The General Purposes Committee of Aldermen met to discuss the Town Clerk's two-year review, governance arrangements for ward beadles, and the appointment of a City Marshal. They were also scheduled to discuss appointments to Emanuel School, King Edward’s School Witley, and Sir John Soane’s Museum. Additionally, the committee was expected to receive updates on strategy groups and key committee issues.

Town Clerk's 2-Year Review

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report providing a high-level executive summary of the work of the Town Clerk and his Executive Leadership Board over the past two years. The report, written by Ian Thomas CBE, Town Clerk and Chief Executive, was expected to cover key positive developments, major challenges, and the strategic direction and transformation agenda of the Corporation.

The report highlights several achievements, including:

• The development of key strategies and plans, such as the Corporate Plan, People Strategy, and Local Plan 2040.
• The decision to relinquish statutory responsibility for running Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets, which is expected to save £600m - £700m.
• Securing a £100m rescue package for the London Museum.
• Securing a £191m package to prevent the Barbican Centre from enforced closure, as part of the long-term Barbican Renewal Programme.
• The completion of the Destination City Review, which aims to support the Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee in developing a new Cultural Strategy.
• City of London Corporation's Children’s Services being rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
• The Guildhall School of Music and Drama rising to third in the world for music and fourth in the world for performing arts in the QS University Rankings 2025.

The report also identifies several organisational challenges and opportunities, including:

• Asset management, particularly regarding the Barbican Centre.
• The implementation of the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution (‘Project Sapphire’)¹.
• The review of pay and reward, known as Ambition 25.
• The need for investment in housing stock and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).
• Strengthening the City's role in financial and professional services.
• Identifying savings, efficiencies, and income generation opportunities.
• Developing a new communication and engagement strategy.

Ward Beadles - Governance Arrangements

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report from the City Remembrancer regarding the governance arrangements for ward beadles².

Appointment of the City Marshal

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report from the Executive Director, Private Secretary to the Lord Mayor, regarding the appointment of the City Marshal³.

Appointments

The committee was scheduled to approve nominees for appointments to:

• Emanuel School, for a term ending October 2027.
• King Edward’s School Witley (Bridewell Royal Hospital).
• Sir John Soane’s Museum.

City Surveyor - Courts Development Progress Update

The City Surveyor was scheduled to provide a presentation on the progress of the Courts Development.