The report, which has been published following a Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, describes the authority as a “values-led and learning organisation” with a clear commitment to moving forward with “real purpose”. 

Chris Collman www.devonairradio.com

The peer team, made up of senior councillors and officers from across local government, spent four days in Devon in March speaking to councillors, staff and partners.  

Their findings recognise the strong progress that the council has made in recent years, improving services and investing in its workforce to help build a council that is better placed to respond to local needs and work with communities. 

It highlighted how staff “consistently spoke positively about the change” in the organisation’s culture, describing a workplace where people feel “trusted and empowered” and proud of the work they do. 

This is already starting to translate into stronger services and better outcomes. The report points to improvements in key areas including workforce stability, partnership working and community engagement, all of which are critical to delivering high-quality services for residents. 

The review acknowledges the leadership at the council, including a “strong and trusting relationship” between the Leader and Chief Executive, and the “energy, enthusiasm and constructive challenge” provided by Cabinet members. 

In services that have faced significant pressure, including children’s services, the report provides encouraging feedback, confirming that Devon has “the capacity and capability to improve itself”. It recognises both the progress made and the potential to go further, providing greater confidence for vulnerable children, young people and their families. 

The review also highlights that the council is becoming more outward-looking and increasingly focused on its role in partnership working across Devon and beyond to support shared priorities such as economic growth, health and wellbeing, and stronger communities. It also recognised that the authority is taking a more purposeful approach to co-production and strengthening its relationships with partners and communities, working together to design and deliver services that meet their needs. 

As part of the process, the council will now develop an action plan to respond to the recommendations in the report, ensuring continued focus on improving services and delivering positive outcomes for Devon’s residents.

Devon and Cornwall Police has been rated as inadequate in the areas of safeguarding adults and children, and investigating crime.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded the force’s performance across eight areas in January, finding it to be adequate in two areas, requires improvement in four areas and inadequate in two areas.

Archie Farmer, Chloe Parkman www.bbc.co.uk

The inspectorate said responding to calls for service and preventing crime effectively had improved, but concerns remain over how it investigates crime and safeguards vulnerable people.

Chief constable James Vaughan said he “welcomed the findings”, and he was “confident” the force would “continue to improve our service”.

The inspectorate found the force continues to prevent and deter crime and antisocial behaviour well.

The PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) inspection did not conclude Devon and Cornwall Police was good or outstanding in any of the eight categories.

Among concerns HMICFRS added there remains a need for the force to improve how effectively it records crime and how it monitors preventative orders.

His Majesty’s inspector of constabulary Kathryn Stone said she was “satisfied” with some aspects of the performance of the police force in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing an effective service to victims.

“The force has made improvements since our last inspection, particularly in how it responds to calls for service from the public,” Stone said.

‘Monitor performance’

However, she said its ability to carry out “prompt and effective criminal investigations on behalf of victims is still a cause of concern”.

“It is disappointing that the force still hasn’t made enough progress on a previous area for improvement about how it manages medium-risk domestic abuse cases. This is a concern the force needs to address quickly,” Stone said.

She said progress was being made particularly in its financial management, control room and prevention work.

“Continued focus on developing the workforce, improving investigation standards and safeguarding vulnerable people will be essential for sustained improvement,” she added.

“I expect to see more progress in the areas we have set out, and I will continue to monitor performance.”

Vaughan said: “Whilst we have delivered sustained improvements since 2022 and the force has now been fully removed from enhanced monitoring, there remains more to do to improve outcomes for victims and ensure consistent safeguarding standards.”

Police said the report highlighted “significant progress” in contact services, including 999 and 101 call handling and the management of sex and dangerous offenders.

It accepted outcomes for victims still required “significant improvement”, adding it needed to improve how effectively it records crime and how it monitors preventative orders.

Vaughan said plans were under way to move the force’s victim care unit to police headquarters, “helping ensure victims remain at the centre of our work every day”.

“I am confident that, with the dedication of our people, we will continue to improve our service,” he said. “Many of our domestic abuse cases do lead to positive outcomes, but I recognise we are still letting some victims down.

“I have agreed with the commissioner to stay in post for as long as she requires the stability provided by my leadership.”