Environmental Services Restructure - Phase 2
Additional documents:
Decision:
*RESOLVED –
1. That Phase 2 of the Environmental Services restructure, which proposes a revised operational structure, be approved.
2. That the proposal to provide the Arboricultural Service in house be approved and that discussions be progressed with the current contractor, if required, regarding the potential for TUPE transfer of staff to the Council.
3. That the Commercial Services Manager be authorised to make appointments to the revised operational structure for Environmental Services.
REASON FOR DECISIONS
To propose a new operating structure for the Council’s Environmental Services that will improve the consistency of service delivery and address current issues within the service.
Minutes:
The Commercial Services Manager submitted a report recommending for approval a new operating structure for the delivery of the Council’s Environmental Services.
A series of workshops had been held with all Environmental Services staff to gain their views on service improvement opportunities. The report considered the major impact that Environmental Services has on the aesthetics of the Borough and its residents, noting that it was essential that the service was operated effectively and consistently throughout the borough. In addition, there were opportunities for the service to operate on a more commercial basis by reducing external expenditure on sub-contractors and generating additional income.
The report outlined proposed changes to the staffing structure, which included the need for a greater focus on flexible working, a transparent and robust management reporting structure, larger teams of multi-skilled staff and more efficient service delivery. The new structures, job descriptions and person specifications were included as appendices to the report. It was also noted that savings would be made by hiring fewer mechanical sweepers but operating the sweepers for longer periods and reducing the reliance on agency and seasonal workers by combining roles into a single streetscene service able to support all areas of work.
The current contract for the Aboricultural Service had ended and the report proposed to bring the service in house. Discussions with the current contractor were needed regarding the potential transfer of staff to the Council.
The report outlined the savings that would be achieved following implementation of the new operating structure. The report also included details of the consultations that had taken place, the risks associated with the proposals, equalities issues and alternative options along with their reasons for rejection.
*RESOLVED –
1. That Phase 2 of the Environmental Services restructure, which proposes a revised operational structure, be approved.
2. That the proposal to provide the Arboricultural Service in house be approved and that discussions be progressed with the current contractor, if required, regarding the potential for TUPE transfer of staff to the Council.
3. That the Commercial Services Manager be authorised to make appointments to the revised operational structure for Environmental Services.
REASON FOR DECISIONS
To propose a new operating structure for the Council’s Environmental Services that will improve the consistency of service delivery and address current issues within the service.