Issue - meetings

Attached.

There would not be any movement to Oracle Cloud until Newham had completed its review. Around £250,000 had been spent although the project could be picked up again in the future.

The Cap Gemini contract would need to be decided on shortly. A project board had been set up to look at the options as there had been a recent proposal that other Cap Gemini partners could work with Brent. The capability of Brent to undertake this work was currently being investigated and the best option was uncertain at present. The contract with Cap Gemini was due to end in July 2018. It had been planned originally to move to Oracle Cloud although the Newham review had led to a pause in the project and a year’s extension had therefore been agreed with Cap Gemini. If the contract was to be extended for a further year, this would have to be advised to Cap Gemini by June 2017. This would be a decision for the Mayor of Newham.

It was emphasised that no decision on recommended options had been taken at this stage. The issue of EU procurement would also need to be addressed if the Cap Gemini contract was to be extended.

The decision to go for an independent review had been prompted by discontent from Newham users with the Cap Gemini system. Taking a paper on this issue to the Newham Mayoral Proceedings could be hampered by the calling of the General Election.

Work was under way on the governance structure review and meetings had taken place with the three Chief Executives. Further meetings could have to be rearranged due to the General Election.

Whilst a few interim staff had left due to the introduction of IR35, most had remained with oneSource. In only a very few instances had pay rates been increased. Discussions had taken place with London Councils over what rates should be offered and some interim staff had been moved to permanent contracts.

It was not certain at this stage what the overall cost to oneSource would be. This would depend on how the marker responded over the next 4-6 months and if rates rose overall. IR35 did not currently apply to the private sector and it was unclear when this change would be made.

As regards commercial opportunities, oneSource had been shortlisted for several awards including for Public Finance Innovation and the Local Government Chronicle awards. There would also be oneSource attendance at the CIPFA and Local Government Association awards.

A proposal had been put to a neighbouring Council re oneSource running their passenger transport services.

The Joint Committee noted the update by the Managing Director.