The London Borough of Newham's Opinion Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a call-in regarding Juniper Ventures, receive a transformation update, and review the draft annual scrutiny report. The committee adjourned the Juniper Ventures meeting due to insufficient information.

Juniper Ventures Call-in

The committee convened to discuss a call-in of a key officer decision concerning Juniper Ventures*, a company owned by Newham Council that specialises in catering and cleaning services, primarily for schools. The decision under scrutiny was made on 15 April 2025.

The call-in was initiated due to concerns about:

• The potential creation of a two-tier workforce.
• The long-term financial viability and risks to Juniper.
• Equal pay considerations, given that the majority of Juniper's workforce is female.

Councillor Lester Hudson voiced concerns about the potential for creating a two-class workforce and the implications for Newham's commitment to eliminating discrimination in a predominantly female workforce. He also questioned the long-term financial viability of the decision and the potential for equal pay claims.

Councillor Paul echoed these concerns, referencing a similar situation in Bominam that led to a section 114 notice¹ due to legal and financial implications. He also noted that Newham Council had previously benchmarked Juniper with their male colleagues, raising concerns about potential risks.

Councillor Sarah Ruiz, cabinet lead for children services and education, stated that the current position was agreed by all three unions and the workforce.

Councillor Neil Wilson, health and adult social care cabinet lead, clarified that he is the lead member responsible for Juniper.

The committee ultimately decided to adjourn the meeting, citing insufficient and incomplete information.

Transformation Update

The committee received an update on the Transforming Newham for the Future (TNFF) plan, which aims to make services more accessible online, join up services to better support residents, and create a leaner, more efficient council.

Key achievements highlighted in the update include:

• Digitising customer journeys to make more services available online.
• Ongoing organisational design work.
• Early discussions with system-wide partners to address issues such as homelessness and the high cost of social care packages.

The plan focuses on three key areas:

• Resident Access and Experience: Making more services available online and improving signposting and guidance on the website.
• Enabling Services Efficiencies: Redesigning the high-level model for enabling services across various departments.
• Centralised Change and Transformation Service: Establishing a centralised service to ensure outcomes are delivered on time and aligned with corporate priorities.

The update also noted the use of digital automation to speed up services, improve accuracy, and free up staff time. Examples of automated processes include blue badge applications and homelessness applications.

Draft Annual Scrutiny Report

The committee reviewed a draft of the Annual Scrutiny Report, which summarises the main issues reviewed and challenged throughout the municipal year and highlights key achievements.

The report covers a range of topics, including:

• Budget scrutiny
• Crime, environment, and transport
• Education, children, and young people
• Health and adult social care
• Housing and regeneration
• The relationship between black boys and the borough

The report also includes an evaluation of the scrutiny function.