The Shareholder Reference Group met to discuss the performance and future plans of Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) Ltd, a company wholly owned by Redbridge Council. Councillors agreed to endorse the appointment of an additional non-executive director to the RCS Ltd board, and reviewed the company's draft business plan, recommending it to the cabinet for approval. The group also reviewed and noted the RCS quarterly performance report for Quarter 1 of 2025/2026.

RCS Director Changes

The Shareholder Reference Group agreed to support the appointment of an additional external non-executive director to the Redbridge Civic Services Ltd (RCS) board. The council had advertised the role externally and shortlisted four candidates based on the current RCS Board's skill gaps and the Institute of Directors (IOD) Director's Competency Framework .

The selection process involves a preliminary video call, followed by in-depth interviews with a selection panel consisting of a member of the Shareholder Reference Group, the Chair of the RCS Board, and a senior council officer. The Shareholder Reference Group will nominate a member to chair the selection panel.

The report also recommended that officers arrange a suitable training programme for the company directors to ensure they develop a broad awareness of their responsibilities under Companies Law.

RCS Draft Business Plan

The Shareholder Reference Group reviewed the draft RCS Business Plan for 2025/27 and agreed to recommend it to the cabinet for approval. The business plan identifies the core purpose of RCS Ltd as the collection of recyclable and residual waste from households within Redbridge, and demonstrates how the company's values align with those of the council.

The plan indicates a positive financial trajectory for 2025-2027, following a net loss of £18,761 at the end of the 2023 fiscal year and a net profit of £196,945 at the close of 2024. The plan states that this reflects the success of recent improvements to the financial model and the rebudgeting of service arrangements between RCS and the London Borough of Redbridge.

The report notes that Civic Pride, the council department that commissions RCS, fully supports the strategic direction and core objectives set out in the 2025–2027 RCS Business Plan, which they say reflects a clear, realistic, and pragmatic approach to delivering high-quality waste and recycling services in Redbridge that are cost effective and meet both operational and well governed financial expectations .

RCS Quarterly Performance Report

The Shareholder Reference Group reviewed and noted the RCS quarterly performance report for Quarter 1 (April to June) of the 2025/2026 financial year.

The report noted that the terms of the Union Recognition Agreement have been finalised, and the agreement will come into effect in September/October 2025. RCS is also in the process of negotiating a workforce pay increase for 2025/2026 with the union, in line with the increase in the Consumer Price Index.

The report indicated an overall positive trend in terms of performance against almost all the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). However, there was an increase in staff sickness levels and reliance on agency staff due to staff sickness and other absences, and RCS has taken action to reduce these absences levels.

The Civic Pride commentary in the report noted that RCS had delivered a solid and encouraging overall performance in quarter 1, demonstrating a clear commitment to operational resilience, workforce engagement, and health and safety. They also noted that the appointment of the new Managing Director has had a notably positive impact, with visible improvements in leadership visibility, responsiveness, and strategic oversight.

The report also mentions an incident where a driver was assaulted by a member of the public.

RCS responded swiftly and compassionately to a serious assault on a driver, ensuring medical care, police involvement, and emotional support were provided. Employees have approached the council about the way the public interacts with the workforce and LBR are pleased to report that a positive social media campaign has been developed with the council's communication as a result. The theme of the campaign is 'behind the uniform is a person', encouraging the public to be kind. The council would like to thank RCS for their contribution to this campaign.

The report also noted that 60 close calls were reported during the quarter, relating to issues such as trees, road surface conditions, steps, parking, PPE usage, oil spills, and seatbelt compliance.

Garden Waste Collections

The report noted that participation levels and tonnages for Garden Waste Collections have significantly decreased compared to the previous year, likely due to recent weather conditions, which have reduced demand for the service.

Eastern Avenue

The council is exploring options to reinstate recycling collections on Eastern Avenue, after the service was suspended following a serious accident. Currently only general waste collection continues, with the support of a specialist impact protection vehicle.

Food Waste Collection

A trial round for food waste collections has been agreed upon, vehicle procurement is underway, and food waste containers have been ordered by the council. The trial round is scheduled to commence on 24 November 2025. The service will be rolled out in three stages: trial rounds, introduction of the service to individual households, and introduction of the service to communal properties and flats above shops.