Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 24^th January, 2019 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24^th January 2019 was signed by the Chairman as a correct record. 

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest. 

There were no items of urgent business. 

Report of the HR Project Manager. 

The HR Projects Manager submitted a report that enabled the Committee to note the content of the Cabinet report outlining the proposals for restructure in the Directorate for Communities and the Environment, and also to note the impact on the objectives for the Director and Deputy Director in relation to this.  Members had been provided with a copy of the City Council’s policy that contained details of decision making regarding minor changes to the City Council’s establishment that would be determined by the Chief Executive under the scheme of delegation.  It was noted that minor changes were considered to be changes to the establishment which would affect less than 20 employees. 

It was moved by Councillor Susan Sykes, seconded by Councillor Claire Cozler and resolved as follows. 

Resolved:

That Personnel Committee:

(1)   Notes the content of the Cabinet report relating to the restructure of the Directorate for Communities and the Environment, and

(2)   Note the impact on the specific objective for the Director and Deputy Director. 

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item:-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider the item in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

It was moved by Councillor Phillippa Williamson, seconded by Councillor Susan Sykes and resolved as follows. 

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 4 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Report of the HR Project Manager. 

Note:  At this point the press and public will be re-admitted to the meeting for the following item. 

The HR Projects Manager submitted a report that enabled the Committee to consider and agree a number a number of staffing initiatives, whilst still maintaining high levels of service delivery. 

The Committee requested a progress report in 3 months time and a review of those initiatives being taken forward after 12 months. 

It was moved by Councillor Phillippa Williamson, seconded by Councillor Susan Sykes and resolved as follows. 

Resolved:

That the initiatives, as set out within the report, be approved in principal, subject to consultation with Trade Union colleagues, and any cost related decisions being approved by Cabinet. 

At this point the press and public were re-admitted to the meeting. 

Verbal report of the HR Project Manager. 

The HR Projects Manager provided a verbal update at the meeting. 

Resolved:

That the verbal update be noted.