Who We Are

Slough Borough Council is on a journey of recovery and transformation, committed to delivering meaningful change for our diverse and dynamic borough. We are dedicated to improving outcomes for our residents, with a particular focus on closing the health life expectancy gap by prioritising children and young people.

Our strategic context

Slough is a unique borough characterised by:

  • A population of 158,500, over 10 times more densely populated than the average for England
  • The second youngest population in the country, with 25% of residents aged 15 and under
  • Exceptional ethnic diversity, with 44% of residents born outside the UK
  • High levels of household density, with an average of three people per household

Our purpose

Our key mission is to close the healthy life expectancy gap by focusing on children and young people. We recognise that a child's early development is crucial in determining future health, wellbeing, and life opportunities.

Our approach

We are committed to being:

  1. Resident focused: Serving the people of Slough by responding to their concerns, ensuring their voices are heard, and delivering on issues that matter most.
  2. Financially sustainable: Building financial resilience, living within our means, and being transparent about challenging decisions.
  3. Community enabling: Fostering community capacity, building resilience, and creating platforms for residents to shape Slough's future.
  4. Partnership strengthening: Developing collaborative relationships with partners, the community, and young people towards a shared vision.
  5. Trust building: Restoring confidence in the council through integrity, transparency, and responsive governance.

Key challenges and priorities

Our strategic priorities are focused on:

  1. A borough for children and young people to thrive
    • Providing quality services for vulnerable children
    • Improving outcomes for disadvantaged children
    • Tackling child obesity
    • Increasing youth participation in decision-making
  2. A town where residents live healthier, safer, and more independent lives
    • Targeting health inequalities
    • Supporting resident independence
    • Improving community safety
    • Addressing anti-social behaviour
  3. A cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Slough
    • Improving housing quality
    • Enhancing environmental sustainability
    • Creating employment opportunities
    • Developing public spaces
    • Promoting active travel

Unique challenges

We acknowledge significant local challenges:

  • Low healthy life expectancy (58 for men, 60 for women)
  • 28% of Year 6 children are obese
  • 45% higher crime rate than Thames Valley average
  • Residents earn £28 less per week than regional average

Our commitment

We are committed to transparency, innovation, and delivering tangible improvements for Slough's residents. Our Corporate Plan represents a fresh start and a roadmap to a more prosperous, healthy, and inclusive borough.

EDI

For more information on equality, diversity and inclusion at SBC, including Workforce Profiles and Gender Pay Gap reports, please view Equality and diversity information – Slough Borough Council