Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
5.1 Consultant Procurement (Exempt under
Paragraph 14)
The Committee received the private report to
exclude Rule 2 of Council’s Contracts Procedure Rules for the engagement of
Interim Principal Officers within Social Services, Health and Housing
Directorate, as detailed within the circulated report.
Members were informed that the personnel elements
of the post had been approved by Personnel Committee and this report was
specifically regarding the procurement and contracting elements. It was noted
that Community Care Services had encountered significant recruitment and
retention issues within its Senior Management Team and it was considered in the
best interests of the Council to proceed with these arrangements to ensure the
specialist expertise and knowledge were in place to lead the Service through
this period of significant improvement and budget reductions. It was noted that
the cost of the contracts had been offset by other savings made in the
Directorate. It was highlighted that the work of the Officers had also resulted
in savings required by the Directorate being delivered.
Members requested clarity on Rule 2 and why it
needed to be excluded. The details of Rule 2 were explained and the provisions within
the Council’s Constitution to suspend this rule when required. It was noted
that the contracts were time limited and expertise was required to develop
certain services. The interim Principal Officers would also be training staff
whilst they were in post.
Members asked if the Directorate had tried to
recruit permanent employees into the posts and it was confirmed that they had
and had been unsuccessful. It was noted that this issue had been further addressed
by a recent report to personnel committee on re-advertising of the posts.
Members discussed the requirements for delegated
authority and contractual arrangements. Members requested more information on consultancy
arrangements across the Council. Members asked what was preventing consultants
walking away from the Council in the middle of the development of services and
it was explained that this would be addressed as part of the contract.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
5.2 Repayment of Grant Monies (Exempt under
Paragraph 14)
The Committee received the private report to
request to waive a repayment of grant monies, as detailed in the circulated
report.
Members queried if there was anyway the money could
be recovered and officers confirmed that there was not.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.