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

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of this Group held on 2 December 2024.

DECIDED: That the Minute be approved.

Under reference to item 2 of the Minute of the meeting of this Group held on 2 December 2024, 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 26 August 2024 and the key strategic activities and outputs delivered by each team within the corporate structure.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

Under reference to item 3 of the Minute of the meeting of this Group held on 2 December 2024, there was submitted a presentation by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel on the actions from the Group’s recent workshop.

The presentation covered the broad headlines of public sector reform; governance and support; strategy; and behaviours and provided feedback to members on a range of matters. Following discussion and feedback, it was agreed that the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel would submit a proposal to the next meeting of the Group around the strategic focus for the organisation; the challenges faced by member councils and how Scotland Excel could provide support; shared services; and the ways in which this Group could better support and lead on matters.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the presentation be noted; and

(b) That the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel submit a proposal to the next meeting of the Group around the strategic focus for the CEOMG, detailing the proposed agenda items for this group.

Under reference to item 4 of the Minute of the meeting of this Group held on 2 December 2024, there was submitted a presentation by the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel relative to procurement reform.

Following discussion, it was noted that since the Group’s workshop on 21 October 2024, Paul Manning had been nominated by SOLACE to lead on a review of Local Government Shared Services. It was noted that Paul would meet with Julie and an update would be provided at a future meeting of the Group.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the presentation be noted; and

(b) That it be noted that Paul would meet with Julie and an update would be provided at a future meeting of the Group.

The Chief Executive of Scotland Excel provided an update in relation to membership and governance of this Group.

During discussions, it was noted that any change to the membership numbers would require a change to the Minute of Agreement which would require to be agreed by all 32 member councils.

DECIDED: That the Chief Executive of Scotland Excel make arrangements for SOLACE to consider and appoint one other member to this Group replacing Angela Scott.