Agenda and minutes

Councillor Toby Neal  -  Annual Leave

Councillor Jon Collins  )  Other Council Business

Councillor Nick McDonald  )

Councillor Georgina Culley  -  Illness

In the absence of Councillor Toby Neal, the meeting was chaired by Councillor Alan Clark.

The Committee decided to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the remaining agenda item in accordance with section 100a(4) of the local government act 1972 on the basis that, having regard to all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information as defined in Paragraphs 1,2 and 4 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Ian Curryer, Chief Executive, and Lynn Robinson, HR Business Partner, presented the report which provides feedback on the outcome of the formal consultation relating to 'Putting Citizens at the Heart - New NCC Operating Model Phase 1' proposals, and sets out the proposals to realign Tier 3 Senior Management Leadership Group (SLMG) and relevant posts under a proposed Phase 2.

It is noted that although listed within the report, none of the proposals referring to posts within the Children's elements will be implemented at this time or until the Committee have considered the outcome of the extended consultation.

Councillors commented:

(a)  that a refreshed focus on equalities is required to ensure that consideration of equality issues is re-embedded, fit for purpose and prominent in the Authority ;

(b)  that although a temporary arrangement until the outcome of a more detailed review can be considered, it is a concern that the post of Strategic Director Early Intervention should incorporate the range of responsibilities proposed;

(c)  the suitable extended period of consultation for Children's element is welcomed.

RESOLVED

(1)  to note the feedback received through consultation on the Phase 2 proposed changes, set out in the report under paragraph 2.1 (2.1.1 to 2.1.9), including changes to posts and on the proposed alignments of services and functions following implementation of Phase 1;

(2)  to note changes made to proposals, set out in paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2 in the report , as a result of consultation, in particular recommendations in respect the Royal Centre (paragraph 2.1.6), Facilities Management (paragraph 2.2.4), and Communications and Marketing (paragraph 2.2.5);

(3)  to note the extension of the formal consultation period to 30 June 2014, for the Children’s elements of Phase 2 only, (revised Indicative Timeline (Appendix 4) to the report to allow for the learning, findings and recommendations of the safeguarding inspection to be incorporated in the change proposals and consultation dialogue;

(4)  to approve the implementation of the final proposals for Phase 2, (excluding Children’s elements) as outlined in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 of this Report, including the disestablishment of posts set out in paragraph 2.3, with effect from 1 May 2014, or earlier where business need indicates that this is practical and process allows;

(5)  to note that, following the extended consultation period for the Children’s elements of Phase 2, the Corporate Director Children and Adults will report to this Committee with recommendations in respect of her affected service areas.