Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Rita Price (Wrexham Diocese), Diane Chisholm (Primary Schools' Representative), Jonathan Morgan (Special Schools' Representative), Alison Fisher (Governors' Representative), Dr Lowri Brown (Conwy County Borough Council), Karen Evans (Denbighshire Council), Ian Roberts (Wrexham County Borough Council), Garem Jackson (Gwynedd Council), Dr Gwynne Jones (Anglesey County Council), Rhys Howard Hughes (Assistant Director, GwE), Dr Alwyn Jones (Assistant Director GwE).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declaration of personal interest was received by any member present. 

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

There were no urgent matters. 

(copy enclosed)

The minutes of this committee held on 22 September, 2017 were accepted as being a true record.  

A report was had from GwE's Managing Director updating the Joint Committee members on the progress as regards fulfilling the recommendations noted in Estyn's report on the quality of the school improvement services delivered by the North Wales Consortium.  The Joint Committee were asked to express their opinion on the report by taking into consideration the two elements that Estyn will be measuring, i.e. progress against the six recommendations, and contextualising progress as regards the progress made since GwE was established.

It was highlighted that the rate of progress during the timescale given was to be praised, however; despite the situation being much more positive this year, it is not possible to anticipate the impact of the changes on GwE's services. 

Comments were made by the Joint Committee and GwE's Managing Director valued their contributions noting that he would take them into account. 

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report. 

GwE's Managing Director presented the Regional Business Plan 2017-2020 report which notes the 3 year vision, priorities, actions, outputs and success criteria across the region. 

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report. 

GwE's Managing Director presented the 1st quarter monitoring of the Regional Business Plan 2017-2020.  A discussion was had on the aspects causing concern. Performance in mathematics was highlighted as a matter requiring attention. Reference was made to the risk register and a further discussion was had in the following item.  

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report. 

GwE's Managing Director presented the 1st quarter monitoring of the Regional Business Plan 2017-2020.  A discussion was had on the aspects causing concern. Performance in mathematics was highlighted as a matter requiring attention. Reference was made to the risk register and a further discussion was had in the following item.  

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report. 

GwE's Managing Director presented the latest Risk Register to the Joint Committee. It was noted that the Risk Register formalises the process of identifying risks and taking mitigating actions, and enables GwE to support the region's objectives, make effective use of resources and attain the outcomes as intended.  He emphasised that the risk register was open to Joint Committee members and was reviewed on a regular basis. Any comments from the Joint Committee were welcomed.

Attention was drawn to the 'risk mitigation' column and the need to strengthen R1 and R2.   

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report. 

A report was presented on the Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18-2020/21 by the Host Authority's Head of Finance.  It was highlighted that the report included the best possible estimates given the financial challenge and future uncertainty. 

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report.

GwE's Managing Director presented GwE's Value for Money Policy and Framework to the Joint Committee. It was noted that the objective is to ensure 'absolute' performance, targeting and improving resources, and increasing the workforce's organisational health. It was highlighted that GwE staff are aware of these objectives and support the policy.

It was resolved to: Accept and approve the report.