Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report regarding the updated approach to internal governance arrangements, aligned to the refreshed Corporate Plan. Presented by the Performance and Programme Manager, it was explained that the council operated five programme boards to oversee project delivery, each reporting into a bimonthly portfolio board. A 2025 audit rating of substantial assurance demonstrated that the framework was established and functioning, however several challenges remained. These included limited alignment with the Corporate Plan, minimal stakeholder engagement and awareness, and high resource demands. To address these issues, a new governance model was being introduced to be more closely aligned to the refreshed Corporate Plan.

Members heard this would involve the creation of three new programme theme boards, each directly linked to the Corporate Plan's strategic themes. Each board would manage a delivery plan which included, as a minimum, project performance and strategic risks. Each board would be chaired by a Director and be supported by subject matter experts from across the council, and include Member involvement with each board having both a Lead and Deputy Member sponsor. It was anticipated that the new arrangements would be operational for April 2026, with work underway with Officers to develop the delivery plans, and a further report scheduled to be presented to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee in due course.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for his explanation, and Members welcomed the opportunity to understand how the refreshed arrangements would build into the overall governance of the council. In response to a question regarding the alignment with the strategic risk register, it was explained that not only would the strategic risk register also be reviewed to be aligned with the Corporate Plan, each of the three themed boards would feed into, and receive feedback, in line with those strategic risks. This was an enhanced approached to incorporate the review of risks directly alongside the delivery of strategic priorities.

Members of the Committee discussed specifics of the wider governance approach, including the frequency of meetings, how Member sponsors would be identified, and by which route would the review progress. It was explained that many aspects were in draft element at the current stage, however there would be further work progressed through the Corporate policy and Resources Committee, and ultimately Full Council.

Members expressed their support for the overall approach to streamline the overall governance, also requesting that updates be shared with the Governance and Audit Committee as work progressed. It was highlighted that the committee also had requested to receive programme updates, which would cover areas such as this.

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was

RESOLVED that the update on internal governance arrangements, for successful delivery of the Corporate Plan be accepted.