Meeting documents

Janet Beaumont of Janet M Beaumont Associates Ltd had been appointed to provide independent HR advice to support the proposals for Chiltern and South Bucks District Councils to share a senior management team.

 

The report before the Committee looked at the stage one process - the appointments of the Chief Executive and two Directors - detailing draft Job Descriptions, Person Specifications and Terms and Conditions.  Also included in the report was an outline of the recruitment process with a draft timetable; information regarding Heads of Service; a risk register; and, the financial, legal and equalities implications.

 

Janet Beaumont was in attendance to answer questions.

 

It was noted that both authorities utilised different Job Evaluation schemes to assess the level and grading of posts.  In order to ensure total independence the National Local Government Employers had been commissioned to undertake an independent review of the job descriptions, utilising both schemes for information purposes, and to make recommendations with regard to the salary ranges.  A summary of the results was detailed in the report.  It was noted that pension costs were not included as part of the salary recommendations.

 

Janet Beaumont advised that the independent report contained an inconsistency in relation to the upper range of the Chief Executive’s salary which was correct in the second table in paragraph 5 of the report, and incorrect in the first.

 

At the request of Members, the Full Report produced by the National Local Government Employers was circulated at the meeting, and collected again at the conclusion.  Having reviewed the report and additional salary information provided, Members agreed the salary ranges recommended and the proposal to assimilate the successful applicants at a spot salary which accommodated the additional allowances currently paid.

 

Job Descriptions and Person Specifications

 

The job description for the Chief Executive needed to include reference to the Chilterns Crematorium, jointly operated by Chiltern, Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe District Councils.

 

It was agreed that the requirement for local government experience should be removed from the person specification for Directors.  Members were keen that the best person should undertake the roles regardless of whether they were from a public or private sector background.

 

Regarding the essential requirement that applicants have a valid driving licence, Members were of the opinion that this should not be a contractual requirement for any of the posts, since travelling could be completed by other means.  It was agreed that this be removed from the person specification, and a note be included in the appointment letter stating that travel should ‘at their own expense’ if a valid licence was not held.

 

It was agreed that the other requirements to be ‘qualified to degree level or equivalent’ and to have their ‘own transport’ be removed from the person specification for each post.

 

Regarding the job description for the Directors, it was agreed that the list of specific duties should refer to it not being ‘exhaustive’.

 

Terms and Conditions

 

It was noted that reference to the car loan scheme and trade union recognition would be removed.

 

Regarding mileage, Members noted the need for clarification around what would constitute the first official base since the post-holders would potentially be based at both authorities.  Janet Beaumont advised that this could be re-worded and the full rules issued with the appointment documentation.

 

Members agreed that the Chief Executive and two Directors should have a six-month probation period rather than three.

 

Risk Register

 

Members were advised that the Risk Register would be refreshed for each subsequent meeting.

 

It was suggested that the impact on the morale of all staff also needed to be considered.  Disappointment from the public was also considered a risk since significant savings would not be immediate.  Communication would be vital to address both issues.  Differing styles of political leadership at the two authorities was also considered a risk.  These points would be covered under items 6, 9 and 14 in the Risk Register.

 

Timetable

 

It was noted that the deadline for submission of CVs and supporting information against the requirements of the roles was now noon on 6 February.  The JAIC meeting to make recommendations to the respective councils would be on 10 February.

 

RESOLVED -

 

1.                  That the salary ranges recommended by the National Employers be approved and that assimilation be on a spot salary taking account of current pay and allowances.

 

2.                  That the job descriptions and person specifications as set out in Appendix 1 and 2, as amended at the meeting, be approved.

 

3.                  That the terms and conditions set out in Appendix 3, as amended at the meeting, be approved.

 

4.                  That the recruitment process for the Chief Executive and Directors be agreed.

 

5.                  That the information regarding Heads of Service be noted.

 

6.                  That the Risk Register, subject to the comments of Members at the meeting, be noted.

 

7.                  That the draft timetable, as updated at the meeting, be agreed.

 

Note: Councillor A Oxley entered the meeting at 7.35pm.