Policy And Resources Committee - 15/04/2002

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 15th April 2002.

Present:-

COUNCILLORS

Lord Provost LETFORD, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 18th March 2002 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I MINUTE OF MEETING OF PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 18TH MARCH 2002

The minute of meeting of the above Sub-Committee, a copy of which is appended hereto (Appendix I), was submitted for information.

II DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - REVISED POLICY AND PROCEDURE ON PERSONAL HARASSMENT

There was submitted Report No 229-2002 by the Director of Personnel and Management Services detailing the revised policy and procedure to deal with issues of alleged personal harassment within the workplace.

The Committee approved the revised policy and procedure as detailed in the report.

III ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT DEPARTMENT - DUNDEE AIRPORT FIRE CREW

The abovementioned item was withdrawn.

IV NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCES DEPARTMENT DPT - REVIEW OF SESSIONAL STAFF

The abovementioned item was withdrawn.

V NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCES AND DEVELOMENT DEPARTMENT - REVIEW OF MANUAL STAFF

There was submitted Report No 185-2002 by the Directors of Neighbourhood Resources and Development and Personnel and Management Services seeking to recognise and rationalise the range of skills and contributions made by manual staff in achieving the goals of the department and reviewing the staffing levels, organisational structures, duties, workloads and methods of operation of these staff who work within the Neighbourhood Centres, Libraries and bases of the department.

The Committee approved:-

(a)the deletion of the undernoted posts -

1 full-time Chief Attendant graded Tech 1 (13,124 - 13,976),

15 full-time Stewards graded MW5 (11,009),

1 part-time Storeperson graded MW3 (10,349),

4 full-time Chargehand Attendants graded MW2 plus Chargehand Allowance plus lieu bonus (11,826);

(b)the establishment of the undernoted posts -

1 Resources Assistants Co-ordinator graded AP2 (14,984 - 16,217),

24 full-time and 12 part-time Resources Assistants graded GS1/2 (9,680 - 12,899),

1 Maintenance Person Craft grade (12,267); and

(c)the job descriptions for the posts as detailed in the report.

VI INTRODUCTION OF A TEAM APPROACH IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION DELIVERY

There was submitted Report No 139-2002 by the Directors of Neighbourhood Resources and Development and Personnel and Management Services detailing proposals to amend the library and information service staffing structure and working methods to respond to the government agenda for the People's Network and the introduction of learning centres in Centres/Libraries.

The Committee agreed that:-

(a)to reflect new roles and responsibilities the following posts be regraded -

Post 68 - Senior Library and Information Worker AP5 (21,036 - 22,959) (Bibliographic and Office Services) be regraded PO1-4 (23,430 - 25,476) and redesignated Senior Library and Information Worker (Stock Management/ Bibliographic and Office Services, and the revised job description (Appendix 1) be adopted,

Post 238 - Senior Library and Information Worker AP5 (21,036 - 22,959) (Youth) be regraded PO1-4 (23,430 - 25,476), and the revised job description (Appendix 2) be adopted;

Post 235 - Senior Library and Information Worker AP5 (21,036 - 22,959) (Adult) be regraded PO1-4 (23,430 - 25,476), and the revised job description (Appendix 3) be adopted;

(b)to reflect the acquiring of essential new skills and responsibilities the following posts be regraded -

All permanent full-time and part-time Library and Information Assistants be regraded from GS1/2 (9,180 - 12,399) to GS1/2-3 (9,180 - 13,164) with a bar at the top of GS2 as detailed in Appendix 4, the revised job description (Appendices 6 and 7) be adopted,

All Library and Information Workers/Senior Library and Information Assistants be redesignated Library and Information Workers and be regraded from AP1-3 (13,164 - 17,796) to AP2-4 (14,484 - 20,397) with bars at AP2 for unqualified staff and the top of AP3 for those who are qualified but have not achieved chartered status, and the revised job description (Appendix 5) be adopted.

It was noted that following further consultation and negotiation with the Trade Unions, some of the implementation dates had been changed, and that the total additional cost would be 19,567, which could be met from the Department's revenue budget.

VII SUPPORTING PEOPLE TEAM - REVIEW OF STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS

There was submitted Joint Report No 225-2002 by the Directors of Housing, Social Work and Personnel and Management Services seeking approval of the extension of the Supporting People Team utilising the additional funding from the Scottish Executive for 2002/2003.

The Committee approved the continuation of the Supporting People Team until March 2004 and approved the proposed staffing structure detailed in the report.

VIII SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

There was submitted Report No 94-2002 by the Director of Personnel and Management Services recommending a revised administrative support structure for Community Care, Children's Services and Central Service in Tayside House to ensure that all tasks are carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The Committee agreed that:-

(a)the organisation structure represented in Appendix 2 to the report be adopted; and

(b)0.4 full-time equivalent Senior Clerical Assistant graded GS3 (12,624 - 13,164) and 0.6 full-time equivalent Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (9,180 - 12,399) be deleted from the establishment within Tayside House.

