Decision details

The committee considered the report which set out progress on the mobilisation and designs for a new hybrid model for ICT Shared Services and to seek approval to proceed to formal consultation with staff.

The committee queried the links between the workstream and the transformation programme. It was confirmed that InnerCircle colleagues had been engaged throughout the process and had undertaken a deep dive into ICT and service designs ensuring there would be the right capacity, in the right organisation, minimising any impact on the delivery of transformation during the redesign process.

The committee agreed that this was a significant piece of shared services work, and that whilst updates were provided to the Shared Services Joint Committee, it would be beneficial to engage and re-establish the ICT Joint Scrutiny Working Group which had not met for a significant time. Officers committed to taking this away and providing a written response.

The Chair proposed an amendment to the recommendations, to request that an update report be added to the committee Work Programme during Q1 of 2025-26. This was supported by the committee.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1. Note the progress made by the programme, in delivering the new hybrid model for ICT.

2. Approve that the programme moves into formal consultation with trade unions and staff on the disaggregation process and proposed new structure for Cheshire East Council.

3. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Resources and S151 Officer to implement the revised structure following consultation.

4. Note the potential financial impact of the new service designs and the existing commitment to a shared liability for all costs.

5. A further update report be added to the Work Programme during Q1 2025-26.