Agenda item

That the report be noted.

Officers from Audit Wales provided an overview to the circulated report.

Audit Wales Officers informed the committee that the audit was undertaken in 22 Councils in Wales as well as Neath Port Talbot,also they intend to publish a national summary of the work in the late summer.

A draft was shared with council officers and the report was published in January, 2024.

Audit Wales Officers mentioned the performance information that is provided in the quarterly reports is not reflected in the report and feel that it is a missed opportunity to give senior leaders information which would help them understand the views of service users. Officers recommended that the council should ensure that the information that is provided to senior leaders enable them to understand the service user perspective on a broader range services and policies, the council should ensure this information is drawn from the diversity of service users.

Audit Wales Officers highlighted that performance information that the council provides to senior leaders focuses on activities and outputs, as opposed to evaluating their impact. In the Corporate Plan Annual Report (2021-2022) the council provides some case studies examples to illustrate the outcomes that is achieved under each of the three wellbeing objectives. The council quarterly performance reports describe activities and outputs, as opposed to as assessment for progress against the outcomes that the council is seeking to achieve. Officers recommended that the Council should strengthen the information it provides to senior leaders to help them evaluate whether the council is delivering its objectives and intended outcomes.

Audit Wales Officers highlighted that the council has limited arrangements to ensure the information it provides to the senior leaders on the service users perspective and outcomes is accurate. Officers recommended that the council needs to assure itself that it has robust arrangements to check the quality and accuracy of the information it provides to senior leaders, relating to the service user perspective and outcomes.

NPT Officers explained to the committee that they acknowledge that there is work for them to do to bring together the information corporately and ensure that information is reported to senior leaders. Officers stated the response was submitted towards the end of last year. Officers highlighted that in the papers, there is an organisational response form which the recommendations have been responded to. Officers also added that the Corporate Plan will be going to Cabinet the end of July for approval and Council for adoption. Officers also stated that the new model of scrutiny is now embedded.

Members asked when there will be another update. Officers stated they will give an update at the next meeting.

Members asked in relation to the data quality, has management considered the impact of models and spreadsheet application in the reporting process. Officers mentioned they had a corporate performance system which they no longer have but are looking at a system that will help them in the future. An update will be brought to the next meeting, also a digital services officer has been appointed and taken the lead on data. An invite will be sent to the new officer to attend a future committee.

Resolved:             That the report be noted.