Wednesday 8 November

TimeSession

09:40 – 09:45

Welcome to your Conference
Malcolm Nicholson, SLCC President and Councillor John Hughes

09:45 – 10:05

Update from the CEO’s
Rob Smith, SLCC Chief Executive & Paul Egan, One Voice Wales (OVW) Deputy Chief Executive & Resources Manager

10:05 – 10:35

Navigating the Seasons of Governance: From Spring Energy to Winter Strategy
Nicky Finch and Sam Townsend, Rialtas Business Solutions

10:35 – 11:05

The Growing Role of Local Councils in Supporting Community Resilience & Social Cohesion
Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip

11:05 – 11:15

Refreshment Break

11:15 – 12:10 

i

Management of Financial Governance at the Local Level and Issues identified during the external audit process and Cyber Security

Deryck Evans, Audit Manager, Investigative Studies Team & Stephen Lisle, Audit Manager, Audit Wales & Gareth Lewis

Audit Wales has recently completed two pieces of work on cyber resilience and the work has resulted in some clear lessons for public bodies in Wales.

This session will cover a high-level summary of our findings on cyber resilience, with the aim of providing food for thought in community and town councils.

This session will also summarise key issues arising from Audit Wales’ audit of 2021-22 and 2022-23 accounts and will highlight key themes for councils to consider.

Management of Financial Governance at the Local Level and Issues identified during the external audit process and Cyber Security

Deryck Evans, Audit Manager, Investigative Studies Team & Stephen Lisle, Audit Manager, Audit Wales & Gareth Lewis

12:10 – 12:50

What Makes a Good Employer – Issues to be Addressed by Community & Town Councils
Fran Borg-Wheeler, Founding Director, Heart-Centred Leaders

12:50 – 13:10

Q&A Panel with a Variety of Exciting Speakers

13:10 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 – 14:40

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Ethical Framework in Wales and the Approach of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
Katrin Shaw, Director of Investigations, Ombudsman

This session will cover the Ethical Standards framework and PSOW’s approach to Code of Conduct complaints, together with an overview of recent cases involving town and community councillors in Wales.

Ethical Framework in Wales & the Approach of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
Katrin Shaw, Director of Investigations, Ombudsman

14:40 – 15:10

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Digitalisation Support for Community & Town Councils
Justin Horrell, Digital Project Manager, One Voice Wales (OVW)

In this session we will cover:

  • The background to the Digital Health of Town and Community Councils Project
  • A Blueprint for Digital at Town and Community Councils
  • Current Project Status

Digitalisation Support for Community & Town Councils
Justin Horrell, Digital Project Manager, One Voice Wales (OVW)

15:10 – 15:20

Refreshment Break

15:20 – 15:50

Creating an Effective Health and Safety System within Councils
            Jeff Berriman, Chartered Health and Safety Consultant

15:50 – 16:30

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Effective Management of Community Asset Transfers (CATs) – Food for Thought
Gareth Kiddie, Consultant – GKA Associates

In this session we will cover:

  • Some things to consider before going down the CAT route;
  • Challenges and opportunities within the CAT process;
  • Case Studies;
  • Ongoing commitment required for long-term success with a CAT.

Effective Management of Community Asset Transfers (CATs) – Food for Thought
Gareth Kiddie, Consultant – GKA Associates

16:30 – 16:35

Conclusion of your Day
Paul Egan, Deputy Chief Executive & Resources Manager, One Voice Wales (OVW) & One Voice Wales (OVW) Chair

The SLCC & OVW Joint Event is generously sponsored by Rialtas Business Solutions

Disclaimer: Whilst SLCC tries to ensure all speakers present accurate and reliable information, SLCC do not endorse, or approve, or certify all such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness, or correct sequencing of such information. All presentations represent the opinions of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the position or the opinion of SLCC or its members. Reference by the speaker to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, and corporation or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by SLCC.