The West of England Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 23 March 2026, to discuss organisational changes, digital strategy, and the review of its own terms of reference. Key decisions included noting the progress on the Target Operating Model and Digital and Data Strategy, and endorsing proposed amendments to the Committee's Terms of Reference.

Recent Organisational Changes and Target Operating Model

The committee received an update on the West of England Combined Authority's (WECA) Target Operating Model (TOM) and recent organisational changes. The TOM is designed to provide a framework for WECA's operations, people, systems, processes, and governance to deliver strategic objectives effectively. This initiative is part of the wider Organisational Improvement Programme (OIP), which aims to enhance operational effectiveness and build delivery capacity in preparation for WECA achieving Established Strategic Authority status. The report detailed the core principles guiding the TOM, including strategic alignment, efficiency, value for money, governance, accountability, collaboration, capability, capacity, and digital and data-driven delivery. Recent organisational changes have included the disestablishment of Director roles for Economy and Skills and Environment, and the creation of new Director roles for Service Delivery and Stakeholder and Partnerships. The committee noted the report, acknowledging the ongoing transformation programme.

Digital and IT Systems Strategy Overview

The committee considered a report on the development of WECA's Digital and Data Strategy. This strategy focuses on strengthening the Authority's internal digital and data capabilities, including systems, data governance, platforms, and workforce skills, which are crucial for effective programme delivery, performance monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making. The strategy is structured around four key priorities: improving digital experiences, strengthening and connecting organisational data, enhancing staff digital and data skills, and ensuring responsible and enabling digital foundations. The report highlighted that these improvements are essential for WECA to achieve Established Authority Status and an Integrated Settlement with the government. The committee noted the report and provided comments on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), open data, and the need for clarity on current and future IT systems.

Constitution Review - Draft Committee Terms of Reference

The committee reviewed proposed amendments to its own Terms of Reference (ToR) as part of a wider constitutional review. The proposed changes aim to more accurately reflect the functions of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, adopt good practice, enhance accountability, and ensure transparency. Key amendments include clearly setting out the committee's purpose and functions, detailing membership arrangements, appointing a Chair and Vice-Chair, establishing sub-committees and task and finish groups, and clarifying meeting frequency and quorum. The report also addressed the statutory powers and duties related to policy development, review, and the right of committee members to access documents. The committee endorsed the amended Terms of Reference, noting that they would be presented to the West of England Combined Authority Committee for formal approval.

Work Plan Report - Including MCA Forward Plan

The committee reviewed its work plan, noting actions completed since the previous meeting and considering future items for scrutiny. The report detailed the status of ongoing actions, including a planned visit to the Brabazon/Western Innovation Arc area, which was being considered pending confirmation of its 'New Town' status. The committee also noted updates on the Constitution Review and the relaunch of Advisory Boards. Members were invited to identify items for future work plan consideration, drawing from the current report, upcoming Joint Committee meetings, and the MCA's Forward Plan.

Review of Reports going to the Joint Committee of the West of England Combined Authority and Joint Committee on 27 March 2026

The committee reviewed several reports due to be presented at the upcoming Joint Committee meeting. This included discussions on the MCA Mayoral Budget and Mayoral Budget Forecast 2025/26, and the Joint Committee Budget Forecast 2025/26. The Head of Finance provided an overview of the financial positions, highlighting that the overall situation was broadly stable, with revenue and capital expenditure forecasts showing variances largely due to reprofiling and lower-than-anticipated in-year spend. The committee also discussed the 2026/27 Business Plan, with officers explaining the implementation of a project tracker to monitor delivery of outcomes and a corporate performance framework. Members raised questions regarding Future Transport Zones, active travel schemes, the suburban rail network, housing infrastructure, nature delivery work, and the impact of the global situation on budgets.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the Investment Fund Programme and Grant Assurance report, which detailed proposed funding awards for nature recovery, climate resilience, clean energy, housing policy development, and regeneration capacity. Members expressed disappointment regarding the withdrawal of the Green Growth West Fund. The committee also considered the Delivery Assurance report and the Social Value in Procurement and Contracts report, noting the introduction of a 10% weighting for social value in procurements.

The Forward Plan of Regional Strategic Work was presented, outlining the development of strategic plans for the MCA, including the upcoming publication of the Investment Prospectus and the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). Finally, the committee received an update on Transport, covering the Integrated Micromobility Service contract, the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP), and the CRSTS programme. Discussions included the potential for mass transit, bus reform, and the allocation of funds for various transport projects.

The committee noted all these reports.