Issue - meetings

(A report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer)

The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation presented the Quarter 2 Risk Report 2024/25. The report included updates on strategic risks, partnership risks, and fraud risks as of the end of September 2024. Key changes were included as the addition of new risks, updates to existing risks and a review of the risk scoring matrix.

The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation highlighted the following key points:

·         Strategic Risks: Thorough review of risk wording, reduction in the risk score for internal communication, and addition of new risks related to the local plan and safeguarding.

·         Partnership Risks: Updates on the likelihood of not having a clear shared vision, removal of the risk of one partner taking over, and addition of a new risk related to PSPS.

·         Fraud Risks: Overview provided, with a promise of more detailed information in future meetings.

The Chairman raised concerns regarding the lack of detailed information on employee risk management, including health, well-being, and mental illness. The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation advised that there were elements of this in the capacity risk and confirmed that more detail would be added. Additionally, she agreed to liaise with HR to invite a representative to attend a future Committee meeting to discuss the matter further.

Councillor Mike Gilbert queried the impact of the new food waste collection services on existing risks, particularly those relating to waste services. The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation advised that more information would be provided within the Quarter 3 report, including updates on the depot options and round reviews.

Councillor Chris Mountain referred to the pressure on staff and the potential impact on their mental health. The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation advised that the focus would be on ensuring that staff could raise issues with their line managers and access available support. More links to mental health and well-being initiatives would be included in the risk register.

Councillor Paul Gleeson queried the impact of the Local Government Reform (LGR) on various risk categories. The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation advised that the entire risk register would be reviewed in light of LGR, not just the specific LGR risk.

Councillor Anton Dani referred to the high risks related to safeguarding and queried the potential impact on the Boston market due to increased prices. The Group Manager - Insights & Transformation advised that those concerns would be discussed with the lead officers, and updates would be provided within future reports.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

The leader of the Council presented the Quarter 2 24/25 Performance and Risks report which covered Boston Borough Council’s information for Quarter 2 of 2024/25 (as at the end of September 2024). A joint performance management framework was agreed across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership for 2024/25 to support the delivery of services. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) had been agreed to capture performance against the strategic priorities of the Partnership and the individual Councils.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       Members highlighted the increase on the numbers relating to newly trained volunteers and noted the importance of the role of volunteers to assist the Council in supporting the community.

·       Members praised the work of the newly appointed volunteer coordinator and the Trusted Volunteer Scheme.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh.

RESOLVED:

That the quarterly performance and risk monitoring information for Q2 of 2024/25 be noted.