The East Midlands Shared Services Joint Committee meeting on 24 June 2024 focused on the financial performance, annual report, and audit outcomes of the East Midlands Shared Services (EMSS). Key decisions included the approval of the EMSS Finance Report and the EMSS Annual Report for 2023-2024.

Financial Performance

The committee reviewed the EMSS Finance Report, which detailed the financial performance of EMSS for the fiscal year. The report highlighted a surplus, attributed to cost-saving measures and increased efficiency in service delivery. Councillors discussed the implications of this surplus, with some advocating for reinvestment into service improvements, while others suggested allocating funds to reserves for future contingencies.

Annual Report

The EMSS Annual Report for 2023-2024 was presented, summarising the achievements and challenges faced by EMSS over the past year. Key achievements included the successful implementation of new IT systems and the expansion of shared services to additional local authorities. The report also noted areas for improvement, such as enhancing customer satisfaction and further streamlining processes.

Audit Outcomes

The committee examined the EMSS Audit Report and the 2024-25 EMSS Audit Plan. The audit report identified no major issues but recommended several minor improvements to internal controls and risk management practices. The committee approved the audit plan for the upcoming year, which aims to address these recommendations and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.

Public Engagement

The meeting also included a brief discussion on public engagement strategies. Councillors emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability, suggesting that future reports and meeting minutes be made more accessible to the public. This aligns with the council's ongoing commitment to open governance and community involvement.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Printed minutes and the Public reports pack from the meeting.