To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).
Minutes:
The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive providing details of the findings of the organisational review undertaken by the Chief Executive and Local Government Association (LGA). The report set out the proposed structure for the Council which as well as being simpler to understand would provide greater clarity of role and strategic direction, help to create the right capacity and enable quicker and more effective decision-making.
Appendix 1 to the report set out the Council’s current Corporate Leadership Team+ (CLT+) structure including the Extended Leadership Team and the proposed structure was set out at Appendix 2. The report provided details of the financial implications and Appendix 3 set out further financial details in respect of the proposed structure.
The Chief Executive presented his report, setting out a comprehensive proposal for a new Council structure which aimed to improve operational efficiency, align with industry best practice and position the Council to succeed amid future Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). He took Members through his report, outlining the key changes, next steps, an indicative timeline for the proposed phased changes, the financial implications and expected benefits. It was noted that the project would be entitled ‘Transforming Together’ to emphasise collaborative delivery. The Target Operating Model would be based on the findings of the review by the LGA and outlined how the Council worked in terms of:
· Organisational structure
· People and skills
· Technology and systems
· Process and workflows
· Governance and performance management
The transformation would be implemented in two phases and the Chief Executive outlined the indicative implementation timeline for phases 1 and 2.
Members were advised that the proposed structure would set out the foundation for a modern, responsive and efficient Council. It would improve governance clarity, unlocked savings, and reinvest in frontline services whilst strengthening resilience for future sector changes whilst providing a structure to deliver on the Council’s corporate plan priorities.
The Chairperson put the recommendations set out the report and these were duly seconded.
In response to a question regarding the related costs, the Chief Finance Officer drew Members’ attention to section 7 of the report which set out the financial implications and provided further detailed information in respect of this.
Councillor W Stamp commented on the report, requesting more detail on the definite costs and in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) requested a recorded vote. This was duly seconded. At this point, Councillor Stamp also requested that each recommendation be taken separately as she had some amendments she wished to raise.
During the lengthy debate that ensued, Members commented on a number of aspects including the Council’s previous structure changes, related financial implications and ensuring that the Council was ready for LGR which included protecting the District and staff. Several Members echoed the sentiment in the report that the current structure had outlived its usefulness and required change, noting that this was what the Chief Executive had been asked to address, and therefore welcomed the proposals. Whilst there was not universal agreement, there was strong support for the proposals set out by the Chief Executive.
The Chairperson advised that he would be moving the recommendations individually.
Councillor Stamp proposed an amendment to recommendation (i) referencing the retention of a particular current post, the Deputy Chief Executive. This proposal was duly seconded. She then proposed an amendment to recommendation (iv), that any Constitution changes are not delegated to the Chief Executive but reported through the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee (PGA). This was duly seconded.
In response to the proposed amendment to recommendation (iv), the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer advised that this recommendation related to making changes that would take place should Members be mindful to agree the new proposed structure. No changes outside of this process were proposed and therefore there would be nothing for the PGA to agree. Councillor Stamp advised that she was therefore happy to remove her earlier amendment to recommendation (iv) as long as a notification was made once the change had taken place.
At this point, the Chairperson outlined the process he would be taking in respect of voting on the recommendations, and it was noted that the request for a recorded vote was withdrawn.
The Chairperson then moved the proposed amendment to recommendation (i) in the name of Councillor Stamp. Upon a vote being taken he declared that the amendment was not agreed.
The Chairperson then moved each of the recommendations (i) to (iv) as set out in the report. Upon a separate vote on each being taken they were duly agreed. It was requested that the following dissent be noted:
· Recommendation (i)......... Councillors A S Fluker, M G Neall, U G C Siddall-Norman, W Stamp and J C Stilts
· Recommendation (ii)........ Councillor W Stamp
· Recommendation (iii)....... Councillors A S Fluker, U G C Siddall-Norman and W Stamp
RESOLVED
(i) That the proposed structure as set out in the report be supported;
(ii) That Members approve that the Chief Executive as the Head of Paid Service implement changes to the Council’s structure in line with the Council’s Organisational Change and Redundancy Policy and Procedure, ensuring where possible minimal impact on staff and that support is provided during its implementation to staff through the process;
(iii) That Members approve to fund an estimated amount (as detailed in the report) for Phase 1 and Phase 2 for appropriate and independent specialist support and advice from the transformation reserve;
(iv) That Members delegate authority to the Chief Executive, to amend and update the Council’s Constitution and all relevant documents to reflect the new structure, roles and responsibilities.