Agenda item

LEP Transition Update - Response to Local Enterprise Partnership Review

Minutes:

Graham Cowley, Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Director and Temporary Transition Director, presented a report (circulated) which provided an update on the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Transition and response to the Local Enterprise Partnership Review.

 

It was reported that the recommendations contained in the report set out a plan to progress the actions required as part of the transition between now and April 2019.

 

Directors discussed the importance of public sector and third sector representation and sought clarity on the inclusion of a date that gender balance will be completed.  Directors also discussed the appointment of a new Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Chairman and if it will be a requirement that 75% of existing Directors must approve their appointment.

 

In addition, Directors emphasised the need to ensure Director balance is considered overall, rather than split public and private sector Directors and also continues to ensure any future Director appointments recognise talent and skills.

 

In addition it was recommended that the LEP Network continue to be consulted on how other Local Enterprise Partnerships are managing this transition.

 

Resolved: The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board

 

(i)  Noted the Transition Summary at Appendix 'A', the additional comments made by Directors and approved the next steps required to comply with the Local Enterprise Partnership Review, noting that some steps will require actions outside of the Board's control.

 

(ii)  Approved the consultation drafts of the Chair Job Description and Person Specification (Appendix 'C') and process for recruitment reviewed and amended in accordance with the LEP Workshop on 30th October 2018.

 

(iii)  Authorised the Interim Transition Director to lead the Chair recruitment consultation in accordance with the process, and report findings, with appropriate recommendations to be reported to the LEP Board in December 2018.

 

(iv)  Delegated authority to the Interim Transition Director and Head of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Co-ordination, in consultation with the Chair, and in consultation with the Company Secretary, to commission professional support as defined in Appendix 'B', as necessary up to the value approved by Government, in accordance with the transition programme.

 

(v)  Approved the use of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership funds in the short term to secure the necessary professional support pending reimbursement via the Government Additional Funding approval expected by Christmas 2018.

 

(vi)  Noted that the draft Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Annual Report 2017/18 will be circulated for comment with a view to reporting the final version to the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board on 12th December 2018.

 

(vii)  Authorised the Interim Transition Director, in consultation with the Company Secretary to conduct a review of the company's constitution, and when and where appropriate, take the necessary action to give effect to the recommendations of the review and  proposals set out in this report; and

 

(viii)  Approved the implementation of due process in accordance with the human resources policies and procedures of the accountable body, to consider executive capacity in order to manage business as usual over the coming transition period and identify any posts to be created within the new Lancashire Enterprise Partnership operational structure, with a view to the new structure commencing in Spring 2019.

Supporting documents: