The Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Gateshead Council met on Monday, 10 June 2024, to discuss updates on information governance, the corporate asset management plan, and the work programme for 2024-25. The committee noted the progress in these areas and made several decisions to improve council operations.

Information Governance Annual Update

The committee received an annual update on information governance within the council. The Information Governance team, led by Governance Manager Tim Briton, has made significant progress since its restructuring in April 2022. Key achievements include updating the data breach procedure, revising the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process, and continuing the Information Asset Register project. The team also trialled switching off 'autocomplete' in Outlook to reduce email-related data breaches.

Natalie Baldwin, appointed as Data Protection Officer in 2023, and Hannah Hales, Deputy Data Protection Officer, have overseen the handling of 393 Freedom of Information requests, with 372 completed within the statutory timeframe. The committee was informed of 55 data breaches, six of which were reported to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

The committee requested further details on the percentage of council employees who have completed data protection training and discussed the challenges of managing vexatious complaints. Additionally, the committee requested a report on how CCTV usage complies with data protection legislation.

The committee resolved to note the annual report and expressed satisfaction with the current Freedom of Information and data breach procedures.

Corporate Asset Management Plan

The committee reviewed the progress of the corporate asset management plan, which aims to optimise the council's assets and generate savings. The council has achieved £970,000 in savings by consolidating capital and revenue budgets for property running costs. The management of the Tenanted Non-Residential Portfolio has been brought in-house to maximise income.

Key projects include reducing desk space in the Civic Centre by 50% due to hybrid working, with 500 spaces already released. The council is exploring leasing out space to third parties, potentially generating £350,000-£300,000 per floor of a pavilion. The relocation of non-operational staff from depots to the Civic Centre is also being considered to improve efficiencies and save £200,000-£300,000 annually.

The council is reviewing its surplus estate, including properties like the Dryden Centre, Birtley Leisure Centre, and Gateshead Leisure Centre, to determine opportunities for disposal and raise capital receipts. The committee discussed the potential for community asset transfers to prevent anti-social behaviour and noted the need for a more efficient process.

The committee resolved to note the information provided.

Work Programme 2024-25

The committee discussed the work programme for 2024-25, which includes managing the council's financial, human, and physical resources, supporting the democratic process, and involving the people and communities of Gateshead in the council's work. The programme also focuses on capacity building in communities, social inclusion, equalities, diversity, and securing efficiency and value for money.

Suggestions for the work programme were invited from elected members and relevant officers. The committee reviewed the completion of the 2023-24 work programme and noted that a report on capturing wider regeneration benefits of Gateshead Quays would be presented at the Corporate Advisory Group on 13 June 2024.

The committee resolved to comment on and note the 2024-25 work programme.

For more details, you can refer to the draft minutes of the meeting.