Agenda, decisions and minutes

As noted above.

To receive any declaration of interest from any Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

None received.

To submit, for confirmation, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 March, 2024.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 March, 2024 were confirmed as correct.

To submit a report by the Chief Executive.

The report of the Chief Executive outlining the review of the delivery arrangements of the Public Services Board and monitoring the progress of the Board in the implementation of the 2023-2028 Well-being Plan was presented for the Committee’s consideration and scrutiny.

The Deputy Leader & Portfolio Member for Children, Youth & Housing Services reported that the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 places a duty on public bodies to improve the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales.  The Act also established the Public Services Boards across Wales with members consisting of public bodies and the third sector.  The Public Services Board works collaboratively as partner organisations to ensure that strategic plans are aligned with, and support achievement of local well-being objectives.

The Chief Executive reported that the culture of the Public Services Board has strengthen over the last 12 months, with a new Chair, Mr Aled Jones-Griffith being appointed.   He also wished to congratulate Mr Jones-Griffith on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.  He said that there is pressure on residents within the local communities due to the cost-of-living crisis, resulting in poverty and well-being.  The main principles of the Council are collaborating with partner organisations and the third sector especially due to budget restraints and cuts to front line services.

The Gwynedd and Anglesey Public Services Board Programme Manager reported that the Delivery Plan of the Public Services Board will be subject to ongoing review.  Due to the previous success and ongoing focus of the Welsh Language Sub-Group, the Board agreed that it should continue in its current form.  Regional work has recently been undertaken as regards to recruiting within the public sector when the Welsh language is essential for different posts. She further said that following an independent academic assessment of the effectiveness of the other Sub-Groups, it was decided to proceed with the recommendation to set up more operational focussed Task and Finish Groups for each action of work by the Board. 

In considering the report the Committee raised the following issues:-

·         Reference was made as the Well-being Plan is underway, to what extent do the current arrangements support the delivery and what opportunities, challenges and risks face the Public Services Board going forward.  In response, the Chief Executive said that the Board has developed to align with the Well-being Plan and has matured with partner organisations sharing good practices and information. He referred to the achievement of the Welsh Language Sub-Group which has been able to share good practices within the other partner organisations to improve the use of the Welsh language within their organisations.  He said that the risk faced by the Board is similar to the local authorities as there is a lack of resources to meet the increase demand for support by local residents and communities. The structures put in place and the method of working has strengthened the Boards ability to add value. 

·         Questions were raised as to what added value has been highlighted by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To submit a report by the Scrutiny Manager.

The report of the Scrutiny Manager setting out the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee’s indicative Forward Work Programme 2024/2025 was presented for consideration.

It was RESOLVED to agree the current version of the forward work programme for 2024/2025.