Agenda item

The Leader of the Council to submit a report setting out proposals for a new Corporate structure, which would redirect resources to key priority areas to ensure they can deliver more effectively.

Cabinet ENDORSED the strategic direction and resource plan, which would be supported by the overall corporate structure;

Cabinet RECOMMEND approval of the corporate structure and resource plan to the Employment Committee.

Councillor Joe Orson, Leader of the Council introduced the report, the purpose of which was to set out proposals for a new corporate structure, which would redirect resources to key priority areas to ensure they could deliver more effectively.

Councillor Orson provided a brief summary of the report, advising that the proposed corporate restructure and resources plan represented significant change for the Council, brought about by Members and initiated by the Council’s performance in relation to housing, specifically non-decent homes (previously the fourth lowest in the country).  There had been fire safety concerns and now there were a number of other landlord health and safety compliance issues that the Council needs to address

Councillor Orson highlighted the recommendations at paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of the report, advising that if agreed, the corporate structure and resources plan would be referred to Employment Committee for final approval and then to initiate the recruitment process for the new Director role.

Councillor Orson commented that the Council had implemented a new governance structure and a new set of corporate priorities.  Now was the time to improve the corporate structure to increase the Council’s housing expertise.

Councillor Orson emphasised that ‘the customer is king’.  The aim was to equip the Council with expertise to carry out day to day challenges and provide excellent customer service.

Councillor Orson highlighted that the Council employed approximately 200 full-time employees.  Staff retention of senior officers had been tackled and Senior Management and Members agreed that employees were the Council’s greatest asset.

Councillor Orson confirmed that formal consultation on the restructure had been undertaken and the Chief Executive had briefed all staff on the matter.

Edd de Coverly, Chief Executive,  confirmed that the restructure and plan gave effect to the strategy Members were developing and provided the tools to be able to deliver against Members’ priorities.  This increased resources in enforcement, tenancy management and housing.  The restructure created a dedicated team and enabled proper focus and prioritisation of commercial aspects.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         The restructure proposals and resources plan were welcomed by Members, who noted the hard work Senior Management and officers had undertaken to review and improve services.  The Council was putting all tools in place to be able to move forward and deliver on Members’ priorities.

·         There was no requirement to realign the scope of Portfolio Holders as a result of the proposed changes but this would ultimately be a matter for the Leader.

·         The proposals and plan offered a good strategic view of ‘how to get things done for our residents’ and proactively tackle issues.

·         Members noted the importance of maintaining Council assets, increasing housing stock, tackling homelessness and focussing on the Council’s commercial agenda.

·         A Member sought assurance that focus on specific functions, such as grounds maintenance would not be lost as a result of the proposed changes.  Mr. de Coverly confirmed that although the aim of the proposals was to improve the strategic aspect of services, operational needs would not be overlooked and the waste and environmental services team were looking at what needed to be put in place to support this.

DECISIONS (NON-KEY)

1)    Cabinet ENDORSED the strategic direction and resource plan, which would be supported by the overall corporate structure;

2)    Cabinet RECOMMEND approval of the corporate structure and resource plan to the Employment Committee.