05/06/25

Cardiff Council has published proposals to realign its senior management team as part of a wider programme of organisational change aimed at delivering £800,000 in management savings. 

While the proposed changes would result in a net cost increase of £77,000 at the senior level, this is offset by the ongoing delivery of other management savings. These proposals are a key enabler of broader savings and are designed to ensure the council is equipped to meet the significant financial and service challenges ahead. The restructure will support the delivery of the council's Stronger, Fairer, Greener policy agenda and enhance its capacity to deliver transformation and reform. 

The proposals follow a comprehensive review of the council's senior management arrangements, last updated in 2020. Since then, the structure has supported the Council's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and the housing and climate emergencies. However, with increasing demand and financial pressures, the council has recognised the need to strengthen leadership in key areas and rebalance responsibilities to improve cohesion and efficiency. 

Benchmarking data shows that Cardiff has historically operated with a leaner senior management team (tiers 1 and 2 - Directors, Assistant Directors, and Chief Officers) than many of its peers. In 2020, Cardiff had 13 officers at Tier 2, significantly below the public sector average of 25.6 and the Core Cities average of 23.2. The total number of senior management roles across Tiers 1 and 2 was 19 - well below the public sector average of 31.4 and the Core Cities average of 28.5. A recent analysis confirms that Cardiff's current arrangements are now broadly in line with other UK Core Cities. 

The proposed restructure includes: 

• The creation of new directorates focused on frontline services, city development, and strategic transformation; 

• The redesignation and realignment of existing roles to improve service integration and leadership focus; 

• The establishment of new posts to strengthen capacity in key areas such as planning, transport, and partnerships. 

These changes are intended to: 

• Improve coordination across services such as economic development, regeneration, and environmental services; 

• Increase organisational capacity to deliver the Council's change and reform programme; 

• Support succession planning and talent development within the senior leadership team. 

Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, Cllr Chris Weaver, said: "This restructure is about ensuring our leadership is fit for the future. It will help us manage change, deliver wider efficiencies, and respond to the complex challenges facing local government. These proposals are a necessary part of a broader realignment that supports £800,000 in management savings and strengthens our ability to serve the people of Cardiff." 

The proposals involve: 

• Deleting three roles: Director of Planning, Transport and Environment; Assistant Director of Street Scene; and Head of Performance and Partnerships. 

• Creating four new roles: Director of Frontline Services; Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Transformation; Assistant Director of City Development; and Assistant Director of Planning and Transport. 

• Redesignating one existing role: Director of Economic Development becomes Director of Development and Growth 

The proposals are subject to consultation with affected staff and trade unions. Final recommendations will be brought to Cabinet in September 2025.