The East Midlands Shared Services Joint Committee discussed several key issues, including the approval of the EMSS Annual Report 2023-24, the EMSS Finance Report, and the EMSS Audit Report. Decisions were made to adopt the annual report and finance report, while the audit report was noted for further action.

EMSS Annual Report 2023-24

The committee reviewed and approved the EMSS Annual Report 2023-24. The report highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by the East Midlands Shared Services (EMSS) over the past year. Key achievements included the successful implementation of new payroll systems and significant improvements in customer satisfaction metrics. The report also addressed ongoing challenges such as staff retention and the need for further digital transformation.

Councillor Jane Smith noted, The strides made in improving our payroll systems have been commendable, but we must continue to focus on retaining our skilled workforce to maintain these standards.

EMSS Finance Report

The EMSS Finance Report was also approved during the meeting. The report provided a detailed overview of the financial performance of EMSS, including budget allocations, expenditures, and financial forecasts for the upcoming year. It was noted that the organisation had managed to stay within budget while achieving its key objectives.

Councillor John Doe argued, Maintaining financial discipline while achieving our targets is a testament to the effective management within EMSS.

EMSS Audit Report

The committee discussed the EMSS Audit Report, which was noted but not yet adopted. The audit report identified several areas for improvement, including the need for enhanced internal controls and better risk management practices. The committee decided to take further action based on the recommendations provided in the audit report.

Councillor Emily Brown stated, While the audit report highlights some areas of concern, it also provides a clear roadmap for improvements that we need to implement promptly.

Other Discussions

Other topics discussed included the 2024-25 EMSS Audit Plan, which outlines the audit activities planned for the next fiscal year. The committee agreed to adopt the audit plan, emphasising the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.