There were no conflicts of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Chief Executive Officers Management Group (CEOMG) held on 18 March 2024.

DECIDED: That the Minute be approved.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel providing an update on key developments within Scotland Excel, since the meeting of the CEOMG
held on 18 March 2024 and the key strategic activities and outputs delivered by each team within the corporate structure.

The report advised that Scotland Excel continued to focus on driving efficiency to support the financial sustainability of local public services, one of the five strategic goals which underpinned the organisation’s 2023/28 Corporate Strategy.

The report provided a strategic overview and detailed updates on Scotland Excel’s strategic procurement and commissioning; recent framework awards; key frameworks in development; social care; resources and skills; savings opportunities; flexible procurement; the Scotland Excel Academy and commercial services.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a presentation by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel providing an update in relation to the national social care contracts.

Detail was provided in relation to contract utilisation detailing the number of primary and secondary users for each contract; adult social care and support; the National Care Home Contract (NCHC); the projects in relation to the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund, Secure Care Transport and Residential Rehabilitation.

The Strategic Programme Manager provided an update in relation to the challenges faced during discussions with councils and providers.

Members discussed the National Care Home Contract; the 3 horizons model and how Scotland Excel could utilise this in relation to care contracts; the future of care and the lack of a strategic plan; the requirement for a research partner to focus on bolder, braver and more radical solutions; Scotland Excel updates to SOLACE being a regular item on future meetings of this Group; and the need to engage with civil servants around challenges related to rising costs and how this might impact ethical commissioning.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the presentation be noted; and 

(b) That the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel be requested to consider the suggestions discussed and submit an update to a future meeting of this Group

There was submitted a presentation by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel relative to flexible procurement.

The presentation provided information on the need for this service; hosted, agency and consultancy services; the various Council’s and associate members Scotland Excel had provided a service to; investment in the service; the recruitment underway; the marketing campaign and promotion of the service.

The Director of Customer & Business Services requested that Chief Executive’s assist in promoting this service.

Members discussed Scotland Excel providing a ‘report card’ for the sector and where it would take the sector in  order to allow Chief Executive’s to promote the service; the way in which Scotland Excel interacted with this Group and how this group interacted with SOLACE; the project with Dundee City Council being used as a case study in the promotion of the service; and the possible expansion of the Scotland Excel business model. 

DECIDED: 

(a) That the presentation be noted;

(b) That it be noted that the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel would consider the Group’s discussion points and would submit a report to a future meeting of the Group which would include information in relation to the assessments undertaken and the provision of a ‘report card’.

There was submitted a presentation by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel relative to the work being undertaken in relation to construction.

The presentation provided information in relation to the introduction of the New Build Heat Standard in Scotland; the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism proposal from the UK Government; pricing decreases for commodities; conversely price increases which continued to impact materials; residential revenue for building contractors which was set to decline by 5.1% in 2023/24; confidence in the sector; commercial and community factors; the next steps for 2024/25 in relation to carbon net zero; and the benefits of collaboration.

DECIDED: That the presentation be noted.