The Digital Services Committee was scheduled to discuss the Chamberlain's Departmental Business Plan for 2026-29 and review the committee's terms of reference. Other items on the agenda included updates on Programme Sapphire (ERP) 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 priorities and activities, aligning with the City of London Corporation's Corporate Plan 2024-2029. The plan focuses on three priority workstreams: Operational Excellence, Future Ready - Digital by Design, and Entrepreneurial Spirit, supported by cross-cutting themes of Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) and Innovative Collaboration.

The Operational Excellence workstream aims to improve departmental performance through efficient service delivery, streamlining operations, and ensuring high standards of governance. Key areas include the Finance Improvement & Transformation Strategy, Financial Shared Services Quality Improvement Strategy, World Class Internal Audit, Commercial Improvement, and Mobilising the City's Investment Strategies.

Future Ready - Digital by Design focuses on harnessing digital tools and data-driven insights. This includes a digitally enabled transformation, improvements in reporting and performance through the SAP S/4HANA system (Programme Sapphire), digital roll-out for Financial Shared Services, and the development of a Pensions Dashboard.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit workstream seeks new opportunities to add value and generate sustainable growth. Initiatives include enabling income generation through new policies and frameworks, and maximising income collection from the Business Rates Retention Scheme.

The report recommended that the committee note that the Chamberlain's Department Business Plan would be overseen in different parts by both the Digital Services and Finance Committees, and that the elements relating to the work overseen by this committee be approved.

Annual Review of the Digital Services Committee Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to undertake its annual review of its 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 for members' consideration.

The committee was asked to agree that the terms of reference, subject to any comments, be approved for submission to the Court of Common Council in April 2026. It was also proposed that any further changes required before the Court's appointment of Committees be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Members were also invited to consider whether any change was required to the frequency of the committee's meetings.

The Terms of Reference outline the committee's responsibilities, including overseeing the risk management of all digital services, IT and data protection compliance, the appropriateness and effectiveness of digital infrastructure, and the security, resilience, and sustainability of digital systems. It also covers operating as an intelligent client for IT outsourcing, overseeing the effectiveness and value for money of digital services, approving the annual budget and capital programme for IT and digital projects, and overseeing the delivery of digital skills and culture change. The committee also acts as the lead for digital services across the City of London Corporation and its institutions, and as the lead committee for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programme.

Programme Sapphire (ERP) Update Report – January 2026

The committee was scheduled to receive an update report on Programme Sapphire, which relates to the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This programme is a significant undertaking for the City of London Corporation, aiming to implement a new integrated Finance, HR, and Procurement system.

DITS Risk Update

A report on the Digital, Information and Technology Service (DITS) risk was scheduled for information. This would likely detail any identified risks within the DITS function and the strategies in place to manage them.

Mailbox Filtering

The committee was to be provided with information regarding mailbox filtering. This topic likely pertains to the management and security of email systems within the City of London Corporation.

Cyber Security

A report from the Chief Information Security Officer was scheduled to be presented, focusing on cyber security matters. This would provide an overview of the current cyber security landscape, any recent incidents or threats, and the measures being taken to protect the organisation's digital assets.

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.