The Digital Services Committee was scheduled to discuss the Chamberlain's Departmental Business Plan for 2026-29 and review the committee's own terms of reference. Other items on the agenda included updates on Programme Sapphire (ERP) and DITS risks, as well as discussions on mailbox filtering and cyber security.

Draft Chamberlain's Business Plan, 2026-29

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft Business Plan for the Chamberlain's Department for the period 2026-29. This plan outlines the department's priority workstreams and cross-cutting themes, aiming to improve its function as an enabler for the City of London Corporation. The plan is structured around three priority workstreams: Operational Excellence, Future Ready - Digital by Design, and Entrepreneurial Spirit. It also details cross-cutting themes of Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) and Innovative Collaboration. The report indicated that the plan aligns with the Corporate Plan 2024-2029 and other key strategies, including the People Strategy and the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Strategy.

The Operational Excellence workstream focuses on delivering and improving enabling services, with key areas including financial improvement and transformation, quality improvement for financial shared services, establishing a world-class internal audit function, commercial improvement, and mobilising the City's investment strategies.

The Future Ready - Digital by Design workstream aims to harness new and existing technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to better enable services. This includes a digitally enabled transformation, improvements in reporting and performance through systems like SAP S/4HANA, digital roll-out for financial shared services, and the development of a Pensions Dashboard.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit workstream focuses on seeking new opportunities, taking calculated risks, and generating sustainable growth. This involves enabling income generation through new commercial opportunities and maximising income collection from the Business Rates Retention Scheme.

The report also detailed the timeline planners for each workstream, outlining key milestones and activities. It was noted that all workstreams listed currently have funding confirmed.

Annual Review of the Digital Services Committee Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to undertake an annual review of its own Terms of Reference. This review is conducted to allow for any proposed changes to be considered in time for the annual reappointment of Committees and Boards by the Court of Common Council. The report presented the existing Terms of Reference for the committee's consideration, which include responsibilities for overseeing risk management of digital services, IT and data protection compliance, the appropriateness and effectiveness of digital infrastructure, and the security, resilience, and sustainability of digital systems. The committee was also asked to consider whether any change was required to the frequency of its meetings.

Programme Sapphire (ERP) Update Report – January 2026

An update report on Programme Sapphire, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programme, was scheduled for discussion. This programme is a significant undertaking for the City of London Corporation, aiming to integrate and modernise its core financial, HR, and procurement systems.

DITS Risk Update

The committee was to receive an update on the risks associated with the Digital, Information and Technology Service (DITS). This would likely cover an overview of identified risks and the strategies in place to manage them.

Mailbox Filtering

A report on mailbox filtering was scheduled for consideration. This item would likely address the systems and processes in place to manage and filter incoming emails, a crucial aspect of digital security and efficiency.

Cyber Security

The committee was to receive a report from the Chief Information Security Officer concerning cyber security. This would provide an overview of the current cyber security landscape, any recent incidents or threats, and the measures being implemented to protect the City of London Corporation's digital assets and data.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was scheduled to agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting held on 27 November 2025 as a correct record.