We play a leading and significant role in delivering the aspirations of the Exeter Vision and our five strategic priorities align directly with the aspirations of the Exeter Vision.

We embrace our role as a community leader – as a shaper and leader of place that works successfully with stakeholders in the city, across the region and nationally. We are proud of our record in articulating the needs of the city and its communities, galvanising the support of public and private sectors, securing investment and finding innovative solutions to problems and ambitions.

This often involves expanding our remit beyond that of a typical district council and venturing into areas that many district councils would see as the business of others. But we see this as essential for achieving the social, economic and environmental outcomes that the city, its stakeholders and communities aspire to and which are spelt out in the Exeter Vision.

There are numerous examples of how the services provided to Exeter’s residents and communities make an important contribution. Council services will be setting out in their own detailed plans of how they will continue to contribute to these aspirations.

 

Exeter Vision 2040

In December 2019 the Liveable Exeter Place Board adopted the Exeter Vision 2040. Working together to bring about transformational change and sustainable growth, the Liveable Exeter Place Board is made up of representatives from leading public and private sector organisations from within the City of Exeter and Greater Exeter region.

“By the time they are an adult, a child born in Exeter today will live in a city that is inclusive, healthy and sustainable - a city where the opportunities and benefits of prosperity are shared and all citizens are able to participate fully in the city’s economic, social, cultural and civic life.”

Innovative and analytical city

Exeter will be a model of strong local democracy. Communities will organise themselves and use their assets and resources to reduce inequalities and create a sense of belonging. The city’s anchor institutions will drive local impact. Active, engaged citizens and communities will be empowered to create, share and use data to respond to shared problems and needs. Exeter will be a young people-friendly city and young people will have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them and their communities. 

An innovative and analytical culture will support communities, businesses, civil society and public bodies to work together to solve the city’s challenges and achieve its ambitions. The city institutions work collaboratively with a coherence in pursuit of the city’s vision.

Healthy and inclusive

Exeter will be healthy and happy and local services will support people to live their lives well, in the ways that matter to them. Every resident will have a home that is secure, affordable and healthy in a balanced and connected neighbourhood that supports wellbeing and reduces social isolation. 

Access to clean, secure and affordable energy will help to eliminate fuel poverty. Health, care and wellbeing services will be designed and delivered in partnership with the communities who use them.

The most active city in the UK

Exeter will be the most active and accessible city in England. Transport will not be a barrier to economic or social activities. Sustainable means of travel will be cheaper, quicker and more convenient than private car ownership. Land currently dominated by driving and parking will be freed up for social, economic and environmental uses. Air will be clean and healthy. A high-quality and accessible built environment and green spaces, with great arts and cultural facilities, will encourage healthy, active lifestyles. A comprehensive network of safe routes will ensure that most everyday journeys are made by walking and cycling.

Accessible world-class education

Exeter will be agile and innovative. Economic growth will be clean, inclusive and resilient. Local supply chains will be stronger. Supporting the city’s businesses and social enterprises and keeping more money within the local economy. All residents will have access to world-class education and training, and meaningful, high-quality employment with fair wages. The life-changing benefits of access to and participation in arts, culture and physical activity will be realised. Employers will be able to recruit, nurture and retain a skilled local workforce as well as attracting the best global talent.

Liveable and connected

Exeter will be a liveable city, with a thriving city centre, within a network of thriving rural and coastal towns and villages. The impacts of growth will be managed and mitigated. Communities will lead development, helping to create a city. A city where everyone has access to the places and services which enable them to meet their needs and lead fulfilling lives. Urban planning will protect and enhance Exeter’s exceptional natural and historic environment, safeguard its iconic landscape setting, and encourage high-quality contemporary design that complements and enhances the city’s heritage.

A leading sustainable city

Exeter will be a carbon neutral city by 2030 and recognised as a leading sustainable city and a global leader in addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges of climate change and urbanisation. The Exeter of the future will have grasped the opportunities ahead of us today.

City of culture

Exeter will be known nationally and internationally as a city of culture. It will innovate and lead in the area of the environment, wellbeing, cultural literacy, creative making and heritage innovation to build a living city where everyone thrives. Under its UNESCO City of Literature status Exeter will become a destination for writers and a city of readers. The city will use the power of literature and words to pursue a set of wellbeing goals to improve life for all.

 

Our values and behaviours - how we work

We know that only the exemplary behaviour and positive attitude of our employees will deliver outstanding results for those that visit, work in and live in the city.

We are developing a Values and Behaviours Framework, which represents how we will deliver the planned outcomes of this plan. Our values and behaviours are central to who we are as a council and they help to develop the right working environment to deliver our ambitious goals for the city.

These are our initial thoughts, developed through working with a small group of staff. Over the coming months, we will work with staff more widely and elected members
to seek further feedback and to refine the framework.

Equality and diversity

As a service provider, community leader and employer we are committed to being an exemplar in promoting equality and tackling social exclusion. We demonstrate this commitment through our corporate equality group, corporate equality plan, our equality objectives and our values and behaviours. We also undertake equality impact assessments of our policies, programmes and plans to ensure we are considering their impact on equality groups.

• We practice health, safety and wellbeing of self and others
• We strive to deliver continuous improvement
• We are creative and innovative to build a better future for all
• We make a positive contribution towards a sustainable environment
• We act as a role model
• We are always accountable for our own actions
• We consistently show trust and respect
• We always lead by example
• We consistently show flexibility and are open to change
• We are ambitious for the city and the council
• We have a can-do attitude
• We take account of other people’s views
• We respond positively to feedback
• We are open and honest
• We are always inclusive and considerate of others