Vale Council chiefs say they've received "very encouraging" feedback from an independent review of their work.
A panel of external experts carried about an evaluation of the council's performance last November.
Their report concluded that the local authority was a "good council within the current context of high service demand, operational pressures, and resources."
But it also made four recommendations on further improvements behind the scenes.
The Panel Performance Assessment said: "It is a values-based organisation with a good internal culture and solid external relationships."
"There is a clear commitment to delivering on the corporate plan, with a particular focus on prioritising the needs of vulnerable people. Staff are enormously proud to work for the council, and there is a strong sense of ambition for the future.”
"In terms of its PPA scope and by linking it with its transformation programme, the council had demonstrably embraced the assessment process."
"We considered this to be an exciting and pivotal moment for the authority, and the council possesses strong foundations to drive future growth and development”.
It continued: “Our approach to the assessment was ambitious because the council itself is ambitious for its communities."
In terms of innovation, the panel noted it had "identified a range of strengths and areas of innovation relating to the council….with a culture demonstrating “a strong appetite for innovation and a willingness to do things differently."
They also noted that the “strong working relationships between the Leader, Chief Executive, senior staff and members demonstrated a cohesive and supportive working environment”.
The report also highlighted the council's "positive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders” and referred to the results from last year's Let’s Talk About Life in the Vale survey which indicated people’s satisfaction with the Vale of Glamorgan as a place to live and work.
The council said it would consider the panel's four recommendations - including developing a narrative to communicate effectively its "positive vision" for the future.
Another was to further amplify details of its changing approach both within the organisation and across the Vale.
The Panel also suggested the council should build on existing strong partnerships and look to further develop its democratic arrangements with a particular emphasis on the effectiveness of scrutiny meetings.
Council leader Lis Burnett welcomed the findings, saying: "This was an opportunity to benefit from the insights of experienced people from outside the organisation and one we were determined to maximise."
“We were able to sense check work already underway and get a fresh perspective on our ambitious plans for the future, including the Draft Corporate Plan 2025-30 and Reshaping Programme."
“These set out what the organisation will look like over the next five years and beyond and explain how we will continue delivering for our residents."
“It was really encouraging to get such positive feedback, which has provided renewed confidence in both our vision for the future and how we intend to realise it."
“Given the financial obstacles the council is facing, there are challenging times ahead, but we view the contents of this report as confirmation that we are very much on the right track.”
The Welsh Government requires such evaluations of local councils to take place every five years - along with annual self-assessments - to gauge how they are meeting performance targets.
Similar reviews were held last year in Denbighshire and Ceredigion with more areas to follow.
The panel is made up of independent people from across the UK, including a peer from the wider public, private, or voluntary sectors, a senior local government officer and an elected member from outside the council.
Interviews were held with cabinet members, councillors, staff and partners before the panel reported its findings, which will be considered by the council's Cabinet on Thursday.
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member
Plans have been put in place to redevelop a complex with more than 20 flats
Vale Council Reaccredited Under White Ribbon Scheme as Part of Ongoing Work to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls
Two Vale Restaurants Among Those Set to Close as Whitbread Shuts Brewers Fayre and Beefeater Chains
Vale Council Issues Safety Warning After Gas Canisters Found in Household Recycling
Cogan Primary School Praised for its Inclusive Culture and Strong Leadership in Estyn Inspection
Senedd Members Call to Tackle Substance Use Stigma
Calls for Welsh Government to Match England's Pub Business Rates Cut
Caerdydd Penarth MS backs campaign to make rail station more accessible
Barry Waterfront Regeneration Project Moves a Step Closer
Age Cymru Responds to VAT cut to household electricity bills
Old Post Office in St Brides Major could be converted into a new house and set of flats
Kanishka Narayan retains AI Minister role as Burnham Signals Early Priorities
Victorian Building on Broad Street could become a new daycare centre
