Issue - meetings

To review the latest Programme Highlight Report, to be considered by the Shadow Executive Committee on 14 January 2019.

A copy of the report will be added to this agenda as a supplement, in advance of the meeting.

The committee considered the latest Programme Highlight Report which set out progress since the last meeting of the Shadow Executive Committee on 17 December 2018. The Programme Director noted that overall progress remained at Amber.  Work on the implementation plans continued, with theme boards making significant progress on developing the detailed service continuity plans.

The Programme Director reported the following key achievements since the last meeting of the committee.

·         Draft constitution nearing completion following Member review, pending final minor outstanding items

·         Finance Order now ‘made’ in law from 2/1/2019

·         Transitional Structures plan ready to be launched into consultation in January

·         A balanced budget proposal reviewed by Budget Working Group

·         Council Tax Harmonisation approach agreed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

·         Branding ready to launch

·         Service delivery approach for eastern Dorset agreed

·         ‘Master list’ of Dorset Council policies complete

And the senior leadership recruitment process was nearing completion.

The Programme Director also reported that there were challenges around the Data Disaggregation work which sought to identify, prepare and pass the case data and associated files from Dorset Council (DC) to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP). Work in this area was increasing in intensity to agree plans and approaches with the BCP Programme, but there was an issue with the availability of the detailed plans required by Dorset Council. This was being escalated within the programme structure in order that it was resolved urgently.

The committee noted that service delivery approach, accommodation arrangements and recruitment processes were all on track. In response to questions regarding data disaggregation, the Interim Transformation Programme Lead confirmed that if cases were not able to be transferred to BCP there would be an agreement between with two authorities that the DC would continue to hold that information until such time that it could be transferred.  However there were many options and methodology available in order that disaggregation takes place in a timely manner.  The Interim Transformation Programme Lead confirmed that on Day 1 information would be available in order that statutory responsibilities could continue to be fulfilled. 

In response to a question about the use of Capita to deliver a fully connected set of financial systems, the Chief Executive confirmed that he was comfortable and content with the current proposals.

Members thanked the Programme Director for his comprehensive report and update.