The country of Bigland has a democratically elected government which verifies broad national policies. Local services such as education, social care and environmental services are the responsibility of the elected local government for the regions. These regions are funded by a combination of local taxes and government grants. The largest region is Middle region, which is about to make a new workforce strategy for its many local government employees. Recently it has received a report from its external auditor into its overall arrangements for achieving value for money. The external auditor has made three recommendations relevant to human resources (HR):

• There requires to be greater clarity over the distinctive roles carried out by both Middleregion's Human Resources Department and line managers in developing and executing HR practices;

Explain, with examples, how Middleregion should plan a new workforce strategy that takes account of a changing environment and is relevant to local conditions.

The external auditor has reported that a new workforce method will require to take account of a changing environment and be relevant to local conditions. Middleregion should plan a new workforce method that is mindful of these issues by:

• thoroughly analysing and understanding external factors,
• thoroughly analysing and understanding internal factors,
• planning collaboratively,
• planning flexibly,
• establishing review mechanisms and being prepared to adjust strategy accordingly.