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  • Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

    North Wales Corporate Joint Committee - Friday, 21st March, 2025 1.00 pm

    • Attendance details
    • Agenda frontsheet PDF 192 KB
    • Agenda reports pack PDF 3 MB
    • Printed decisions PDF 279 KB
    • Printed draft minutes PDF 212 KB

    Venue: Cyfarfod Rhithiol / Virtual Meeting. View directions

    Contact: Sioned Mai Jones  01286 679665

    Items
    No. Item

    1.

    APOLOGIES

    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from:

    ·       Graham Boase (Denbighshire County Council)

    ·       Alwyn Jones (Wrexham County Borough Council) with Linda Roberts deputising

    ·       Rhun ap Gareth (Conwy County Borough Council) with Jenny Williams deputising

    ·       Dewi Morgan (Chief Finance Officer)

     

    2.

    DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST

    To receive any declaration of Personal Interest.

    Minutes:

    A declaration of personal interest was received from Alwen Williams for Item 10 due to her appointment as interim Chief Executive of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. It was noted that it was a prejudicial interest and she withdrew from the meeting during the discussion.

     

    3.

    URGENT BUSINESS

    To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chair for consideration.

    Minutes:

    None to note.

     

    4.

    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING pdf icon PDF 113 KB

    The Chair shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 February, 2025 be signed as a true record.

    Minutes:

    The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 March 2025 as a true record.

     

    5.

    TRANSFER OF THE ECONOMIC AMBITION BOARD AND GROWTH DEAL TO THE CORPORATE JOINT COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 393 KB

    Alwen Williams, Interim Chief Executive and Iwan Evans, Monitoring Officer to present the report.

     

    Additional documents:

    • Appendix 1 , item 5. pdf icon PDF 444 KB
    • Appendix 2 , item 5. pdf icon PDF 229 KB

    Decision:

    DECISION:  

     

    1.     To agree to enter into a Delivery and Funding Agreement whereby the role of Accountable body, responsibility for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and funding arrangements for the Growth Deal are transferred to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before the 31 March, 2025.

     

    2.     To agree to novate and assign as required the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and rights and obligations in all incoming funding agreement held by Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board transfer to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    3.     To agree to transfer and novate and/or assign all interests in the portfolio of projects funded by the North Wales Growth Deal together with any ancillary agreements, charges and leases from Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of NWEAB to the NWCJC on or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    4.     To agree to the transfer and/or assignment of all financial balances, monies due and assets as held on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board by Cyngor Gwynedd to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    5.     To delegate authority to the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and execute the final form agreements, deeds and all other legal documents necessary to implement the transfers referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above by or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    6.     To agree to the transfer of accountability to the CJC and that the CJC accept responsibility for decision making for the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal subject to novation of the Growth Deal and approval of additional Standing Orders incorporating the key terms of the Joint Working Agreement between the 6 Constituent Councils and 4 Education parties.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was presented by the Interim Chief Executive of the CJC and the Monitoring Officer.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.     To agree to enter into a Delivery and Funding Agreement whereby the role of Accountable body, responsibility for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and funding arrangements for the Growth Deal are transferred to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before the 31 March, 2025.

     

    2.     To agree to novate and assign as required the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal and rights and obligations in all incoming funding agreement held by Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board transfer to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    3.     To agree to transfer and novate and/or assign all interests in the portfolio of projects funded by the North Wales Growth Deal together with any ancillary agreements, charges and leases from Cyngor Gwynedd as Accountable Body on behalf of NWEAB to the NWCJC on or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    4.     To agree to the transfer and/or assignment of all financial balances, monies due and assets as held on behalf of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board by Cyngor Gwynedd to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    5.     To delegate authority to the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, to agree and execute the final form agreements, deeds and all other legal documents necessary to implement the transfers referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above by or before 31 March, 2025.

     

    6.     To agree to the transfer of accountability to the CJC and that the CJC accept responsibility for decision making for the implementation of the North Wales Growth Deal subject to novation of the Growth Deal and approval of additional Standing Orders incorporating the key terms of the Joint Working Agreement between the 6 Constituent Councils and 4 Education parties.

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    Members were reminded that the date set for the transfer of the functions of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and the Growth Deal to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee was 1 April 2025. It was confirmed that the procedures of all relevant Local Authorities had approved the transfer stating that the Report detailed the steps that needed to be taken in order to finalise in a timely manner.

     

    It was explained that the Joint Committee would receive agreement imminently from the Growth Deal partners for this transfer.

     

    It was noted that there had been a delay in the arrangements for receiving agreement from the Welsh Government to relieve Cyngor Gwynedd of its responsibilities and the Growth Deal funding agreement allowing the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee to take responsibility for it from 1 April 2025. It was emphasised that this agreement was crucial for the transfer. It was explained that a draft agreement had been sent to the Welsh Government in February 2025. Gratitude was expressed that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

    6.

