Following feedback from Trade Unions that they wanted more detail on individual projects, the Forum heard directly from the teams working on Emergency Planning and Resilience and Revenues and Benefits. The presentations covered the work underway and gave representatives an opportunity to ask questions about how the projects are developing.

The Forum also heard that Emergency Planning and Resilience is currently being progressed by Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils. Stirling is not taking part in this project at this stage but will continue to follow its progress and work with partners across Forth Valley.

Work is continuing on the projects already underway. The first three business cases - Revenues and Benefits, Emergency Planning and Resilience, and Internal Audit and Fraud - are expected by the end of the year. The Emergency Planning and Resilience business case will cover Falkirk and Clackmannanshire. The councils will also look at aligning their December Council meetings so that any recommendations can be considered around the same time.

Trade Union representatives asked for more information to be shared as the work develops. It was agreed that:

• slides from the project presentations will be shared with Trade Unions, along with information on where staff can find the agreed scope for each project
• further detailed project briefings will be provided
• costs and potential barriers to shared working will be clearly set out
• project timelines and the lead council for each project will be shared
• updates from the Transformation through Collaboration Board meetings will be provided to the Joint Staff Forum between meetings
• Trade Unions will be kept informed of relevant meeting dates involving elected members.