Agenda and minutes

The following Member made a declaration of interest at Minute number 11:-

Members received an overview of the proposal to restructure the Neath Port Talbot Play Team which was required to establish clear management responsibilities and to reinforce other roles and responsibilities against the team’s outcomes, as detailed in the circulated report.

Members received an overview of a revised structure in the Trunk Road Service as detailed within the circulated report.

Members were given an overview of the restructure of the Team Around the Family, (TAF) as detailed in the circulated report.

Members received an overview of the Foundation Apprentices Scheme which has been adopted within Business Support Services, of the Social Services, Health and Housing Directorate as detailed in the circulated report.

Also, Members welcomed two apprentices who had previously worked with Business Support Services under the scheme to today’s meeting to discuss with Members how effective they found the scheme.  It was highlighted that currently both apprentices had found permanent posts within the Authority and had received a very positive learning experience, gaining confidence and an insight into a future career path, a lot of support given from the individual teams they worked with. They were also given the opportunity to undertake NVQ’s as part of their work.

Trade Unions were very supportive of the scheme as it did not have an impact on employees on the prior consideration list and it was hoped that it would be rolled out to other Directorates in future.

The Chairperson on behalf of Members thanked both apprentices for attending today’s meeting and this was an excellent example of the authority developing its own workforce.

Members received a verbal update on the Local Government Pay 2016.  Confirmation had been received that the National Joint Council Trade Union Side have accepted the Employers’ two year pay offer for 2016-18.

Members were given an overview of the proposal to provide Corporate Directors with delegated authority to make the necessary decisions in relation to the use of Settlement Agreements when dealing with workplace problems as detailed in the circulated report.

It was confirmed that a business case would have to be completed by Corporate Directors to show it was the best course of action.  It would also have to undertaken in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services and the Head of Human Resources.

Members requested that the relevant Cabinet Member be consulted by Corporate Directors in relation to each settlement agreement.

Members received an overview of the Human Resources Division Business Plan for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 which would be considered by Policy and Resources Cabinet Board on the 19 May 2016.

It was confirmed that the training in regard to the preparation of the social care workforce for the introduction of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act (Wales) 2014 would be ongoing throughout the next 12 month period due to the large number of people and variety of training needs.

Also, Members noted the implementation of the Long Term Sickness Absence in Schools project, led by the Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning which was being piloted in selected schools.  A dedicated Human Resource Officer has been appointed on a temporary basis to provide schools with training support as well as additional guidance and advice.  Funding for this officer has been provided until 2017.

(Cllr.P.A.Rees declared an interest at this point and withdrew from the meeting).

Members received an overview of the proposed change in relation to the education provision within Hillside Secure Children’s Home Education Department.

Members received a verbal amendment from the Manager of Hillside Secure Children’s Home to the recommendations  as detailed below:

Members received details of all the posts to be deleted from the Council’s establishment on the grounds of Voluntary Redundancy (VR), together with details of all consequential job/organisational structure changes.