Issue - meetings

The Watford 2020 Programme Manager to provide an update on the progress of the Watford 2020 programme.

The Watford 2020 Programme Manager provided the scrutiny committee with an update on the progress of the Watford 2020 programme.  He highlighted key headlines in the report.  He reported that there would be a Watford 2020 Expo on 3 April and councillors were welcome to attend.  He advised that Firmstep was fundamental to the transformation.  It would join up council services for residents and businesses.

The Watford 2020 Programme Manager informed the scrutiny committee that there was one project which had been flagged as ‘red’.  This had been due to delays in connecting the required systems together.  These connections had now been completed and were being tested.  Some projects were nearing completion and staff consultations were taking place.  There were no significant risks or issues that needed to be highlighted other than those already mentioned.

In response to a question asking whether officers were being suitably critical of the process, the Watford 2020 Programme Manager assured councillors that the document before the scrutiny committee was reviewed by the Programme Board, who thoroughly scrutinised it and questioned officers on the progress of each project.  The Programme Board was chaired by the Managing Director and included heads of service, a representative from section head level and him.

The Chair thanked the Watford 2020 Programme Manager for the update.