Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 22nd May, 2006.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd May, 2006, be approved as a correct record.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services submitted the 2005/06 net Outturn report for Corporate Services, showing a £731,822 underspend against the service cash limited revenue budget of £11,973,774. This underspend represented a percentage variation of -6.1%.

Resolved:- That the 2005/06 net Outturn report for Corporate Services be received and its contents noted.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive, RBT

The Chief Executive, RBT, submitted a report detailing the support and progress of the services supplied by RBT to schools. In recognition of the importance of delivering efficient and effective services to schools, an appointment had recently been made to the new post of specialist Schools Business Manager. The services being provided included:-

- human resources and payroll

- a helpline for schools and visits by RBT staff

- a newsletter for schools

- support for the Rotherham Grid for Learning

- RBT Schools Connect Team

- the procurement service

Resolved:- (1) That the information contained in the report be noted.

(2) That a progress report be submitted in September, 2006.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive, RBT

The Chief Executive, RBT, submitted a report on the progress and performance of RBT for the quarter from January to March, 2006, highlighting:-

-     completion of the third operational year of the RBT partnership with the Council;

-     Registrars offering the Nationality Checking service, one of a small number of local authorities offering this service;

-     shortlisting for the eProcurement service (under Best Public Private Partnership achievement) and a commendation under eProcurement Achievement of the Year in the national Municipal Journal awards.

The report included the Service overview for:-

§                     Customer Services/Public Access

§                     HR and Payroll

§                     ICT

§                     Procurement

§                     Revenues and Benefits

§                     Progress against Corporate Initiatives

§                     Equalities

§                     Investors in People

§                     Progress against Corporate Initiatives

§                     Consultation/Complaints

§                     Audit Updates

§                     Schools

Details were also provided of the Service Level Agreement underperformance during the period January to March, 2006.

Resolved:- That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive, RBT

The Chief Executive, RBT, submitted the end of year report highlighting the major risks in RBT and the actions being taken to mitigate those risks. The report addressed the responsibilities of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services and innovation to ensure that all partners were managing business risks thoroughly and appropriately.

It was noted that, in line with good practice, RBT had implemented a policy which described the way in which risks will be identified, evaluated and managed within RBT. Whilst the use of a risk management tool was being assessed, the process in place was paper-based and would be used until such time as an automated tool was introduced and accepted by the business. The guidelines were based on the OGC ‘Draft Guidelines for Managing Risk’, PRINCE 2 and the Institute of Risk Management’s standard adopted by BT.

Resolved:- (1) That the contents of the report be noted.

(2)That the progress being made in implementing risk management actions and the impact of those mitigating actions be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Acting Head of Strategic Partnerships

Consideration was given to a report of the Acting Head of Strategic Partnerships concerning the Schools Private Finance Initiative project, a partnership between the Council and Transform Schools (Rotherham) Ltd. The contract included the rebuilding/refurbishment of fifteen schools and their facilities management for a period of thirty years from 1st April, 2004.

By the end of December 2006, the project will provide:-

·        New schools for Coleridge, Ferham, Kimberworth, Maltby Crags Infant, Maltby Crags Junior, Meadowhall and Thornhill Primary Schools and Winterhill, Wingfield and Wath Secondary Schools;

·        Part new build and refurbished schools at East Dene and WathCentral Primary Schools and Clifton, Thrybergh and WickersleySecondary Schools;

·        Additionally, extended school use will be provided as follows:-

- new Key Young Person’s Centres will be provided at Thornhill Primary School and Wath Secondary School and significantly refurbished centres at Wingfield, Clifton, Thrybergh and Winterhill Secondary Schools.

            - SureStart facilities at Ferham, Thornhill and Wingfield.

            - Space for Sports and Arts facilities at Ferham.

            - Children’s Centres at Coleridge and Kimberworth.

            - Clifton Project facilities at the Cranworth Road site.

Currently nine schools have been delivered to full services and five more are due for September, 2006.

Resolved:- That the progress of the Schools PFI Project be noted.

To consider the minutes of the meetings of the Communications and Marketing Group held on (a) 13th April, 2006 and (b) 18th May, 2006.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings of the Communications and Marketing Group, held on 13th April, 2006 and 18th May, 2006.

Resolved:- That the contents of the minutes be noted.

To consider any questions received from Elected Members

It was noted that a Councillor had asked a question about the ICT requirements of a local community partnership which would be responded to by RBT staff.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to financial and business affairs)

Resolved:- That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to financial and business affairs).

Consideration was given to Minute No. 172 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board, held on 17th May, 2006, together with the accompanying report, detailing the progress of each of the Council’s six proposed Customer Service Centres.

Resolved:- That the contents of Minute No. 172 and the accompanying report be noted.