Issue - meetings

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Risks

1. Fill the vacancy by open recruitment

Funder approval not required to fill existing post

New manager in post following recruitment period

The limited timescale of committed funding for the projects would: i) make recruitment of a suitably qualified and experienced manager difficult; ii) increase the likelihood that the post would be vacated before projects are completed

No reduction in the proportion of project costs for project management (unless offered on a part time basis)

Potential recruitment costs

Risk that post not filled.

Stability of management function at risk

2.  Enter a shared service arrangement with Preston City Council to provide the  management role required

Manager role filled on  more flexible basis in terms of time commitments than would otherwise be possible leading to reduction in project costs for management function and possible extension of project timescale

Opportunities for service improvements through the application of the combined experience of the two authorities

Experience gained related to the potential to extend shared service arrangements in the context of the Mid-Lancashire MAA

Funder approval required for the new arrangement.

Staff time required to develop shared service arrangement

Without funder approval the proposal could not be implemented, leading to the risk of further delay in provision of the management function

Risk of competing demands on manager time between the two authorities (Service Level Agreement to be in place)

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Risks

1. Do not seek extensions to the projects

None (except in limiting potential redundancy payments)

Projects providing valuable services to deprived individuals terminated at the end of existing contracts.

Opportunities for continuing 100% external funding not taken up.

Loss of staff experience and expertise in delivering outreach work

2. Approve extension already offered to December 2010 for the Vulnerable Households project and actively seek extensions to existing projects which are 100% externally funded

Maintains and expands provision of valuable services to local residents, and especially deprived and vulnerable groups and individuals

Retains expertise of existing staff pending possible development of Mid-Lancashire MAA worklessness activity

Maintains integrity of the Integrated Support Team

Possible increase in redundancy payment liability as existing temporary posts extend beyond two years

Some manager time required in reprofiling projects and liaising with external funders