Issue - meetings

This report sets out the Resources Directorate Plan for 2009-2010.  The Plan sets out the priorities for the Directorate, including key milestones and timescales.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)         That the Resources Directorate Plan for 2009-2010 be approved.

(ii)               That thanks be recorded to Director of Resources for producing the plan and for the work that he and the Assistant Directors were carrying out in leading on the developments within the Directorate.

Decision of the Executive Member

That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To provide strategic direction for the Directorate and to act as a consolidated reference point for Service Managers.

Members received a report setting out the Resources Directorate Plan for 2009-2010.  The Plan set out the main priorities for the Directorate, including key milestones and timescales. 

Officers gave an overview of the restructuring of the Directorate and the revised areas of responsibility. 

Consideration was given to the Directorate Priorities as outlined in the report.

Officers were asked about the impact that the implementation of job evaluation had had on the Directorate.  They stated that there had been a significant impact in some areas of the Directorate and that this may have implications in terms of recruitment and retention of staff.  The appeals process was underway. 

Members sought assurances that staff appraisals were being carried out within the Directorate and that appropriate support and development opportunities were in place for all staff, including frontline staff as well as those who carried out managerial roles.  Officers confirmed that the Directorate was fully committed to carrying out Personal Development Reviews and meeting the development needs of staff.   An important part of the training provision was delivered in-house and was tailored to meet the specific needs of staff.  It was also recognised that there was a need to ensure that managers had appropriate managerial as well as technical skills in order to lead on the proposed changes in the Directorate.  The Head of Human Resources was currently looking at issues in respect of workforce development, including the induction of new staff and the way in which Personal Development Reviews were being carried out within the Council.

Clarification was sought as to the figures regarding the Corporate Efficiency Programme.  Officers stated the intention was to deliver £15m of efficiency gains in the next three years.  It was anticipated that savings of £3m would be achieved in the first year and that this figure would increase as the programme developed. 

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)         That the Resources Directorate Plan for 2009-2010 be approved.

(ii)               That thanks be recorded to Director of Resources for producing the plan and for the work that he and the Assistant Directors were carrying out in leading on the developments within the Directorate.

Decision of the Executive Member

That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To provide strategic direction for the Directorate and to act as a consolidated reference point for Service Managers.