Venue: Committee Room 1/2 - Port Talbot Civic Centre. View directions
Contact: Charlotte Davies 01639 763745 Email: c.l.davies2@npt.gov.uk
No. | Item |
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Minutes: The
Committee noted the Minutes. |
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Pre-Scrutiny Minutes: The committee chose to
scrutinise the following Cabinet Board items: Cabinet Board Proposals 2.1 Strategic
Schools Improvement Programme – Engagement of External Consultancy Services
Members
were informed on the request to appoint CPC Project Services LLP, by virtue of
the Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement for the provision of
management consultancy services, to prepare for the Neath Port Talbot County
Borough Council (“the Council’s”) business cases for the delivery of 21st
Century Schools Band B Proposals, as detailed in the circulated report. It was
noted that there was on error on Page 10, point 16 of the report. It read 0.03%
when it was meant to read 0.3%. Members
highlighted that it is a high priority that the department get the funding and
asked what the penalties would be if there were a delay in the company applying
for funding. Officers highlighted that if the application for funding is out of
sequence then it can cause an effect. Officers highlighted that it’s an
expertise role that is required for this and therefore the reason for this
requirement. Capacity would be an issue for officers within the authority to do
it themselves. Members
asked if this was the most cost effective way due to the budget issues that we
are currently under. Officers highlighted that this is required for the budget,
therefore the cost is justified. Members
asked if the Authority had looked at any other consultancies instead. Officers highlighted
that CPC are already on the framework, they are already up and running so
selected them. Members
asked whether sufficient safeguarding around penalties if the application is
rejected, could be contained within the contract. Officers were unsure of any
penalty clause if rejected, however, highlighted that we would need to trust in
them as the responsibility of the reports are with the authority. Following
scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposal to be considered by the
Cabinet Board. 2.2 Long Term Sickness
Taskforce Project Members
were provided with an update in relation to the work of the Long Term Sickness
Taskforce in Schools and the early intervention methodology pilot, as detailed
in the circulated report. Members
asked why there was an unknown limit of informal return
to work Planning meetings. Officers explained that as they are informal
meetings the Human Resources team are not involved, however staff are trained
to conduct an informal and formal meeting. Members queried if Informal Meetings
aren’t being included how Human Resources would know that they are happening.
It was noted that officers will request a record in future. Members asked how the Formal meeting process works. Officers highlighted that Formal stage 1 meetings are held at school or in a neutral environment depending on the nature of the illness, for example if stress related then its often more appropriate to meet in a neutral location. The Unions are invited to all meetings, they discuss the nature of the illness, if stress then will try and get more detail to see if it is ... view the full minutes text for item 2. |
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Any urgent items Minutes: With
the permission of the Chair the following was raised as an urgent item for
discussion at today’s meeting pursuant to Section 100A(4)
and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 Tir Morfa – Site Visit The
Co-opted Member thanked officers for the arrangement of the Site Visit to Tir Morfa. |