I would firstly like to congratulate my colleagues for the excellent reports their departments have been receiving.

Yes I do take personal responsibility; being in charge is about taking on challenges and difficulties, not just congratulating yourself when things go well.

A major reason given in the report for the uncertain prospects was that management capacity has been limited. However following earlier confirmation of the agreed restructure in Learning and Cultural Services the need to appoint an Assistant Director with responsibility to take the service forward was identified. At the time of the inspection this position had been appointed though not yet started. The report does state that "The recent appointment of a new assistant director for cultural services is a very positive step."

I am very pleased that Rob Persey has now joined us in this role and is also currently addressing the other points raised in the report about systems and process not currently being in place or fully integrated.

Obviously we must improve but this was not a bad rating, the inspectors highlighted many strengths for example:

"Corporate leadership of cultural services is strong. There is political and corporate management commitment to culture. Councillors from the new administration and senior officers demonstrate high levels of awareness of the contribution cultural services can make to local, regional and national shared priorities. This ownership of ambitions is far reaching and genuine."

I shall now be supporting my officers to help them improve the ratings.