Agenda item

To present the report of the Head of Audit and Risk.

The report of the Head of Audit and Risk incorporating the committee action log was presented for consideration. The report updated the Committee on the status and progress of the actions and decisions it had agreed upon.

The following additional updates were provided orally at the meeting –

·      The Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation reported on the benefits of the Council’s collaboration with local and regional colleges particularly its role in addressing  recruitment and skills needs as well as filling vacancies (item 21 on the action log). She informed the committee that the Council has a memorandum of understanding with Grŵp  Llandrillo Menai and has been working extensively with the Grŵp over the last eighteen months.

Next month, the Council will launch a “Step into Work” initiative in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. This initiative  will provide five young persons with no prior work experience the opportunity to work in the Council initially for one day per week giving them exposure to practical roles they may not have otherwise considered.

Through Grŵp Llandrillo Menai the Council offers a rolling apprenticeship programme  with nine apprentices currently working within Housing Services which has a close relationship with the grŵp. Additionally, the Council collaborates with Bangor University on the MA Social Work programme which currently has twelve participants and serves as a key channel for social worker recruitment. The Council has also  relaunched its graduate scheme, recently advertising three available roles in 2025. Furthermore, it has actively engaged in workforce planning sessions led by  the Local Government Association.

The Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation also referred  to the Council’s Attracting Talent Programme which offers paid work experience during the summer months. The programme was especially successful last year when three of the five placements in Social Services resulted in permanent appointments within the care services. While there are plans to shift the programme’s focus to another service area, the ongoing recruitment challenges in social services mean its continued emphasis on that area remains valuable.

The Head of Profession (HR) and Transformation noted that colleges can only sustain courses and programmes if they attract a sufficient number of participants which is something that the Council as a smaller authority, cannot always guarantee. In response to questions about remaining recruitment gaps, she acknowledged that the legal services department is currently facing challenges. Given its size, the department lacks capacity to support long-term development and potential solutions are being explored.

·      The Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer reported on the income/savings generated by the installation of solar panels on council buildings through Salix funding (item 22 on the action log). Information provided by the Property Services department shows that since 2020, 45 solar energy projects have been completed at a total cost of £1.6m funded by interest free Salix loans. These projects commenced at different times over the past five years and the electricity generated is estimated at 3.49GW which, at current values, equates to £700,000. Regarding the Council’s main office building, the Section  151 Officer highlighted that the solar panel system installed in October 2020 at a cost of £78,000 has so far generated 266,000 KW of electricity, valued at £56,000. If this rate of electricity generation continues, the system is expected to break even by 2027. Given the solar panels’ lifespan of 25 years, this would result in 18 years of reduced energy costs for the Council. Further analysis is ongoing and an additional report can be provided upon request. It was noted that Salix loans will no longer be offered interest free in future and will instead carry an interest rate of 2.5%. However, the Council has successfully secured additional interest free loans amounting to £400,000 which will be allocated to energy saving initiatives.

The Head of Audit and Risk noted in relation to item 10 on the action log that the Quod Anglesey socio-economic analysis and impact report has been completed but has yet to be published. She confirmed that item 23 had been completed and stated that the remaining items on the log are not scheduled for completion until later in the year.

It was resolved to note the actions detailed in the action log table and to confirm that the Committee is content that the actions have been implemented to its satisfaction.