The Chief Executive introduced the report and stated that the proposed change in senior management structure responded to the recent ambitions expressed, and decisions made by the Council’s Service Committees. The proposed changes would total £175,000 per annum, with the previously mentioned salary and grading bench-marking exercise as ongoing. 

The proposals contained within Appendix 2 to the report were outlined, with particular attention drawn to specific areas; a ‘Head of Capital Projects’ and additional Project Manager roles were proposed in response to the agreed Affordable Housing Programme. The properties would be managed by the Head of Housing and Community Services.

The impetus placed on the pace and scope of planning, to include the Local Plan Review, and place-based enforcement had contributed to the proposal for a Head of Spatial Planning and Economic Development, a supporting Programme Manager and a Head of Planning. The former would also support the delivery of the Economic Development Strategy and the formulation of the Town Centre Strategy. A Leisure and Culture Team would be created to cohesively manage the Council’s assets, such as the Hazlitt Theatre and Museum.

The Head of Policy, Communications and Governance’s role would be expanded and included within the Corporate Leadership Team to enhance the Council’s strategy, policy development and public engagement amongst other factors. The increased responsibilities of the role were outlined.

In response to feedback from the Committee, the Chief Executive confirmed that the job specifications and descriptions relating to the structure, if agreed, would be further refined in considering the skills required to fulfil the roles’ responsibilities. Informal engagement had occurred with the existing senior management structure, with formal consultation to occur, if was agreed. Group Leaders had been informally consulted.

The Committee expressed support for the proposal which was felt to be ambitious and reflective of the Council’s future aspirations. The Chief Executive, alongside the existing staff at all management levels within the Council, were thanked for their work.

RESOLVED: That the proposed senior management structure for the Council as presented in Sections 2.4 and 2.5 of the report, alongside Appendix 2 to the report, be agreed.

Note: Councillor Blackmore left the meeting after the item’s consideration at 9.37 p.m.