Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 15 October 2019 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2019 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

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

Councillors 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, Councillors 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, Councillors 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. 

Councillor Robinson declared an interest in agenda item 6, Chief Officer Recruitment Process in view of him being a Board Member of the North West Local Authorities Employers Organisation.

There were no items of urgent business.

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

“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(s) of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item(s) have been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph 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 Hanson and seconded by Councillor Matthews 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 items of business on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

Report of the Head of HR

The Head of HR presented a report which sought the Committee’s views with regard to the Chief Officer recruitment process.

Details of this minute are recorded in a minute exempt from publication under Paragraphs 1 & 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved:

(1)          That details of the decision of the Committee are recorded in a minute exempt from publication under Paragraphs 1 & 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

The Head of HR left the meeting at this point.

Report of the Director of Corporate Services  (report to follow)

The Director for Corporate Services submitted a report with regard to a proposed re-organisation which impacted on the Corporate Services and Communities and the Environment Directorates and the Office of the Chief Executive.  The Director for Corporate Services explained the rationale behind the proposals, which would lead to the development of a dedicated project delivery team.

It was necessary for the proposal to be considered by Personnel because the Senior Head of People and Transformation, which would be created, had been graded as a Chief Officer post as a result of the job evaluation process.  The establishment of any Chief Officer post required the approval of the Personnel Committee.

After further discussion it was moved by Councillor Duggan and seconded by Goodwin:

“That the Personnel Committee note the report and request that the Director of Corporate Services produce a detailed exempt report with regard to the establishment of the Chief Officer Senior Head of People and Transformation position for the consideration of the Personnel Committee as soon as practical.”

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposition.

Resolved:

(1)          That the Personnel Committee note the report and request that the Director of Corporate Services produce a detailed exempt report with regard to the establishment of the Chief Officer Senior Head of People and Transformation position for the consideration of the Personnel Committee as soon as practical.