inequality – narrowing the gap in outcomes for citizens
• delivering together efficiently, effectively and equitably – ensuring that all citizens have appropriate access to and choice of high quality local services

The Sustainable Community Strategy sets out six priorities, which Lewisham Strategic Partnership, working alongside citizens, will work towards. The six priorities are:

• ambitious and achieving – where people are inspired and supported to fulfil their potential;
• safer – where people feel safe and live free from crime, antisocial behaviour and abuse;
• empowered and responsible – where people are actively involved in their local area and contribute to supportive communities;
• clean, green and liveable – where people live in high quality housing and can care for and enjoy their environment;
• healthy, active and enjoyable – where people can actively participate in maintaining and improving their health and well-being; and
• dynamic and prosperous – where people are part of vibrant communities and town centres, well connected to London and beyond.

View more infromation about the Sustainable Community Strategy.

The contribution that the Council will make to delivering these priorities is set out in our ten corporate priorities, contained in our Corporate Strategy 2008-11. Our priorities are designed to ensure that the Council focuses on its citizens, is transparent and responds to changing needs and demands. The corporate priorities are as follows:

• community leadership and empowerment: developing opportunities for the active participation and engagement of people in the life of the community
• young people's achievement and involvement: raising educational attainment and improving facilities for young people through partnership working
• clean, green and liveable: improving environmental management, the cleanliness and care for roads and pavements and promoting a sustainable environment
• safety, security and a visible presence: partnership working with the police and others and using the Council's powers to combat anti-social behaviour
• strengthening the local economy: gaining resources to regenerate key localities, strengthen employment skills and promote public transport
• decent homes for all: investment in social and affordable housing to achieve the decent homes standard, tackle homelessness and supply key worker housing
• protection of children: better safeguarding and joined-up services for children at risk
• caring for adults and older people: working with health services to support older people and adults in need of care
• active, healthy citizens: leisure, sporting, learning and creative activities for everyone
• inspiring efficiency, effectiveness and equity: ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and equity in the delivery of excellent services to meet the needs of the community.

View more information about the Corporate Strategy