The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for 15 April 2026 was set to cover a range of significant council operations, including updates on procurement, the SAP One Programme, the council's commercial strategy, and performance monitoring. The committee was also scheduled to receive a presentation on the Stronger Futures business case and an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution.

Gloucestershire County Council's Commercial Strategy 2026-2028

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of the Gloucestershire County Council's Commercial Strategy for 2026-2028. This strategy had previously been approved by Cabinet on 18 March 2026. The report pack indicated that the strategy aimed to guide the council's commercial activities over the specified period.

Corporate Performance and Risk Monitoring Quarter 3 2025/26

A comprehensive report was scheduled for discussion regarding the council's performance and risk monitoring for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This item was broken down into three parts:

• Council Strategy Progress: This section was intended to provide an update on the progress made against the priorities outlined in the Council Strategy.
• Overview of Performance: This part of the report was to offer a broader overview of the council's performance across various services.
• Strategic Risk Monitoring Report: This section was to detail the council's strategic risks, outlining their current status and any changes.

The report pack highlighted that in Quarter 3, just under two-thirds of strategic performance measures were within tolerance or better than target (64%), representing a decline from the previous five quarters which averaged 72%. Furthermore, five of the 24 strategic risks were rated as High, considering both impact and probability. Factors impacting performance and risk included the sufficiency of markets, delivery models or funding, lack of impact to affect long-term challenges, quality of work or commissioned services, and the pace and proportionality of demand and complexity.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) / Devolution Update

An update was scheduled on the ongoing developments regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. This item was a standing item on the committee's agenda, reflecting the significant ongoing changes in local government structures. The report pack indicated that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was progressing through Parliament, with government-sponsored amendments being made. For devolution, expressions of interest for 'Foundation Strategic Authorities' were to be invited from 20 March, with a preference for larger regions, although single county areas might be included temporarily. Gloucestershire's position was that it should form a single foundation strategic authority as a precursor to joining the West of England Combined Authority. The LGR consultation for Gloucestershire had closed, with 'minded to' Ministerial decisions expected in July. Proposals for LGR scrutiny had been considered by six of the seven councils, with the final council due to consider them on 16 April.

Procurement and Contract Management

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the work commissioned to consider the operating model for procurement and contract management. This indicated a review of how the council procures goods and services and manages its contracts with external providers.

SAP One Programme - Post Go Live

A presentation was planned on the SAP One Programme, focusing on its status following the 'go live' phase. This programme involves the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system, which underpins core council functions such as payroll, HR, finance, and procurement.

Stronger Futures Business Case

A presentation was scheduled on the Stronger Futures business case. This business case was due to be considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 22 April 2026, suggesting it was a significant proposal for future council initiatives.

GCC Scrutiny Review

The committee was to consider a report on the outcomes and recommendations from workshops held by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) on 9 and 27 March 2026. These workshops likely focused on reviewing the effectiveness and structure of scrutiny within Gloucestershire County Council.

Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to review its work plan and suggest items for consideration at future meetings. This included reviewing the Forthcoming Executive Decision List and considering the Council Strategy Corporate Strategy 2025–2029: A stronger future, built together. Members were to consider the reasons for and expected benefit of scrutiny involvement in potential future items.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in the Committee Room at Shire Hall, Gloucester.