Issue - meetings

To consider reports relating to (A) Use of Consultants and Agency Staff; and (B) Community Asset Transfer

Richard Howroyd – Corporate Procurement Manager introduced the first part of the report on ‘Impact and progress made on the use of Consultants and agency staff within B&NES’.

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Barrett referred to a figure of £7.5million regarding spend on agency staff as reported on in ‘Bath Hacked’. The officer reported that between January 2014 – December 2014 there had been a £3.7million spend in this area. He explained that the figure Councillor Barrett refers to possibly takes account of some specialist social services figures and that he would check this.

Councillor Barrett stated that the Task and Finish Group aimed to reduce the use of consultants. Andrew Pate – Strategic Director for Resources explained that there are umbrella arrangements for the use of agency staff so that cover can be provided on a short term basis for staff shortages, he confirmed that the authority is not shifting away from staff to agency. Councillor Macrae asked about ‘Bath Hacked’, the Director explained that it is a group of individuals, not an organisation and has no kite mark. He confirmed that the Corporate Procurement Manager would look into their data on this subject. Councillor Gerrish stated that a figure on the number of full time equivalent posts would be more meaningful and that he realised that sometimes specialist help must be bought in in the form of consultants.

The officer reported that there are 125 assignments active at one time, often to cover operatives eg. waste operatives. He reported that there is a growth in the social and health care area as there is a difficultly recruiting in this field which is reflected nationally.

Councillor Macrae stated that he is in favour of using consultants where appropriate. It was stated that there are no BANES officers working as consultants.

Regarding the issue of employing local - Councillor Macrae stated that he is concerned at this policy as he believes that residents deserve access to the best services and this policy may not ensure that. The officer assured the Panel that a level playing field has been created between big and small businesses. Councillor Symonds stated that he is glad that more local firms are being employed as they are more likely to know the area.

Councillor Macrae stated that consultants are employed to covers where the authority does not have the relevant skills, he asked how many short term consultants do the same job and requested that this be monitored. Councillor Macrae asked for an update to be reported back to this Panel (or its equivalent after the May 2015 elections) in 6 months. Councillor Barrett asked for an update on Consultants. The Director stated that this new analysis can be linked in with workforce planning for the new Council.

Richard Long – Head of Property introduced the second part of the report on ‘Community Asset Transfer – Scrutiny Impact Report’.

Panel members asked the following questions and made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76