Issue - meetings

The first iteration of the quarterly market insight bulletin is shared for information.

Declarations of Interest:

None

Witnesses:

Neil Sartorio, EY

Hayley Stearn, EY

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.            Members noted that the Quarterly report provided was the first edition, therefore EY would have an update to present at each quarterly meeting of the committee.

2.            Officers explained that EY invest across both UK & Ireland and on a global scale and are able to present their findings and practical examples of concepts that may be of benefit to the partnership.

3.            Members noted that behavioural change was key in addressing challenges and that not all issues could be addressed by making savings alone.  A key example of this is demand management.

Actions/ further information to be provided:

Officers to circulate further information on behavioural science and relevant case studies to Committee Members.

EY to present another update at the Committee’s next meeting.

Resolved:

Members noted the update.

To provide an update to the Orbis Joint Committee on the development of the partnership between Orbis and EY.

Declarations of interest:

None

Witnesses:

Kevin Foster, Chief Operating Officer, East Sussex County Council 

Neil Sartorio, EY

Adele Jenkins, EY

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.           Officers introduced the report and provided Members with an update of the partnership between Orbis and Ernst & Young (EY). It was noted that there were a number of key areas in which the partnership between EY and Orbis was developing such as the provision of specialist advice on areas where Orbis would benefit from an external viewpoint. Discussions also took place regarding the EPIC+ programme and the different development opportunities provided to help nurture and support talent.

2.           Members sought an update on the Business Solutions Platform (SAP) and how it would be used in the organisation. Officers stated that they were currently exploring its strengths and the potential benefits that could be achieved by implementing a new system and how the two might dovetail together.

3.           Officers highlighted further efforts to establish and strengthen the partnership between EY and Orbis. This initiatives such as shadowing officers to further understand how they work, research into the benefits of behavioural science and how it can be used in the organisation as well as further exploration into commercial opportunities.  

Actions/ further information to be provided:

None.

RESOLVED: That:

the Orbis Joint Committee notes the progress being made by EY and Orbis on key elements of the work plan of this Public and Private Sector Partnership.

To provide an update to the Orbis Joint Committee on the development of the partnership between Orbis and Ernst & Young (EY).

The Chief Operating Officer introduced the report and welcomed Neil Sartorio and Adele Jenkins from EY to the meeting. The report covers the first three months of work after securing a transformation partner.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.           Neil Sartorio (EY) explained why EY were delighted to have been selected as the Orbis transformation partner. Orbis has succeeded in delivering shared services where attempts by other local authorities have failed. EY operates a partnership ethos in the way it works with the public sector, in order to get a mutual benefit for both organisations. EY views the work with Orbis as a way to make the most of the strengths of both organisations; to share in the success of delivering the Orbis Business Plan and; to maximise opportunities for innovation and support on future challenges.

2.           Adele Jenkins (EY) outlined her previous involvement with Orbis and current work. Initial work has sought to identify areas of work to focus on with the Orbis Leadership Team. There are three tiers of work:

·      Governance, including the Shadow Board.

·      Mobilisation and the Secondment programme

·      Delivery of the Business Plan.

3.           The Committee asked for further detail on the benefits for each organisation of the transformation partnership with EY. There is a shared aspiration to make Orbis successful. The secondment model is a tangible model for sharing resources and developing expertise within both organisations. There are benefits in terms of business innovation, with the opportunity to develop joint technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics with joint intellectual property (IP) ownership.

4.           The Committee highlighted that the ability of the Orbis Partnership to manage growth successfully is a key issue. EY responded that in their view the current priority is to deliver existing services. The market for local authority services is very vibrant, but focus will be important as there are many potential customers and suppliers. The way Orbis maintains responsibility to sovereign bodies is very attractive to public sector organisations, but the Partnership must be brave enough to turn down business and look after existing services. It is important to have aspiration and maintain the unique selling point of a public sector body, providing public sector services. There will be things that EY will recommend Orbis take up, but it is important not to lose the uniqueness of Orbis.

5.           EY outlined examples of successes of transformation work with other public sector and private sector organisations. Some work has involved the use of behavioural science thinking, such as ‘nudge’ theory to work with local communities around the delivery of services and demand management in a time of austerity.

Resolved:

The Orbis Joint Committee noted the progress being made by EY and Orbis on key elements of the work plan in demonstrating the value of Public and Private Sector Partnership

Actions/ further information to be provided:

None.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on progress for selection of a transformation partner to support the implementation of the Business Plan and develop future partnership opportunities.

Declarations of interests:

None

Witnesses:

Kevin Foster, Chief Operating Officer, East Sussex County Council

John Stebbings, Chief Property Officer, Surrey County Council

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.  The Chief Property Officer introduced the report. The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the officers present before moving to recommendations.

Actions/ further information to be provided:

Actions arising from this item are set out in the Part 2 minutes.

RESOLVED:

The Committee approved the recommendations set out in the confidential report.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on progress for selection of a transformation partner to support the implementation of the Business Plan and develop future partnership opportunities.

Declarations of interests:

None

Witnesses:

None

Key points raised during the discussion:

None

Actions/ further information to be provided:

None

RESOLVED:

The Orbis Joint Committee noted progress in the selection of an organisation to support the delivery of the Business Plan.

To provide the Joint Committee with an update on progress for selection of a transformation partner to support the implementation of the Business Plan.

The Committee considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Property Officer on Orbis Transformation Partner.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1. The Orbis partnership had some transformation support when it first developed the business case. It would be beneficial to have access to further business transformation support and to be able to offer it to other partners or customers.
2. The report outlines the approach that is being taken to the purchase business transformation support. Further information is provided under item 12 on the agenda.

Resolved:

The recommendations agreed from this report are detailed under item 12.

To provide the Joint Committee with information concerning the selection of a Transformation Partner.

The Committee considered a part 2 report by the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Property Officer on the Orbis Transformation Partner.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1. The Chief Operating Officer introduced the report and outlined the procurement process for providing business transformation support through the Orbis Transformation Partner. The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the officers present before moving to the recommendations.

Resolved:

The Orbis Joint Committee agreed to note the proposal, requirements and approach for selecting a transformation partner.