PAPER C1

Purpose : For Decision

Committee :    EXECUTIVE

Date :              26 FEBRUARY 2002

Title :              SELECT COMMITTEE SUPPORT

PORTFOLIO HOLDER - RESOURCES

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The Executive is asked to consider establishing a permanent post of Head of Select Committee Support following the recommendation of the Resources Select Committee.

BACKGROUND

The Executive, at its meeting on 15 January 2002, was informed of the concern expressed by Select Committee Chairmen that within the new management structure, insufficient emphasis had been placed on the importance to the democratic process and, in particular, the support to Select Committees in their scrutiny and review role. The Executive resolved to refer the matter to the Resources Select Committee and to give further consideration to the decision to establish a new role of Head of Select Committee Support in light of the views of the Resources Select Committee.

The Resources Select Committee, which met on 24 January 2002, felt the establishment of a permanent post of Head of Select Committee Support was a necessary part of the senior management structure and that the postholder’s remit should also include overview responsibility for the Best Value process. A job description has been prepared and evaluated.

If approved, the intention is to advertise the post and to make an appointment through open competition although it may be apposite to delay the recruitment and selection process until such time as the senior management restructuring has been completed as the post of Head of Select Committee Support may be considered to be a suitable alternative job opportunity for an employee at risk of redundancy. Other options for filling the role could be secondment from an outside organisation although this option would need to be explored more fully.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

Views of Resources Select Committee reported above.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Budgetary provision for the salary costs will need to be set aside from the savings which are anticipated to accrue from the restructure exercise.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

None

OPTIONS

1.        To establish a new permanent post of Head of Select Committee Support and to advertise the post as necessary.

2.        Consider alternative arrangements for the support of Select Committees.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Outline job description and person specification for post of Head of Select Committee Support.

Report to Resources Select Committee - 24 January 2002

Report to Executive - 15 January 2002

Contact Point : Max Burton, ☎3121