The GLA Oversight Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026 to review a range of reports. Key discussions are expected to focus on the GLA's workforce data for the year ending March 2026, proposed amendments to probation procedures, and the ongoing work to counter fraud within the GLA Group.

GLA Workforce Report - Year Ending March 2026

The committee is scheduled to review the GLA Workforce Report for the year ending March 2026. This report provides key insights into the GLA's workforce, noting that the overall size has remained stable, with continued improvements in diversity. However, the report also highlights trends such as reduced recruitment activity and an increase in contingent labour in specific areas, linked to organisational change programmes. These trends will require active management in the coming year. The report details workforce stability, the use of contingent labour, and strong overall diversity outcomes, with 40% of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and 20% declaring a disability. It also notes that Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff remain underrepresented at senior grades. Recruitment activity has slowed, with increased competition for roles, and a reduction in the proportion of successful candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Overall turnover remains stable at 11%, comparing favourably with wider public sector benchmarks. The report also details demographic breakdowns by ethnicity, disability, gender, age, faith, and sexual orientation, alongside pay and progression patterns.

Proposed Amendments to Probation Procedure and Probation Terms and Conditions

The committee is set to consider proposed amendments to the Greater London Authority's (GLA) probation policy and procedure. These changes are being proposed in response to the Employment Rights Act 2025, which will reduce the qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal from two years to six months from January 2027. To mitigate legal risks, the GLA plans to implement revised probation arrangements by July 2026. The proposed amendments include reducing the standard probation period from six months to three months, with an option for a single extension of up to two months. The notice period during probation is also proposed to be reduced from one month to one week, aligning with statutory minimums. Additionally, changes are proposed to the application of the first incremental pay increase following successful completion of probation, aiming to standardise and simplify incremental progression to a single annual increment date of 1 April for all staff, with specific exceptions. These changes have been consulted on with UNISON.

Countering Fraud in the GLA Group

The committee is scheduled to receive background information on countering fraud within the GLA Group. The GLA's Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy & Response Plan highlights that fraud and corruption divert resources, erode public confidence, and impact staff morale. The Directorate of Audit, Risk and Assurance (DARA), operating under a shared services arrangement with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), acts as the lead internal audit provider for the GLA Group. Recent internal audit reports have noted cases of suspected fraud involving grant recipients and training provision, as well as collaborative counter-fraud work across the group. The GLA Oversight Committee is considering future scrutiny work in this area and will use this meeting to understand the issue further and help define the scope of any future work. David Esling, Director of Audit, Risk and Assurance at MOPAC, has been invited to attend.

GLA Oversight Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its proposed work programme for the 2026/27 Assembly year. The committee's overall functions include managing the budget of the Assembly and Secretariat, overseeing the Assembly's scrutiny work programme, maintaining a watching brief on the activities of senior officers appointed by the Mayor, and responding to consultations from the Head of Paid Service. The work programme outlines key areas such as the Assembly Budget and Scrutiny Work Programme, Staffing Consultations and Appointments, and the Scrutiny of the Chief Officer Function. Specific topics scheduled for discussion include Countering Fraud in the GLA Group on 18 June 2026, and Q&A sessions with the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice and the Statutory Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Children and Families on 8 July 2026.

Action Taken Under Delegated Authority

The committee is also scheduled to note actions taken by the former Chair under delegated authority. This includes agreeing the committee's response to the consultation on the proposed plans for the State of London Debate 2026. Letters concerning the consultation and the committee's response have been provided.

Minutes and Summary List of Actions

The committee will be asked to confirm the minutes of its previous meeting held on 20 May 2026. Additionally, a summary list of completed and ongoing actions arising from previous meetings, along with additional correspondence received, will be presented for noting.