The Devon Assurance Partnership Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday 13 March 2026 to discuss the partnership's performance, budget, and risk management. The meeting will also cover the election of a Vice-Chair.

Devon Assurance Partnership Committee Update Report

The committee is set to review the performance of the Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP) for the year to date. The report details the partnership's performance in delivering its work across its partners, alongside other key activities and staffing changes. It also includes examples of customer feedback and information on new business secured. The report notes that the partnership has continued to invest in staff development, with an emphasis on both on-the-job training and formal qualifications. Customer satisfaction feedback remains high, with 98% of respondents reporting satisfaction. The report also highlights that staff turnover was 20%, exceeding the 5% target, and discusses plans to address this.

Devon Assurance Partnership 2026/27 Budget

A proposed budget for the Devon Assurance Partnership for the financial year 2026/27 is scheduled for approval. The budget has been discussed and endorsed by the Devon Assurance Partnership Management Board. The report indicates that the proposed budget aims to balance income and expenditure, with a projected break-even position. Key figures underpinning the budget include an anticipated 3.7% increase in employee costs, attributed to workforce restructuring and pay awards, and a 7.6% reduction in supplies, services, and support costs. The partner day rate is set to increase by 3%, continuing the trend of subsidising partner service delivery through external income generation.

Devon Assurance Partnership Risk Update

The committee will consider an update on the Devon Assurance Partnership's risk management. The report outlines high-level strategic aims designed to ensure the partnership's continued success and fitness for purpose. These aims are categorised into three core areas: People, Quality, and Growth and Sustainability. Each area is supported by detailed risk descriptions, including causes, events, and impacts, along with proposed mitigations. The report notes that while progress has been made in managing risks, particularly concerning workforce sustainability and quality of delivery, ongoing challenges such as staff turnover and the broader economic climate continue to be monitored. The risk associated with Partnership Growth and Sustainability is currently rated as very low, but the report acknowledges that future clarity on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will necessitate a further review of this score.

Election of Vice Chair

The committee is scheduled to elect a Vice-Chair. The Chair and Vice-Chair roles are held on a rotational basis, with each council having a member serve alternately for one year. It was the turn of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to hold the post of Chair, with Councillor Kerley elected in July 2025. However, due to the absence of a member from Plymouth City Council at previous meetings, the appointment of the Vice-Chair was deferred to this meeting.