Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Human Resources and the recommendations set out in paragraph 2

Referring to the Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th July 2012, the Committee considered the report of the Head of Human Resources which (1) dealt with recommendations for the approval of new senior management arrangements in respect of the Resources, Place and People portfolios in accordance with the Committee’s Terms of Reference; and (2) asked the Committee to determine arrangements for the approval of severance payments to senior staff in the light of guidance from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The Head of Human Resources tabled an update on the financial implications (which is attached as an Appendix to these Minutes). He also verbally updated Appendix 3, deleting reference to “Highways project delivery” in the portfolio of the Divisional Director – Project, and in Appendix 4 varying the post title of Divisional Director – Planning in the proposed new “Place” structure.

After discussion, the Members considered that the recommendations in paragraphs 2.1 – 2.4 were acceptable.

The Divisional Director - Legal and Democratic Services reported on the reasoning for the recommendation in paragraph 2.5. Members questioned whether severance packages with a total cost in excess of £100,000 should be a decision for full Council rather than the Restructuring Implementation Committee. The Chief Executive and Divisional Director - Legal and Democratic Services advised that this would be considered by Council in February when the Pay Policy was reviewed. In the meantime, there were 2 individual cases which needed to be considered. Such consideration was clearly within the Committee’s remit pending that review.

Members agreed to consider these before full Council is given the options of whether future decisions should be for the Committee or the Council in February 2014.

RESOLVED

(1)  To note the current position in respect of the Resources Services as outlined in paragraphs 5.6 and 5.7 of the report and approve the draft senior management structure, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, for implementation;

(2)  To approve the organisational arrangements including senior management structure in the People and Communities Department, as outlined in paragraphs 5.11 – 5.13 and Appendix 5 to the report, including arrangements reflecting the transfer of the Public Health function from the NHS on 1^st April 2013;

(3)  To note the current position in respect of Place Services, as outlined in paragraphs 5.8 and 5.10 and approve the draft senior management structure, as set out in Appendix 4 to the report, for implementation, subject to the outcome of the formal consultation process;

(4)  To delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Spokespersons of the Committee, authority to take any action necessary or appropriate in respect of the structures approved to enable the implementation of the proposals; and

(5)  To agree that the following be adopted as interim practice by the Council pending the next formal review of its Pay Policy in February 2014:

(i)  Any proposed severance package with a total cost to the Council in excess of £100,000 be referred to the Restructuring Implementation Committee until a decision is made by Council to refer such cases either to (a) the Restructuring Implementation Committee; or (b) the full Council (in Exempt Session)  for consideration; and

(ii)  In determining the threshold, the component elements of the package would include any proposals in respect of salary to be paid in lieu, redundancy compensation, pension entitlements, holiday pay and any bonuses, fees or allowances as appropriate.