Decision details

The Commercial Services Manager submitted a report recommending for approval the creation of 15 new fixed term contract posts and appointments to 2 vacant apprenticeship posts as part of the Operational Services Division establishment.

In 2015/16, Operational Services relied on sub-contractors for 28% of the total HRA Planned/Capital Works completed in that year which equated to over £1m of works being sub-contracted. One of the main factors for sub-contracting the work was due to not having the required staffing available within the Operational Services Division. Though using sub-contractors to manage ‘peak’ workloads was an effective strategy, the level of use should not ordinarily exceed 10-12%. The cost of using sub-contractors had increased over the last 12 months in comparison to the cost of carrying out works directly. The volume of HRA Planned/Capital works would be too much for the existing staffing levels therefore an alternative approach needed to be adopted to avoid further use of sub-contractors during 2016/17.

The report proposed that the creation of 15 fixed term contract posts for a period of up to 12 months would allow a reduction in expenditure on sub-contractors as well as provide additional capacity to carry out external income generation works. The report outlined the HRA Capital Budget allocated to the Operational Services Division and the financial costs involved in creating 15 new posts. There was sufficient room in the budget to fund the fixed term contract posts with some room left in the budget for works that needed to be sub-contracted out.

The report also outlined the apprenticeship recruitments proposals. There were currently over 130 trade employees of which over half had served their apprenticeship with Chesterfield Borough Council. There were currently 9 apprentices employed within the section with 2 coming out of their apprenticeships in September 2016. In order to maintain the number of skilled employees it was proposed to recruit two new joinery apprentices to the positions that would be vacant from September 2016. It was estimated that recruiting to the two vacant apprenticeship posts would cost approximately £35,000 and the amount was already included within the agreed budget.

The report detailed the risks associated with the proposals, equalities issues and alternative options along with their reasons for rejection.

*RESOLVED –

(1) That 15 new fixed term contract posts of 12 months duration within the Operational Services Division’s capital works team be established.

(2) That the Commercial Services Manager be authorised to make appointments to the 15 new fixed term contract posts.

(3) That appointments be made to 2 vacant apprenticeship posts.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

To reduce Operational Services’ reliance on sub-contractors as well as provide additional capacity to carry out commercial building works.

To support the Council’s Workforce Strategy.