Decision details

The Policy and Communications Manager submitted a report recommending for approval a new employee structure for the Elections service.

Following the implementation of the Corporate Management Team (CMT) restructure in March 2016, CMT members had been tasked with reviewing their service areas with a view to improving effectiveness, efficiency and increasing positive outcomes. Within the Policy and Communications and Democratic Services areas a number of key drivers had emerged which were being used to inform a restructure of the two services. However, during the exploration of these issues, the current Democratic Services and Elections Manager had submitted their resignation. The opportunity had therefore been taken to consider the impact of merging Democratic Services functions into the Policy and Communications Service to address current staffing issues and create further efficiency savings.

As there would be no permanent officer support within the Elections service following the departure of the current manager, the Policy and Communications Manager had put forward a new structure for the Elections service. The report proposed to retain the Electoral Services functions under the Directorate of Resources and establish a new Elections Manager role to provide leadership and specialist expertise. The new structure was included as an appendix to the report.

A further report with proposals for merging the remaining parts of Democratic Services within the Policy and Communications Service would be submitted to the Joint Cabinet and Employment and General Committee once consultation with relevant stakeholders had taken place.

The report contained details of the human resources and people management implications, staff and trade union consultations and financial implications. An equalities impact assessment had been completed and was attached as an appendix to the report.

*RESOLVED –

1.     That Phase 1 of the Policy and Communications Restructure, which proposes a revised structure for the Elections service, be approved.

2.     That the Director of Resources in consultation with the HR Manager be authorised to make appointments to the revised structure for the Elections service.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To deliver an effective corporate service to meet the changing needs of the Council.