Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref:  2010/012

Contact: Sue Corrigan, Strategic HR Manager Tel: (01865) 810280

Report by Head of Human Resources (CA7).

This report gives an update on activity since the implementation of the  Establishment Review and associated Recruitment Approval process on 1 August 2005. It provides detail on the overall objectives of the review and summarises progress made against the targets which were agreed to ensure delivery of those objectives. Details of the agreed establishment figure at 31 March 2010 in terms of Full Time Equivalents is provided, together with the detailed staffing position at 31 March 2010. These are shown in the report by directorate and service area.

The report also provides information on current activity and in addition there is information on grant funded posts and the cost of those vacancies which are being covered by agency staff.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a) note the report;

(b) confirm that the Establishment Review continues to meet the Cabinet’s requirements in reporting and managing staffing numbers.

Cabinet considered a report (CA7) that gave an update on activity since the implementation of the Establishment Review and associated Recruitment Approval process on 1 August 2005. Details of the agreed establishment figure at 31 March 2010 in terms of Full Time Equivalents was provided, together with the detailed staffing position at 31 March 2010. The report also contained information on grant funded posts and those vacancies which are being covered by agency staff and at what cost.

Councillor Jean Fooks, Opposition Deputy Leader, stated that she was still unclear about the true vacancy and agency staff figures; suggested that there was a danger of double counting with regard to long term sickness and that it might be useful to have a column showing unfilled posts.

Councillor Robertson responded to the comments made and in particular stressed that the balance between agency and permanent staff was always monitored to ensure value for money. He noted that any vacancies held for more than six months had to be justified for the post to be retained. He added that he was pleased to see the reduction in advertising costs and commented that he felt that the report was useful and that the information was now being reported earlier.

RESOLVED:                                           to:

(a)       note the report;

(b)       confirm that the Establishment Review continues to meet the Cabinet’s requirements in reporting and managing staffing numbers.  

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