IX DRUG TESTING AND TREATMENT ORDERS

There was submitted Joint Report No 248-2002 by the Directors of Social Work and Personnel and Management Services advising the Committee of the introduction of Drug Testing and Treatment Orders to Sheriff Courts and High Courts sitting in the Tayside area and seeking approval for the establishment of a range of posts which are required to implement the scheme which will provide services to Angus and Perth and Kinross Councils as well as Dundee.

The Committee approved the establishment of the following posts:-

1 post of Project Leader graded PO5-8 SCP39-42 (26,801 - 28,904),

6 posts of Social Worker graded AP4/5+1 SCP27-35 (18,878 - 23,930),

2 posts of Criminal Justice Assistant graded AP2 SCP 19-22 (14,984 - 16,217),

2 posts of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 SCP3-12 (9,680 - 12,899).

X ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST

There was submitted agenda note AN4-2002, making reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th June 2001 wherein the Committee approved the establishment of a post of Scientific Officer (Contaminated Land) for a period of two years to assist the Council in fulfilling its statutory obligation under the Contaminated Land Regime.

It was reported that the Council had published its Contaminated Land Strategy in September 2001 and it was considered crucial that the post of Scientific Officer be retained to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy which is expected to take up to five years to complete the initial inspection process. The post is currently funded by Central Government and the Director of Finance has confirmed that funding will be in place up to 2003/4. It is expected that funding will continue to allow local authorities to identify and address the problem of contaminated land within their areas on a continuous basis.

The Committee therefore agreed that the post of Scientific Officer (Contaminated Land) be established on the departmental structure at a grade of PO1-4 (23,930 - 25,976).

XI ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT - EXTENSION OF FIXED TERM POST

There was submitted agenda note AN5-2002, making reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 16th October 2000 wherein the Committee approved the establishment of a post of Vehicle Inspection Administrator for a period of one year.

It was reported that the twelve month period ended on 31st March 2002 but additional funding from the DTI had been made available to allow the project to continue for another twelve months.

The Committee approved the establishment of a post of Vehicle Inspection Administrator at a grade of Tech 3 (16,217 - 18,296) for a further period of twelve months having noted that there would be no cost to the Council.

XII LEISURE AND ARTS DEPARTMENT - EXTENSION OF FIXED TERM POSTS

There was submitted agenda note AN6-2002 making reference to the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 18th June 2001 wherein the Committee approved Report No 363-2001, Formation of New Department of Leisure and Arts detailing the fixed term staffing establishment for the Youth Sport Development Project

It was reported that the Project had now received three years' additional funding from Dundee's Social Inclusion Partnership as approved by the Neighbourhood Resources and Development Committee on 14th January 2002 (Report No 19-2002).

The Committee therefore approved the extension of the undernoted posts until 31st March 2004:-

In addition, the Committee approved the extension of the following post until 31st March 2003:-

having noted that funding for this proposal is set at 124,478 for 2002/2003 and decreases by 20% for 2003/2004 and that there is provision of 8,000 within the Leisure and Arts 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 Revenue Budgets to support the project.

XIII PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT - EMPLOYMENT DISABILITY UNIT - EXTENSION OF FIXED TERMPOSTS

There was submitted agenda note AN7-2002 making reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 12th November 2001 wherein the Committee approved changes to the establishment of the Employment Disability Unit (EDU) and in particular extended the temporary posts of Employment Development Officer (Work Placements), Support Worker and Clerical Assistant to 31st March 2002.

It was reported that, as a result of funding received under the Employment Service's Workstep Modernisation Programme, it was proposed to further extend these posts, at no additional costs to the Council, for a further twelve months, terminating on 31st March 2003.

The Committee approved accordingly.

XIV SOCIALWORKDEPARTMENT-REDESIGNATIONANDEXTENSIONOFPOST

There was submitted agenda note AN8-2002 making reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 11th June 2001 wherein the Committee approved the establishment of a one year fixed term part-time post (19 hours) of Dundee Drug and Alcohol Co-ordinator graded PO7-10 (28,817 - 30,323). It was reported that two attempts to recruit to this post had been unsuccessful due to the fixed term and part-time nature of the post and, as a result, the Committee agreed that:-

(a) the post be redesignated to Lead Officer (Dundee Drug and Alcohol Action Team);

(b) the hours of the post be extended from part time to full time; and

(c) the duration of the fixed term post be extended from one year to two years;

having noted that the post will be funded in full from resources allocated by the Scottish Executive for the support and development of local Drug Action Teams.

