The Partneriaeth Scrutiny Councillor Group met on Monday 3 March 2025 to review the financial affairs and risk management of the Partneriaeth Joint Committee. The group also received an update on the outcomes of the previous Partneriaeth Joint Committee meeting and a termly report on the organisation's business plan priorities.

Outcomes of the Partneriaeth Joint Committee Meeting

The group was scheduled to receive a verbal update on the Partneriaeth Joint Committee agenda held on 21 February 2025. This update was to be presented by Ian Altman, the Lead Officer for Partneriaeth.

Lead Officer Update and Business Plan Priorities

A termly report for Autumn Term 2024 was presented, outlining the support currently offered by Partneriaeth across its business plan, which has been in operation since September 2024. The report detailed the range of professional learning opportunities provided, focusing on two key priority areas: Curriculum Support and Career Pathways. The report indicated that Partneriaeth is on track to deliver all areas of its business plan, with resources and performance regularly discussed in the Strategic Group meetings with Directors of Education. This information is intended to inform the annual report due at the end of the business plan cycle in April 2025.

The report also provided an outline of the Business Plan priorities and the governance of Partneriaeth moving forward. This included details on the two main priorities: supporting schools and settings to design and deliver high-quality provision in commissioned subject areas, and providing career pathways for leaders, practitioners, and support staff.

Financial Affairs and Risk Management Overview

The meeting was scheduled to review the Joint Committee's financial affairs and risk management. This included an overview of Partneriaeth's financial position as of December 2024, with projected outturns for 2024-25. The report detailed the budgeted expenditure and income, including Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with partner local authorities and Welsh Government grant funding.

The risk register, updated in September 2024, was also to be discussed. This register outlines the overall risk profile for the region, linked to the delegated Local Authority Education Grant (LAEG) funding. Key risks identified included a Lack of clarity regarding functions of Partneriaeth and the potential for Local Authorities to provide insufficient funding to meet Partneriaeth's running costs. The report noted a reduction in the number of risks on the register, with one governance risk related to clear communication with stakeholders now being managed as a control measure within another risk. The governance arrangements for Partneriaeth were also to be updated in the Risk Register from April to reflect a collaboration agreement.

Points for Letter to the Chair of the Partneriaeth Joint Committee

The group was scheduled to discuss points for inclusion in a letter to the Chair of the Partneriaeth Joint Committee, arising from the discussions held during this meeting.