Agenda item

To present GwE’s latest Risk Register to the Joint Committee.

DECISION:

·       To accept and approve the risk register subject to identifying all risks as being HIGH risks (rather than MODERATE).

Reason: given the lack of timescale and information, it is too early in the process to predict differently.

·       Ensure that information regarding specific plans and transition processes is communicated regularly (monthly) to the Joint Committee.

The risk register was presented by Rhys Williams (GwE Head of Service - Professional Learning), noting that the purpose of the risk register is to formalise the process of identifying risks and take subsequent mitigating actions.  Effective risk management will enable GwE to support strategic objectives and strategic priorities, make effective use of resources and attain the outcomes as intended. It was noted that the document is a working document which is reviewed on a regular basis in the context of the proposed changes to the middle tier of the education system in Wales and the transitional period of the Regional service to the Local Authorities.

Attention was drawn to the Financial Implications, noting that it is unclear how much the substantial change in Welsh Government policy will cost in a financially difficult period, and also Personnel Implications where GwE staff morale and motivation are extremely low. It was reported that there is no clarity yet in terms of alternative posts for school improvement staff post March 2025 and that fewer secondments and redundancies will affect the pattern of the team causing an imbalance in the support for the different sectors.

When discussing the individual risks, it was noted:

Financial - that a Transition Board had now been established and a Project Manager appointed to lead on the work. The Transition Board will lead to ensuring that a clear timescale is in place and that the position of staff is known.

Human Resources - that team meetings are organised to ensure that information about the transitional period is shared at every level on a regular basis together with the options available in terms of future employment. 

Governance - that a remit is needed which distinguishes between the responsibilities of the Transition Board and Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee was asked to review and approve the content of the risk register and decide whether any risks needed to be presented to the relevant Cabinet.

During the subsequent discussion, Members commented as follows:

·       Concern that risks have been moved from red to amber. Whilst accepting that the Transition Board has been established, the timescale is still unknown.

·       That there is a need to present the Joint Committee with a monthly update of specific plans/amendments, particularly human resources matters.

·       That it is too early on in the transitional period to be modifying risks to amber - things take time, especially redundancies.

·       Proposed to keep the risks red. Whilst accepting the difficulty of the situation and that matters are developing; information is not available and too many questions remain unanswered.

A motion was made and seconded that all risks should remain in the HIGH/RED category.

IT WAS DECIDED:

·       To accept and approve the risk register subject to all risks being noted as HIGH risks (rather than MODERATE/AMBER).

Reason: given the lack of timescale and information, that it is too early in the process to predict differently.

·       Ensure that information regarding specific plans and transition processes is communicated regularly (monthly) to the Joint Committee.