The ESPO Management Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to review the Managing Director's progress update, discuss the review and revision of the committee's constitution, and consider the 2025-26 outturn and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) update. The meeting will also cover the results of the 2025 staff survey.

Managing Director's Progress Update

The committee is scheduled to receive a progress update from the Managing Director of ESPO, Kristian Smith. This update will cover the organisation's performance and actions taken since the last meeting. The report pack indicates that ESPO achieved a record financial performance in 2025/26, delivering a surplus of £8.3m, which was £1.1m ahead of budget. This strong performance was achieved despite a contracting educational supplies market, with ESPO growing its market share through competitive pricing, product availability, and customer service. The report highlights that framework rebate income performed strongly, increasing by £0.6m compared to the prior year.

The report also details expenditure, noting that total expenditure of £28.4m was £2.3m favourable to budget, attributed to operational staffing efficiencies, vacancy management, and cost controls. ESPO Trading Limited (ETL) and Eduzone, which represent ESPO's private sector and international trading activities, delivered a combined trading surplus of £162.8k, exceeding budget by £69.2k. Operational progress includes enhancements to customer delivery lead-times, with a guaranteed next-day delivery service now available. The Customer Services Team maintained high call answer rates and customer ratings, with ESPO receiving the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2026. Health and safety measures are being maintained, with one minor injury reported. IT performance remains strong, with high internal satisfaction levels and a robust cyber security score.

The staffing section of the report indicates a turnover rate of 9.3% for 2025/26, below the national average. The primary causes of absence were stress/depression/mental health, other musculoskeletal problems, and cough, cold, and flu. A programme of wellbeing support and intervention is being introduced for 2026/27.

Review and Revision of the Constitution

The committee is scheduled to consider a review and revision of its constitution. This item is being handled by Legal Services and will involve examining the existing governance arrangements to ensure they support the effective and efficient conduct of the committee's business. This follows a previous discussion where officers were tasked with preparing a report on governance changes.

Staff Survey 2025

The results of the 2025 staff survey are scheduled for discussion. The report pack indicates that the survey findings will be considered, with further work planned to understand the context behind the results, including a focus group and actions led by HR. Members are expected to emphasise the importance of maintaining multiple channels for staff to raise concerns.

Outturn 2025-26 and MTFS Update

The committee will receive an update on the financial outturn for 2025-26 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). This will include a review of the financial performance for the year and an outlook for the future financial position. The report pack notes that the Finance and Audit Subcommittee had previously considered the budget for 2026/27.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at 11:00 am in the Sparkenhoe Committee Room, County Hall, Glenfield.