XV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - DUNDEE AIRPORT - ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL POSTS

There was submitted agenda note AN9-2002 advising that the Director of Economic Development had reviewed the staffing requirements and shift system of the reception facility at Dundee Airport due to the increase in flights to and from the Airport.

The Committee approved the establishment of three part-time (16 hours) posts of Clerical Assistant graded GS2/3 (12,296 - 13,664), having noted that the additional costs, including employers' costs, for the proposed structure alterations amount to 18,577 for a full financial year.

XVI NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - REGRADING AND REDESIGNATION OF POST

There was submitted agenda note AN10-2002 making reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 15th October 2001 wherein the Committee approved Report No 634-2001 The Xplore Partnership, which included a recommendation to establish a fixed term post to 31st March 2004 of a Clerical Assistant/Receptionist graded GS1/2.

It was reported that following a request from the Director of Neighbourhood Resources and Development, the Director of Personnel and Management Services had examined the range of duties and responsibilities to be undertaken and, as a result, the Committee agreed that:-

(a)the post be regraded from GS1/2 SCP3-12 (9,680 - 12,899) to GS3 SCP13-15 (13,124 - 13,664); and

(b)the post be redesignated Senior Clerical Assistant,

having noted that the cost of this proposal, 2,477, would be fully met from the Xplore Partnership funding.

XVII NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - CORNER PROJECT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST

On a reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 7th June 1999 there was submitted agenda note AN11-2002. The Committee noted that due to funding being made available through the Health Improvement Fund, the post could now be secured on a permanent basis, and approved the establishment of a post of Clerical Assistant on the Structure of the Corner Project at a grade of GS2 (12,605 - 12,899) having noted that there were no costs to the Council.

XVIII BETTER NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES FUND - REDESIGNATION AND REGRADING OF POST

There was submitted agenda note AN12-2002 making reference to the minute of meeting of this Committee of 28th January 2002 wherein the Committee approved the establishment, on a three year fixed term basis, of a number of additional posts to be funded in full from the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.

It was reported that the post of Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, graded PO11-14, had been advertised and a candidate appointed to that post, the main responsibility of which is co-ordinated neighbourhood management.

However, another candidate, with different and complementary skills, also impressed the interviewing panel. In the interests of the project, the interviewing panel considered that there might be merit in reviewing the posts established for co-ordinated neighbourhood management, to redesignate another post as deputy to the Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, and to appoint the second candidate to this post. This would provide a skills mix which would enhance community consultation, and engagement across the Kirkton and Hilltown areas.

Accordingly, the Committee approved the redesignation of one post from Neighbourhood Development Officer to Assistant Neighbourhood Co-ordinator and the regrading of the post from PO3-6 (25,241 - 27,479) to PO5-8 (26,801 - 28,904), having noted that the additional cost of this proposal would be met from the Scottish Executive's Better Neighbourhood Services Fund allocation to the Council.

XIX EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - REGRADING OF POSTS

There was submitted agenda note AN13-2002 advising the Committee that over a number of months discussions had taken place between representatives of Technicians, Senior Technicians and management in the Education Department regarding an enhanced role for these employees.

The Director of Personnel and Management Services reported that revised job descriptions had been agreed. These included additional responsibility for assisting the Information Technology Division with support in a number of areas together with providing comprehensive fault symptom information when reporting IT faults to the Corporate Help Desk. Progress had also been made in establishing and delivering a programme of training for Technicians and Senior Technicians and good, clear working relationships had been developed between these employees and Assistant IT Officers in schools.

To recognise the additional responsibilities referred to above, it was proposed to regrade 12 Technician posts from GS1-Tech 1 (9,680 - 13,976) to Tech 2 (14,240 - 15,815) and to regrade 12 Senior Technician posts from Tech 1/2 (13,124 - 15,815) to Tech 3 (16,217 - 18,296). These regradings would date from 1st April 2002 and employees would receive their next increment on 1st October 2002. The Committee noted that, as a result of the discussions and these proposals, the employees had agreed to withdraw a grading appeal which is outstanding.

The Committee approved the above proposals, having noted that the cost of these proposals in financial year 2002/2003 is 21,600 and would be met from the Education Department revenue budget.

It was reported that the Convener had agreed that the undernoted item be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order 52(3)(b) in view of the timescales involved.

The Committee resolved, under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the undernoted item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act.

XX NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - REGRADING OF POST

There was submitted agenda note AN20-2002 advising the Committee that, at the request of the Chief Executive, the Director of Personnel and Management Services had examined the range of duties and responsibilities undertaken by the postholder and recommended that the post be regraded.

The Committee approved the regrading of the post, having noted that the additional cost of implementing these recommendations in the 2002/03 financial year would be 6,300, inclusive of employer's costs, which would be met from the General Contingency Provision in 2002/03 and thereafter would be built into future years' Revenue Budgets.

LORD PROVOST JOHN R LETFORD, Convener.

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