Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting the 2018/19 Quarter 1 performance results relating to Civic Enterprise Leeds.

The report of the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presented the 2018/19 Quarter 1 performance results relating to Civic Enterprise Leeds for the Board’s consideration.

In attendance at the meeting were:

·  Cllr. James Lewis – Executive Member for Resources and Sustainability

·  Sarah Martin – Chief Officer, Civic Enterprise Leeds

·  Richard Jackson - Head of Service, Facilities Management/ Cleaning

·  Mandy Snaith – Head of Catering Services

·  Mo Afzal – Principal Financial Manager

The Chief Officer in introducing the performance report informed the Board of the objectives of the service which were set out at page 96 of the submitted report and included a focus on health and wellbeing targeting areas most affected by poverty, the High Rise Strategy review in light of the Grenfell tragedy and passenger transport, digitalisation to improve business process and commercialisation.

Members were informed of the achievements within Civic Enterprise Leeds (CEL) which were generating income. These included:

·  Fleet Services MOT testing for light and large goods vehicles

·  Catering services to hospitals

·  Catering services to schools. It was noted that although some academies had chosen to use another provider there were some primary schools who were returning to CEL 

·  Gardening services were being offered and this had received a good take up. Window cleaning services were also being offered

·  Passenger Transport continued to provide a good service including meals on wheels, school crossing patrols and thousands of journeys daily to day services and schools.

In response to Members comments the following points were noted:

·  The service was working with the workforce to reduce health issues such as muscular and skeletal problems and, mental health issues. Information and support was being provided through a variety of ways, and it was noted that the service is also working closely with mental health first aiders. The service was also addressing other welfare issues of a diverse workforce including information on financial matters.

·  Whilst acknowledging complaints had risen, it was the view of the service that this was primarily due to better recording of complaints and that this was now presenting a truer figure

·  CEL would always bid on a contract and try to equal or better competitors in the private sector.

·  CEL catering services used locally sourced produce and suppliers where possible and now used less frozen foods and more fresh produce.

·  CEL remain competitive in the market offering the living wage and providing a flexible approach to working. It was the view that they continue to be the employer of choice offering apprenticeships to all age groups.

·  Acknowledging the use of vending machines in sports centres, it was noted that there were options for healthy choices. However, the future plan is not to have vending machines sited in sport centres.

·  It was acknowledged that CEL are actively marketing its new PRESTO home window cleaning and gardening service and have already had excellent take up of these services. It was suggested that information be disseminated to all Elected Members so that they too can help promote the service.

·  The Board also suggested that the council explore opportunities to generate income by utilising council owned buildings to promote advertising.

In conclusion the Board congratulated the service on a good report.

RESOLVED – That Scrutiny Board note the contents of the report.

(Councillor M Robinson joined the meeting at 11:05am during discussion of this item.)