Agenda item

Report by Iwan Trefor Jones – Lead Director.

The RAG status of each task within the Work Programme was reviewed and approved, subject to updating the acts that are slipping into the red.

 

The content of the Risk Register was reviewed, and the assessment criteria for each task was approved. 

 

It was agreed that 'Programme Office' should be added to the register.

 

The report was presented by Iwan Trefor Jones, Lead Director.

 

RESOLVED

·         Review and approve the RAG status of each task within the Work Programme, subject to updating those actions that are slipping to red.

·         Review the content of the Risk Register and approve the assessment criteria for each task.

·         Agree that 'Programme Office' should be added to the register.

 

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

 

Update the progress of the tasks on the Work Programme along with the submission of the latest version of the Risk Register

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted and attention was drawn to those matters in the work programme which had been completed as well as those requiring attention over the coming months. It was explained that tasks and timescales had been allocated to specific officers as well as a RAG status. Reference was made to the risk register which had been appended to the report and members were reminded that the document was reviewed on a monthly basis by the Executive Officers Group.

 

Business Deliver Board

Askar Sheibani (Vice-chair of the Business Delivery Board) gave an update on his vision for the Board to strengthen its relationship with the NWEAB so that it could take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of the Private Sector to attract wealth, target more contributions and generate business for North Wales. He reiterated the need to work together and to seek the best deal.

 

Observations arising from the discussion:

-       That the private sector was a fundamental part of the deal

-       That the board's minutes should be a standing item on the NWEAB's agenda

-       That the NWEAB's work would be scrutinised with clear messages and direct recommendations

-       That members of the Board be invited to attend / speak at meetings

-       That joint meetings be held in order to build on the feeling of a team

-       That the Board be consulted prior to advertising for Project Managers

-       That the private sector and public sector culture needed to be integrated

-       That an open dialogue, clear communication and effective information sharing were needed

 

In response to a question regarding adapting the terms of reference of the Business Delivery Board to reflect the above-mentioned observations, the Monitoring Officer suggested that the terms of reference could be adapted so that a procedure which would work for all could be established.

 

Appointment of Business Delivery Board Chair

It was reported that the appointments process was in place together with a (draft) job description for the Chair of the Business Delivery Board. The need to consult with both governments regarding the appointment was highlighted.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-       That the Chair would have an independent role

-       That the person needed to be passionate about the area, well-known, a leader and have good connections

 

In response to a comment that the appointment would be a 'public appointment', the need to ensure an understanding of the financial limitations in the discussions was suggested, and that the local government appointments evaluation procedure had been followed.

 

Programme Office

Dilwyn Williams explained that some posts within the Programme Office would be advertised over the summer. It was reported that the post of Programme Director would be re-advertised on 29 July with a closing date of 23 August. An extraordinary meeting would have to be organised to draw up a short list on 6 September and interviews would be held on 20 September. He added that all Partners would receive a copy of the advert. It was also confirmed that the Digital Programme Manager post would be re-advertised after the Heads of Terms were accepted - and it was also noted that the post would be advertised as a permanent post. A request was made for market supplement to be considered.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-       That applications for the Programme Director post from the private sector would be considered, as well as secondments if appropriate.

-       That consideration be given to individuals 'stepping up' from the Directors Group

-       That consideration needed to be given to interim arrangements - office management during a crucial time needed to be ensured. It was resolved that CE, IE and DOW would consider an interim plan and report to the next meeting in September.

-       That salary levels were a part of office management discussions and arrangements

 

Risk Register

It was noted that matters that were slipping needed to be highlighted in red and that the Programme Office should be included on the register