Agenda item

The Chairman and Dennis Skinner introduced a report on the Board’s Priorities and Work Programme for 2015/16 drawing attention to the depth and effectiveness of the current improvement offer and the high regard in which it is held by the sector. The Chairman said that in a sector-led model which relies on “peer to peer” support a key issue facing the Board is how to identify skills gaps within our peer base and recruit new high-quality peers to fill any such gaps.

Dennis Skinner highlighted the steps taken to develop the LGA’s sector-led improvement offer, in the light of the results of the recent “Taking stock” consultation and to promote participation in peer challenges as set out in paragraph 14 of the report.

The Chairman sought members’ opinions on whether to allocate portfolios to specific members and, if so, to whom. He noted that any such portfolios should be aligned with the strategic priorities of the LGA, and suggested possible portfolios on reputation, Europe and international, and portfolios that link in with the work of other LGA structures, such as the Community and Wellbeing Portfolio.

Members discussed the possibility of merging the ‘improvement’ and ‘innovation’ priorities, and changing the ‘transparency’ priority into an ‘accountability’ priority. They also looked favourably upon the idea of establishing portfolios for:

·         research and sharing;

·         reputation and communications;

·         devolution

·         finance

·         housing.

Members supported the idea of establishing an ambassadorial role to help promote the improvement offer, particularly peer challenges, and suggested that national and regional lead member peers might play a role in this.

Members highlighted the positive results of sector-led improvement and emphasised the importance of ensuring that it is not seen as another form of inspection.

Action

Lead members will discuss priorities and portfolio arrangements in light of members’ feedback with a view to putting proposals to the next Board meeting.

Decision

Members noted the steps being taken to improve the LGA’s sector-led improvement offer and in particular peer challenge, as set out in paragraph 14 of the report.

Members agreed that officers should draw together a programme of action to develop the peer pool.