Decision details

Members were provided with a report on the 2024/25 work programmes for the Scrutiny Management Board and the four scrutiny committees. The report also provided information as part of the actions and assurances regarding future work programme items linked to the Board's Terms of Reference. A formal written response from the Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property (Deputy Leader) to the Board's recommendations on Mental Health in the Construction Industry was also included.

Members were updated on the development of the brief for the forthcoming report on 'Flood Risk Management - Environment Agency Flood Defence and Alleviation Schemes' to the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee. It was suggested that the additional information on flooding emergency response and communications be set out in a separate report rather than as a combined report.

Members discussed the request from the Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee in the report. The recommendation was 'to support the engagement and encouragement of member involvement, and challenge through effective forward planning of scrutiny activity ensuring that:

1.  Work programme timetables were aligned to key milestones of programmes within the change portfolio.

2.  Members and all organisation leaders be engaged, as work progresses, as to the major change portfolio as a whole in order to maintain sight of inter-dependencies and overall delivery.'

It was clarified that this related to any key milestones identified through the county council's Change Management Programme, ensuring that all committees were aware of any changes, particularly with technology and the use of AI.

Resolved: That:

1. The work programmes and changes outlined in the report be approved.
2. The formal written response from County Councillor Alan Vincent, Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property (Deputy Leader) to the Board's recommendations on Mental Health in the Construction Industry be noted.
3. Any outstanding recommendations from the 2024/25 work programmes be incorporated into the work of the scrutiny committees in 2025/26.