Agenda and minutes

None.

Invitees:

-       Dimitri Batrouni (Cabinet Member for Organisational Transformation

-       Rhys Cornwall (Strategic Director-Corporate and Transformation)

-       Tracey Mckim (Head of People, Policy and Transformation)

-       Matt Lewis (Chief Officer Shared Resource Service)

-       Sarah Stephens (Educational Lead Shared Resource Service)

-       Kath Beavan-Seymour (Assistant Director Shared Resource Service)

-       Dominic Gibbons (Digital Projects Manager)

-       Mike Doverman (User Support Manager Shared Resource Services)

-       Paul Higgs (Assistant Director – Senior Leadership Team – Shared Resource Service)

The Chief Officer of Shared Resource Service and the Head of People, Policy and Transformation gave an overview of the report and a background to the Shared Resource Service.

The following was discussed:

• The Committee raised questions regarding the progress in recruiting additional organisations into the Shared Resource Service (SRS). The Chief Officer for Shared Resource Service explained plans to incorporate groups into the SRS and highlighted the interest of an English authority in partnering with the SRS.
• The Committee inquired about the loss of 27 members of staff in the SRS. The Chief Officer Shared Resource Service explained that the main reason for their departure was lower wages compared to other organisations. Additionally, some staff found the work too complicated.
• The Committee asked about the SRS's approach to dealing with online scams. The Chief Officer highlighted one measure they have taken, which is restricting access to the UK only.
• The Committee asked about the diversity of apprentices and enquired about university links for work experience. The Chief Officer of Shared Resource Service informed the Committee about their collaboration with a scheme in Cardiff and their efforts to reach minority or underrepresented groups.
• The Committee enquired about direct contact for support from the SRS. The Chief Officer Shared Resource Service stated that this information can be provided.
• The Committee questioned the figures on reserves compared to capital funding. The Chief Officer Shared Resource Service explained that these are different figures based on revenue reserves and funding provided by Newport.
• The Committee asked about the number of apprenticeships in Newport. The Chief Officer Shared Resource Service explained that the funding for these apprenticeships comes from the SRS, and they work with all their partners, not solely within Newport.
• The Committee enquired about out of hours call outs and IT support. The Assistant Director Shared Resource Service explained that the service desk covers 9-5 Monday-Friday, and out-of-hours service is staffed to handle critical system issues. The Head of People, Policy, and Transformation emphasised the importance of SRS's ability to provide support that an in-house IT team cannot.
• The Committee questioned how the SRS keeps up with cybersecurity attacks. The Chief Officer for Shared Resource Service mentioned allocating resources and staff to address cybersecurity issues. The Head of People, Policy, and Transformation highlighted that Newport Council has a risk owner supported by the SRS.
• The Committee asked if there were any security attacks or concerns for schools in Newport. The Chief Officer for Shared Resource Service confirmed that there have not been any with schools supported  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Invitees

-       Janice Dent (Policy and Partnership Manager)

-       Dr Bethan Bowden (Consultant in Public Health Aneurin Bevan University Health Board)

-       Harriet Bleach (Senior Officer Natural Resources Wales)

-       Wayne Tucker (Senior Policy and Partnership Officer)

The Policy and Partnership Manager provided an overview of the report, expressing the Partnership's satisfaction with its outcomes, marking the successful conclusion of a five-year plan, and highlighted the significant achievements of the Partners and their commitment to the partnership. The Consultant in Public Health from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board commended the efforts made to engage stakeholders and the positive reception of the participation budgeting initiative. They specifically praised the genuine partnership relationship that has been fostered.

The following was discussed:

• The Committee expressed their gratitude for the report and its content. They also enquired about the purple flag status and its application criteria. The Policy and Partnership Manager stated that they are currently in the process of reapplying for the purple flag status and assured the Committee that they will provide the requested information.
• The Committee asked if the partners had engaged in discussions with entertainers and performers to gather their perspectives on the city centre. The Policy and Partnership Manager acknowledged this query and mentioned that they will provide feedback to the partners regarding this matter.
• The Committee enquired about the initiatives and activities being undertaken to engage and provide opportunities for the youth. The Policy and Partnership Manager responded by stating that the prevention and inclusion service area specifically targets youth. They emphasised that a significant amount of work is being carried out in this regard. Additionally, they offered to provide more detailed information outside of the meeting.
• The Committee enquired about any potential changes to the list of partners, including additions or removals. The Policy and Partnership Manager informed the Committee that they continuously evaluate their partners. The Head of People, Policy and Transformation highlighted that Newport has prioritised going beyond the statutory partners, distinguishing themselves from other authorities.
• The Committee raised a question regarding the partners' commitment to continuous learning and improvement on an annual basis. The Policy and Partnership Manager responded by explaining that the learning and improvement process follows a bottom-up approach. They emphasised that continuous improvement is encouraged and addressed from all aspects of the partnerships.
• The Committee acknowledged the significance of the environmental work that will bring benefits to Newport. They expressed their gratitude to the officers for their efforts in this regard.
• The Committee raised concerns about whether sufficient measures have been taken to mitigate flood risks in Newport. The Senior Officer from Natural Resources Wales responded by stating that the next Gwent Wellbeing Plan will address climate change, which includes flood risk management. They further informed the Committee that Steve Morgan, the Head of South East Wales Operations at Natural Resources Wales, will directly engage with Committee members to discuss flood risk issues outside of the meeting. The Committee requested that a report on flood risk from Natural Resources Wales be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

a)      Forward Work Programme Update (Appendix 1)

b)      Actions Plan (Appendix 2)

Invitee:

-          Neil Barnett – Scrutiny Adviser

a)    Forward Work Programme Update

The Scrutiny Adviser presented the Forward Work Programme, and informed the Committee of the topics due to be discussed at the next two committee meetings:

Tuesday 10^th October 2023, the agenda items;

• Gwent Regional Partnership Board Area Plan 2023 – 2027
• Gwent Regional Partnership Board Annual Report 2022-2023

Wednesday 8^th November 2023, the agenda items;

• Norse Joint Venture Partnership – Strategy and Performance Review
• Draft Safer Newport Strategic Needs Assessment

b)    Action Sheet

The Scrutiny Adviser presented the action sheet to the Committee.

To view the live meeting please click here