Issue - meetings

Dave Hole, CJC Implementation Programme Lead to present the report.

To note the contextual position.

The report was presented stating that this was an opportunity to provide the context of the CJC along with an update on the work that had been done. It was explained that two reports had already been submitted to the Joint Committee, the first back in June, in the early days of the programme following the transfer, which had identified an ambitious list of what needed to be done but it was a period where a Chief Executive had not been appointed. The second report was reported on in November, to update on the work that had been done and identify the challenges and resources needed to complete the work.

In terms of background, it was explained that the Growth Deal had transferred to the CJC back in April and now had full operational status and the ability to employ people. The need for the CJC to comply with the general duties of public sector organisations was expressed and it was noted that there was a statutory duty to produce a Strategic Development Plan and a Regional Transport Plan.

It was explained that significant progress had been made up to/and including the transfer with a very small team. Attention was drawn to the list presented in the report. It was reiterated that a programme of change had been developed based on priorities, and that the Chief Executive had been appointed in June 2025. It was noted that some factors had held matters back, such as the appointment of officers but they were working through the Service Level Agreements to receive the support needed.

Despite the challenges it was noted that work continued to develop and was in the duplication stages for areas such as the website. Challenges were highlighted such as delays in reviewing the Welsh Government's CJC prospectus, delays in the procurement and implementation of the Committee Management System and attracting applicants for positions such as Senior Procurement Officer. It was explained that there was still a need to implement two Sub-committees namely Standards and Overview and Scrutiny Committees. It was expressed that the development of a new ANW programme for 2026/27 and a roadmap for subsequent years was likely to push several projects forward.

The Chief Executive added that the CJC had reached where they were as a result of the support of staff from partners such as Cyngor Gwynedd and they were thanked for their work. It was emphasised that the Joint Committees across Wales were new and therefore it took time to navigate through the prioritisation process trying not to put extra pressure on North Wales Authorities but to ensure they meet the Government's requirements.

The Monitoring Officer noted that work was being and had been done to establish the CJC as a fairly small entity in scale, according to the size requirements of Local Government. Over and above its establishment, he noted that programmes had been developing in the background regionally and nationally. It was reiterated that the transfer of the Growth Deal had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8