The Overview and Scrutiny Board met to discuss the Chief Executive's updates, the use of artificial intelligence within the council, and the replacement of the SAP HR and Finance system. The board was also scheduled to review the progress of the 2025/26 scrutiny work programme and monitor recommendations and actions from previous meetings.

Artificial Intelligence in Salford City Council

The board was scheduled to discuss a report on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Salford City Council (SCC). The report noted that the council had made significant progress in its digital transformation programme, including the successful delivery of Project Nimbus¹, which has enabled the council to become one of the UK's most AI-ready local authorities. The report stated that the council has a long-term vision to harness AI and automation to improve services, ease demand pressures, and enrich both staff and resident experiences, while ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust remain central.

The report also highlighted the safeguards in place to ensure AI is adopted responsibly, securely, and transparently, including:

• Cybersecurity: Investment in advanced cyber defence capabilities, including proactive monitoring, real-time threat detection, and incident response.
• Compliance: Alignment with national legislation and regulatory frameworks, particularly the UK GDPR² and Data Protection Act³.
• Governance: A principle that AI will not replace staff judgement, with decision-making authority remaining with officers.
• Transparency and Assurance: Commitment to regular internal and external audits of AI systems, clear explainability of algorithms, and open engagement with residents. The report recommended that the board consider the potential for AI to enhance the work of elected members and strengthen local democracy, for example by supporting more efficient casework management, improving access to data and insights, enabling more inclusive public engagement, and providing tools to assist with policy development and scrutiny.

Project Genesis

The board was scheduled to receive an update on Project Genesis, a strategic initiative to replace the ageing SAP HR, Payroll and Finance systems with modern solutions. The aims of the project are:

• To ensure the safe delivery of payroll services, reducing the manual processes, optimising performance, and reducing operating costs.
• To provide the functionality to allow for strategic planning with consistent and accurate data and analytics which is readily accessible to managers for decision making.
• To support the organisation with the ability for true financial forecasting and management.
• To support the organisation with effective contract, supply chain, spend management and reporting.
• To improve system reliability and longevity with the highest information and data security controls and a focus on using analytics and automation to ensure compliance and protect the organisation.
• To drive efficiency, ensure we become data led and take an evidence-based approach to workforce transformation, allowing us to recruit, retain and develop talent whilst maximising the use of manager and employee selfservice

The project is structured into two core workstreams: HR/Payroll and Finance/Procurement, with phased implementation and different go-live dates. The contract for the HR and Payroll system was awarded to MHR for their iTrent system in November 2024, and the contract to supply the Finance and Procurement system was awarded to TechnologyOne in May 2025.

The report stated that the council's decision to use an internal team for system implementation, rather than an external partner, has allowed the council to reduce the demand on the capital programme and deliver a more cost-effective solution.

Chief Executive's Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update from Stephen Young, Chief Executive, on salient developments in local government and at the council. The update was expected to cover the following topics:

• Update on the Community Governance Review in the Broughton Park area, following a petition calling for the creation of a new Parish Council.
• The Unify Programme, which aims to transform the way adult social care services are delivered across Salford, including integrating staff currently employed through Aspire into the council workforce.
• The GM Live Well Implementation Support Fund 2025-26, which has allocated £941,000 to Salford to support local rollout of Live Well⁴.
• Salford City Council has approved £1.5 million in support for The Lowry, should it be successful in its £8.5 million Creative Foundations Support bid.
• The council has provided funding for a former children's centre in Irlam to be officially opened with a £450, 000 makeover.
• The council has confirmed its position on flags being flown in communities across the city, noting that flags will not be routinely taken down, except in cases where they present a safety risk or constitute an offence.
• Salford recently hosted four Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 matches at the Salford Community Stadium on 23rd and 30th August, welcoming 20,000 fans.

Monitoring Recommendations and Actions

The board was scheduled to review the updated tracker of recommendations and associated actions arising from previous meetings. The report sought member comments on progress to date and to identify any issues where additional scrutiny or follow up activity may be necessary.

The report stated that regular monitoring of scrutiny recommendations supports transparency, accountability, and helps demonstrate the impact of scrutiny activity. It also noted that lessons learnt from recent public interest reports and statutory interventions at other local authorities has identified weak internal governance, poor decision tracking, and a lack of follow-through as core features.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The board was scheduled to review the current status of the 2025/26 work programme. The report set out the current work programme and invited the board to:

• Review progress against each item
• Identify any changes in priority, scope or timing
• Consider whether any items should be added, amended or removed.

The report also noted that thought needs to be given to the most appropriate method for each upcoming item of business, including standard committee agenda items, single-issue meetings, member briefings, or rapporteur-led work.