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 work related stress.
Members
asked for information on the reasoning behind the decrease in secondary schools
and the increase in FTE working days lost. Officers informed members that they
would circulate more detailed information to provide an explanation.
Members
asked if a School has underspent does the money stay with the School. Officers
confirmed that it would stay with the School.
Members
asked for more data to be included on the number of people employed over the
years. Officers highlighted they would provide more information in future.
Members
asked whether the stress related column on Table 6 included the other column
figures. Officers highlighted that the stress related column doesn’t include
the other column figures.
Members
asked if the data is based on calendar days or working days. Officers
highlighted it is calendar days.
Members
asked if the data can be split in to age and roles to highlight if there are
any patterns. Officers confirmed that the data can be provided in many ways as
requested in future.
Members
asked what the reasons are being provided for having stress. Officers
highlighted that they can’t confirm if stress relating to the work in schools
was the definite reason. It was noted that 5 years ago the main reason for
illness was muscular. Officers highlighted that members of staff can start with
a physical illness, however the stress of that can cause them to be then off
sick with stress related illness.