Agenda item

Report of the Chief Strategy Officer.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Chief Strategy Officer, concerning the activities since the last meeting of the Sub-Committee in relation to the Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) Review. It was noted by the Sub-Committee that the consultants were now able to survey 4,000 respondents, an increase from the original 200. This meant that the survey would be sent to all staff and all Members of the Court of Common Council.

Following a query, the Sub-Committee heard that there had been a total of 3 bids through the procurement process. Some consultants had been directly targeted via suggestions through the City Corporation’s networks, whilst others had been targeted via the responsible procurement platform. There were 2 people from the successful consultancy leading the review, who would receive support from City Corporation officers.

It was intended for the consultants to present the baseline findings to the Sub-Committee at its meeting in February 2025. The recommendations following the completion of the review would then be received by the Sub-Committee for decision at its meeting in June 2025.

It was queried how it was determined what matters were in and out of scope for the review. The response was that those that were out of scope were part of pre-existing workstreams, such as the HR Policy Framework Review or pay, reward and TCs which was being looked at as part of the People Strategy. Other elements, such as Elections or Lord Mayor’s Show would be difficult to incorporate due to the agreed timescales of the Review. Work had taken place to ensure the consultants were briefed appropriately across those areas and officers from across the Corporation would be providing the consultants with clear overviews to understand the out-of-scope workstreams. However, depending on the recommendations that the consultants proposed in April 2025, the focus could then be revisited as part of Phase 2.

RESOLVED – That the report be received, and its contents noted.