    ECONOMIC WELL-BEING SUB-COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 288 KB

    Iwan Evans, Monitoring Officer to present the report.

    Additional documents:

    • Appendix 1a - Member Co-option Agreement EWBSC , item 6. pdf icon PDF 120 KB
    • Appendix 1b - Subs Co-option Agreement EWBSC , item 6. pdf icon PDF 154 KB

    Decision:

    DECISION:  

     

    1.     To approve the appointment of the representatives from each partner organisation as co-opted (non-voting) Members of the Economic Well-being Sub-committee.

     

    2.     To confirm the membership of the Well-being Sub-committee as set out in the following table:

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by the Monitoring Officer.

     

    RESOLVED

     

    1.     To approve the appointment of the representatives from each partner organisation as co-opted (non-voting) Members of the Economic Well-being Sub-committee.

     

    2.     To confirm the membership of the Well-being Sub-committee as set out in the following table:

     

     

     

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The Report was presented stating that it confirmed the membership of the Economic Well-being Sub-Committee of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. It was noted that the establishment of this Sub-Committee was key to supporting the transfer of the Growth Deal to the Joint Committee and taking control of the functions of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board.

     

    The Wrexham University membership was corrected to state that Mr Moss Garde was the substitute in the Co-option Agreement.

     

    It was pointed out that every effort was being made to establish this Sub-Committee to be of the same nature as the Economic Ambition Board and therefore it was confirmed that all Co-opted Members were non-voting Members. It was highlighted that the Co-opted Members identified within the report were already members of the Economic Ambition Board as advisors.

     

    It was explained that a further Report would be submitted to the Corporate Joint Committee at its next meeting, in order to share information on co-option matters including voting rights, for clarity.

     

    7.

    BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD AND NON-EXECUTIVE ADVISORS pdf icon PDF 203 KB

    Hedd Vaughan-Evans, Head of Operations to present the report.

    Additional documents:

    • Appendix 1 , item 7. pdf icon PDF 132 KB
    • Appendix 2 , item 7. pdf icon PDF 112 KB

    Decision:

    DECISION:  

     

    1.     To approve the Terms of Reference and appointment process for the establishment of a new Business Advisory Board following transfer of the Growth Deal and to delegate the implementation process to the Interim Chief Executive.

     

    2.     To approve the role description for the two new Non-Executive Advisor roles and
    authorise the Interim Chief Executive to undertake all necessary steps to procure candidates to be recommended for appointment to the CJC’s Economic Well-being Sub-committee.

     

    3.     To delegate to the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, the Chair and Vice Chair the authority to make any minor amendments to the Terms of Reference and role descriptions in response to any feedback received from Welsh and UK Governments prior to implementation.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was presented by the Head of Operations.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.     To approve the Terms of Reference and appointment process for the establishment of a new Business Advisory Board following transfer of the Growth Deal and to delegate the implementation process to the Interim Chief Executive.

     

    2.     To approve the role description for the two new Non-Executive Advisor roles and
    authorise the Interim Chief Executive to undertake all necessary steps to procure candidates to be recommended for appointment to the CJC’s Economic Well-being Sub-committee.

     

    3.     To delegate to the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, the Chair and Vice Chair the authority to make any minor amendments to the Terms of Reference and role descriptions in response to any feedback received from Welsh and UK Governments prior to implementation.

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The Terms of Reference of a new private sector advisory body (Advisory Business Board) were presented as well as role descriptions for two new Non-Executive Advisors. It was explained that developing these would ensure that the procedures of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee met what was expected in order to implement the Growth Deal. It was added that presenting these was also in response to the Welsh and UK Governments' recommendations regarding appointing non-executive advisors.

     

    It was confirmed that officers had received legal advice on the model for the appointment of non-executive advisors and it was noted that the Corporate Joint Committee arrangements were based on local government legal requirements for individuals who were in a role and receiving payment for services.

     

    The employment package of the non-executive advisors was considered and it was asked if consideration had been given to a daily fee for their services. In response, the Interim Chief Executive confirmed that work had been carried out in order to establish a daily pay scale for the nature of the appropriate advisory service. It was explained that there was a wide range of advisory employment arrangements and that they were very diverse. It was confirmed that salaries for daily advisory services would be determined as the Joint Committee succeeded in refining the type of advisory service required.

     

    In response to considerations that the non-executive advisors would be required to have Welsh language skills in order to be appointed, the Interim Chief Executive confirmed that the Welsh language was vital to the work of the Joint Committee and confirmed that every effort would be made to try to find advisors who were Welsh-speaking in order to assist the work of the Joint Committee. However, it was noted that consideration would be given to any application in order to determine whether the right level of advice would be provided to the Advisory Business Board in order to inform decisions of value to the region. It was confirmed that these roles would be advertised to indicate that Welsh language skills would be desirable but not necessary.

     

    8.

    CONTRACT PROCEDURE RULES pdf icon PDF 181 KB

    Iwan Evans, Monitoring Officer to present the report.

    Additional documents:

    • Appendix 1 , item 8. pdf icon PDF 210 KB

    Decision:

    DECISION:  

     

    1.     To adopt the amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules and that the Constitution be updated accordingly.

     

    2.     To delegate to the Monitoring Officer the power to make the following minor variations to the Constitution:

    a.     Legal or technical amendments that do not materially affect the Constitution.

    b.    Changes required to be made to remove any inconsistency, ambiguity or typographical error.

    c.     Wording so as to put into effect any decision of the CJC or its sub-committees or officer exercising delegated powers.

    d.    Changes required to reflect any changes to job or role titles.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was presented by the Head of Operations.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.     To adopt the amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules and that the Constitution be updated accordingly.

    2.   To delegate to the Monitoring Officer the power to make the following minor variations to the Constitution:

    a.              Legal or technical amendments that do not materially affect the         Constitution.

    b.           Changes required to be made to remove any inconsistency, ambiguity or typographical error.

    c.           Wording so as to put into effect any decision of the CJC or its sub-committees or officer exercising delegated powers.

    d.           Changes required to reflect any changes to job or role titles.

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    It was explained that arrangements had been amended following the emergence of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023. Revised regulations of procurement arrangements had been introduced for the operations of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee.

     

    Gratitude was expressed for the regional and expert cooperation to ensure that the documentation was revised to be current in line with the legal requirements.

     

    9.

    EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

    The Chair shall propose that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the discussions on the following items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

     

    There is an acknowledged public interest in openness in relation to the use of public resources and related financial issues. It is also acknowledged that there are occasions, in order to protect public business interests that matters related to such information needs to be discussed without being publicised. The report is specifically about agreeing the appointment arrangements including job details and remuneration  terms and terms that will be subject to a competitive recruitment process.  I also note that the agreed information will be published as part of an open appointment process. Publishing draft information prematurely can undermine the recruitment process.  This would be contrary to the wider public interest of ensuring the best overall outcome. For these reasons I am satisfied that the matter is closed in the public interest.

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion of Item 10 as it is likely that exempt information will be disclosed as defined in Paragraph 14 of Annex 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 - Information regarding the financial or business transactions of any particular person (including the authority holding such information).

     

    There is an acknowledged public benefit in being open about the use of public resources and related financial issues. It is also acknowledged that there are occasions, in order to protect the financial and commercial interests that matters related to such information need to be discussed without being publicised.  The report is specific about agreeing appointment arrangements including job details and conditions and terms of pay that will be subject to a competitive recruitment process. I also note that the agreed information will be published as part of an open appointment process. Prematurely publishing this draft information can undermine the recruitment process. This would be contrary to the wider public interest of securing the best composite output. For these reasons, I am satisfied that the matter was closed despite the public interest.

     

    10.

    APPOINTMENT TO THE ROLE OF CORPORATE JOINT-COMMITTEE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

    Geraint Owen, Corporate Director, Cyngor Gwynedd to present the report.

    Decision:

    DECISION:  

     

    1.     To agree to establish a Chief Executive post on a permanent full-time basis at an annual salary of up to £125,000.

     

    2.     To authorise the commencement of a recruitment process to appoint a Chief Executive.

     

    3.     That the language designation within the Person Specification for the post is Welsh 'desirable' and ensure a commitment from the successful candidate to learn the language (if they do not already speak Welsh).

     

    4.     To confirm that the existing interim arrangements in relation to the undertaking of the functions of the Chief Executive of the Corporate Joint Committee and the Portfolio Director of the Growth Deal are extended until a permanent Chief Executive is able to undertake their responsibilities.

     

    To confirm that the conduct of the recruitment process, including advertising, is delegated to the lead Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.

    Minutes:

    The report was submitted by the Corporate Director of Cyngor Gwynedd.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.     To agree to establish a Chief Executive post on a permanent full-time basis at an annual salary of up to £125,000.

     

    2.     To authorise the commencement of a recruitment process to appoint a Chief Executive.

     

    3.     That the language requirements for the post in the Person Specification are that the Welsh language is 'desirable' and ensure a commitment from the successful candidate to learn the language (if they do not already speak Welsh).

     

    4.     To confirm that the existing interim arrangements in relation to the undertaking of the functions of the Chief Executive of the Corporate Joint Committee and the Portfolio Director of the Growth Deal are extended until a permanent Chief Executive is able to undertake their responsibilities.

     

    5.     To confirm that conducting the recruitment process, including advertising, is delegated to the lead Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.

     

    DISCUSSION

     

    The Report was discussed.

     

     

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