Issue - meetings

To receive the report from the Head of Transformation and Design.

The Head of Transformation and design introduced the item and the key points from the report sharing the key actions and changes over the first year and the savings realised.

The Committee considered the update on the Council's transformation programme, including progress made during the first year of delivery and plans for the next phase of the programme. Discussion focused on how the programme had evolved since its launch and how lessons learned had shaped the current approach. The Committee examined the decision to move away from earlier proposals for large-scale workforce reductions and towards a more phased approach to service redesign. It was noted that the original pace of change had been reassessed after concerns emerged around the potential impact on service stability and organisational resilience. Members discussed the balance between delivering financial savings and ensuring services remained sustainable and effective. Consideration was given to the delivery of savings targets and the extent to which alternative approaches were now being used to achieve transformation objectives. Discussion focused on service redesign, organisational efficiency and the use of technology rather than workforce reductions as the primary driver of change.

The Committee discussed how lessons from the first year of the programme had informed the development of a more structured "test and learn" approach. Members welcomed the emphasis on piloting changes, learning from outcomes and implementing improvements incrementally rather than pursuing large-scale organisational changes in a single phase. Workforce impacts also formed part of the discussion. The Committee explored how the Council was maintaining organisational knowledge and skills, particularly within specialist service areas. Assurance was given that by working alongside people and workforce and services using a deliberate approach using skills assessments, workforce plans, succession planning and staff development the organisation avoided the loss of critical expertise.

The role of digital technology, automation and artificial intelligence was discussed in detail. The Committee considered how these technologies were being used to improve efficiency and customer service, whilst also discussing governance arrangements, quality assurance processes, ethical oversight and information security. Members recognised the opportunities presented by technology but also sought assurance regarding safeguards, accountability and future adaptability given the rapid pace of technological change.

Discussion also focused on how the success of the programme would be measured. Members highlighted the importance of reporting not only financial benefits but also improvements for customers, service users and staff. There was support for the development of a clear benefits framework that could demonstrate the impact of transformation activity over time.

The Committee noted report and recognised the increased emphasis on collaboration across services and welcomed efforts to reduce silo working and create a more joined-up approach to organisational transformation.

Recommendations

The Place and resources Scrutiny Committee considered, noted and provided comment on the report and agreed to continue with 6 monthly updates.

The committee requested the inclusion of the climate wheel and climate impact consideration within the increased use of AI and digital tools to be included in the next update.

To receive the report from the Head of Transformation and Design.