Meeting documents

To sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2012.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Appointments and Implementation Committee held on 16 May 2012 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were no declarations of interest.

To resolve that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Committee received a report updating Members on the recruitment process for the Joint Management Team.

Five of the eight Heads of Service had now been appointed and feedback received had been positive.  It was intended to interview candidates for the Head of Legal and Democratic Services in early September.

Discussions remained ongoing regarding the Head of Business Support, and the Head of Customer Services, and the Committee considered the options available in relation to these posts.  Members were concerned that the business needs in the two service areas be the determining factor in selecting an appropriate option.  It was agreed that the Chief Executive be asked to provide an update report to the next meeting looking at the available options and the resource implications of those options.  This would allow time for further discussions with the individuals concerned.  It was noted that changes to the management structure should also not be ruled out.  It was acknowledged that the input of the Director of Resources would also be important.

Janet Beaumont of Janet M Beaumont Associates Ltd, who had been appointed to provide independent HR advice, advised that work was underway to map the different HR policies and procedures between the two authorities.  In particular, there were differences around augmentation, performance related pay, and protection.  The Committee acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues to remove the apprehension amongst staff.  Chiltern District Council’s Personnel Committee had met the previous evening and favoured initial informal discussions with staff-side.  It was noted that a report outlining the differences in HR policies and procedures would be presented to the next meeting.

After acknowledging the importance of maintaining the momentum on phase 2, it was

RESOLVED -

1          That the outcome of the recruitment process, including the appointments made and the potential exits, be noted.

2          That a further report considering options for the Business Support and Customer Services vacancies be presented to the next meeting.

3          That the work on a common HR policy framework be progressed.