Agenda item

International Prioritisation: Turning Priorities into actions and outcomes

Report of the Director of Innovation & Growth.

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Innovation and Growth proposing actions to enable the City of London Corporation to plan, invest and allocate resources for long-term impact and outcomes in relation to international markets.

 

The following points arose during discussion:-

·           With reference to engagement with markets in the continent of Africa, a Member urged that a more diverse range be considered rather than focusing solely on those established ones with whom strong relationships were already in place. Officers confirmed that flexibility was built into the plans and other markets were constantly being kept under review; judgements would always be made with a view to maximising impact in both the shorter and longer term.

·           It was also urged that the Members’ connections be utilised in respect of market engagement and consideration, particularly the Commonwealth links available through Baroness Scotland.

·           A wider observation was also made around the need to leverage Members’ collective skills much more effectively, utilising greater teamwork and partnership between Members and Officers, consistent with recommendations made by Lord Lisvane, although it was noted that the primary focus must be to reflect the views and needs of the Financial and Professional Services sector.

·           In response to a query as to how the political situation within markets was taken into account, together with any relevant mitigation activities, the Director advised that the City Corporation worked very closely with Her Majesty’s Government and relevant stakeholders to seek advice and clarity on approaches, stressing the importance of being aligned and working in a complementary fashion.

 

RESOLVED: That:-

1.    The international priorities set out in the report be endorsed.

2.    The integrated plans and operating model to govern day-to-day ways of working set out in the report be endorsed.

3.    This framework for the coming three years be approved as set out in the report, with light touch reviews in 12 and 24 months and with a full review in 2023.

 

Supporting documents: