Policy And Resources Committee - 16/08/2004

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 16th August 2004.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

 

 

 

BAILIES

 

C D P FARQUHAR

John CORRIGAN

Bruce D MACKIE

Helen WRIGHT

Neil I C POWRIE

Ian BORTHWICK

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jill SHIMI

Fraser MACPHERSON

Christina ROBERTS

Kevin KEENAN

Helen DICK

Jim BARRIE

George REGAN

Nigel DON

Will DAWSON

Julia M STURROCK

Bob DUNCAN

Elizabeth F FORDYCE

Fiona M GRANT

Richard BEATTIE

Roderick A J WALLACE

Christopher HIND

Andrew DAWSON

Charles A WEBSTER

Joe MORROW

Willie W SAWERS

Derek J SCOTT

 

Joe FITZPATRICK

 

 

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th June 2004 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I PERSONNEL DPT - SERVICE PLAN

 

There was submitted Report No 551-2004 by Chief Executive (Management) seeking approval for the Personnel Department's Service Plan 2005-2007.

 

The Committee approved the plan as detailed in the report.

 

II SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICE - RESTRUCTURING OF PLANNING TEAM

 

There was submitted Report No 534-2004 by the Director of Social Work and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) outlining proposals to restructure the Planning Team in the Criminal Justice Service.

 

The Committee approved:-

 

(a) the deletion of one post of Information Assistant graded GS3, 13,650 - 14,211;

 

(b) the establishment of one part time (18.5 hours) post of Planning Officer graded AP4/5, 19,632 - 24,396; and

 

(c) the establishment of one part time (18.5 hours) post of Information Assistant graded GS3, 13,650 - 14,211.

 

III CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES - TRANSFER OF LEISURE MANAGEMENT STAFF

 

There was submitted Report No 222-2004 by Director of Dundee Contract Services, Head of Waste Management and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking approval for the transfer of cleaning duties of children's playgrounds and open spaces from Dundee Contract Services to the Waste Management Department.

 

The Committee agreed :-

 

(a) to transfer the budget involved in the cleansing of children's playgrounds and landscape areas in housing areas and open spaces throughout the city, from Dundee Contract Services to the Waste Management Department; the transfer to be implemented from 1st October 2004.

 

(b) that one operative be retained within Dundee Contract Services to deal with the existing inspection of play equipment;

 

(c) that the remaining employees be transferred to the Leisure and Arts Department on their existing terms and conditions of employment; and

 

(d) that the Waste Management Department recruits sufficient additional employees within the transferred budget.

 

IV SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - EARLY RETIREMENT

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN288-2004 relative to the above. The Committee agreed that ER04/04, Centre Worker in the Social Work Department, be retired early in the interest of the efficiency of the service and would be awarded maximum added years in accordance with The Local Government (Discretionary Payments and Injury Benefits) (Scotland) Regulations 1998, having noted the financial implications involved.

 

V LEISURE AND ARTS DEPARTMENT - HERITAGE SECTION - CHANGES TO ESTABLISHMENT

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN289-2004 advising that the McManus Gallery and Museum Project was developing to an extent where it was considered necessary to amend the working arrangements on a number of posts.

 

The Principal McManus Officer was fully engaged on McManus operations and the development of the Barrack Street Collections Unit and, as a consequence, was unable to cover the Natural History element of the display.

 

To alleviate this problem, the Committee approved:-

 

(a) the establishment of a post of Heritage Officer (Natural History), at a grade of AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396;

 

(b) the deletion of a vacant full time post of Heritage Officer (Mills Observatory), graded AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396, and replaced with a part time post of 18.5 hours at the same grade; and

 

(c) the deletion of a vacant full time post of Heritage Officer (Early History), graded AP3 - 5, 17,340 - 24,296, and replaced with a part time post of 18.5 hours at the same grade; having noted that there were no financial implications arising from the above proposals.

 

VI DUNDEE HEALTHY LIVING INITIATIVE - CHANGES TO ESTABLISHMENT

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN290-2004 seeking approval for changes to the establishment of the Dundee Healthy Living Initiative, of which Dundee City Council is a partner, in order that operational and strategic roles are more clearly defined.

 

It was reported that the existing Team Leader post, graded PO3-6, 26,250 - 28,578 had been refocused to have a lead role for the co-ordination of strategic developments and would be re-titled Team Leader (Strategic Development), with no change in grade.

 

The Committee noted this and approved the establishment of a post of Operational Manager, at a grade of PO3-6, 26,250 - 28,578, to take charge of day to day operational issues, having noted that the total cost of establishing this new post would be met in full by Tayside NHS Board.

 

VII SCOTTISH CHURCHES INDUSTRIAL MISSION

 

Councillors Webster and Morrow declared a non-financial interest in this item by virtue of being a member of the Church of Scotland and by virtue of his position as a priest in the Church respectively.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN291-2004, making reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of the City Council of 3rd April 1996, wherein the City Council approved the appointment of the Reverent Erik Cramb as Industrial Chaplain to the Council.

 

It was reported that the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) had received a request from the Scottish Churches Industrial Mission asking the Council to consider making a contribution to the Trust which supports the Industrial Chaplain and the Committee approved a contribution of 500, which would be met from the Revenue Budget of the Personnel Department.

 

VIII COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - SMOKING PREVENTION AND CESSATION - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POSTS

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN292-2004 making reference to Article I of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 30th June 2003, relative to an application to the Scottish Executive for funding for its Quality of Life Project and to Article III of the Policy and Resources Committee of 14th June 2004 recommending that the Council approve the Smoking Prevention and Cessation Initiative to reduce smoking by or among children and young people.

 

The Committee approved the establishment of two posts of Youth Worker (Smoking Cessation) and Peer Education Worker (Smoking Prevention), both graded CEW, 17,340 - 22,398, for a fixed term up to 31st March 2006, having noted that the funding for these posts would come from the Scottish Executive and there were no financial implications for Dundee City Council.

 

IX COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - COMMUNITY SAFETY WARDEN INITIATIVE - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POSTS

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN293-2004 making reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of the Personnel Committee of 12th January 2004 which approved the establishment of 25 Community Safety Warden posts and five Senior Warden Posts funded by the Scottish Executive.

 

It was reported that to combat anti-social behaviour in Dundee, a further bid has been made for additional resources to cover other areas of the City and the Scottish Executive had authorised funding for two additional Community Safety Warden Teams.

 

The Committee therefore approved the establishment of eight Temporary Community Safety Wardens, graded GS2, 12,789 - 13,416 and two Temporary Senior Community Safety Wardens, graded AP2, 15,582 - 16,866, for a fixed period of two years, having noted that the total cost would be met through funding from the Scottish Executive.

 

X COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - THE SHORE - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POST

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN294-2004 making reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 21 June 2004 wherein it was agreed to establish a number of posts from the Allocation of Additional Resources for Work with Young People, including the mainstreaming of the post of Shore Manager.

 

It was reported that having secured funding for the above post, finance was now available to create a temporary Youth Worker Post which would enable services at The Shore to be extended, enhancing the programme and utilising the building more fully.

 

The Committee approved the establishment of a full time post of Youth Worker, graded CEW, 17,340 - 22,398 for a fixed term period up to 31st March 2006, having noted the financial implications of this proposal.

 

XI COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - MENZIESHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE - REVIEW OF CLERICAL STAFF

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN295-2004 making reference to Article III of the minute of meeting of the Personnel Committee of 19th April 2004 which redesignated and regraded a number of Receptionist posts based within Menzieshill Community Centre.

 

In the interests of efficiency and effective deployment of staffing resources, the Committee approved:-

 

(i) the deletion of one part-time (9) hour post of Clerical Assistant, graded GS1/2. 10,068 - 13,416;

 

(ii) the deletion of one part-time (13.5) hour post of Clerical Assistant, graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416;

 

(iii) the deletion of one part-time (15) hour post of Clerical Assistant, graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416;

 

(iv) the deletion of one part-time (22) hour post of Clerical Assistant, graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416;

 

(v) the establishment of three part time (20) hour post of Clerical Assistant, graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416;

 

having noted that this would not involve any reduction in hours or additional costs.

 

XII COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - WORKING FOR FAMILIES - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POSTS

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN296-2004 relative to the Working for Families Fund Project proposal, which the City Council was co-ordinating on behalf of a range of agencies in Dundee.

 

The Committee approved the establishment of four posts of Link Worker, at a grade of CEW 17,340 - 22,398 for a fixed period up to 31st March 2006 having noted that there were no financial implications to Dundee City Council arising from these proposals.

 

XIII CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The Lord Provost, Bailie Farquhar and Councillor Scott declared a non financial interest in this item by virtue of being a member of the CIPD.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN297-2004 advising that Ron Skea, Organisation Development Section Leader in the Personnel Department had been elected Chair of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid Scotland Branch, a representative to the DIPD National Council.

 

The Committee approved paid leave of absence to attend meetings in connection with this position and approved accommodation expenses only for attendance at the CIPD National Conference in Harrogate in October 2004.

 

XIV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - DUNDEE AIRPORT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POSTS

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN298-2004 making reference to Article II of the Personnel and Management Services Committee of 17th June 2002 which approved seven temporary posts of Duty Fire Crew, graded SCP19-26, 14,984 - 18,296, in anticipation of the CAA category of the airport increasing from three to four. These posts were never filled due to a dispensation, which allowed the airport to operate under licence at CAA category three level. However, it was now a requirement that it operates at CAA category four with effect from 1st January 2005.

 

The CAA stipulates fire and rescue staffing levels according to the category of the airport and nine posts of Duty Fire Crew were now required as the minimum staffing requirement in order to provide adequate cover.

 

The Committee approved a proposal that the seven vacant temporary posts of Duty Fire Crew be made permanent and another two posts of Duty Fire Crew, graded SCP19-26, 15,582 - 19,029 be established.

 

XV WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT - NATIONAL WASTE STRATEGY - ESTABLISHMENT OF POSTS.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN299-2004 making reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of the Environmental Services and Sustainability Committee of 21st June 2004 when it was reported that the Council had successfully obtained a grant from the Scottish Executive Strategic Waste Fund for assistance in meeting the national waste diversion and recycling targets.

 

In order to take this initiative forward, the Committee approved the establishment of the following posts:-

 

Post Title

Grade

Funding Available

 

 

 

Waste Minimisation and Projects Office

AP5 (22,398 - 24,396)

1st October 2004

 

 

 

National Waste Strategy Projects and Operations Officer

Tech 4 (19,632 - 21,732)

1st April 2005

 

 

 

Waste Data Officer

AP3 (17,340 - 19,029)

1st April 2005

 

It was noted that the financial implications associated with this report were 13,695 in the current financial year and 72,445 in a full year and would be met from the Strategic Waste Fund.

 

XVI SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - EARLY RETIREMENT (ER05/04)

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN307-2004 seeking approval for ER05/04, Centre Worker in the Social Work Department to be retired early in the interest of the efficiency of the service and be awarded maximum added years in accordance with The Local Government (Discretionary Payments and Injury Benefits) (Scotland) Regulations 1998.

 

The Committee approved the retiral, having noted the financial implications.

 

XVII WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT - CHANGES TO ESTABLISHMENT

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN305-2004 making reference to Article III of the minute of the Personnel and Management Services Committee of 30th June 2003, which approved a recommendation to restructure the Environmental & Consumer Protection Department into two separate departments; Waste Management and Environmental Health & Trading Standards.

 

It was reported that following the restructure, a Waste Strategy Section was formed and a Waste Strategy Officer appointed to progress the Council's Waste Plan and to assist in the preparation of the Council's bid for funding through the Scottish Executive's Strategic Waste Fund.

 

The Scottish Executive had recently advised the Council that the bid had been successful and that the Council had been awarded 25.9 million for recycling initiatives.

 

The implementation of the plan has necessitated a higher level of duties and responsibilities for the Waste Strategy Officer, and the Committee has therefore approved the regrading of this post from PO3-6, 26,250 - 28,578, to PO5-8, 27,873 - 30,060 having noted that the additional cost of 926 in a full financial year would be met from the Strategic Waste Fund award.

 

The Management Services Section within the department currently operates with 3 full time officers including a Management Services Officer outposted from the Personnel Department who leads the team. This officer has been based in the Waste Management Department and the previous Environmental Consumer Protection Department for the past 9 years and, it was now proposed to transfer this post on a permanent basis to the Waste Management Department.

 

The Committee approved the transfer and the regrading of this post from PO3-6, 26,250 - 28,578, to PO5-8, 27,873 - 30,060, to reflect the higher level of duties and responsibilities and the fact that this officer would report directly to the Head of Waste Management having noted that the additional cost of 926 in a full financial year will be met from the department's Revenue Budget.

 

XVIII DUNDEE DISCOVERY CARD - STAFFING IMPLICATIONS

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN306-2004 making reference to Article XI of the Policy and Resources Committee of 14 June 2004, which considered Report No 364-2004, which agreed to the development of the Dundee Discovery Card Scheme, including the establishment of a project board and operations group, and instructed the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) to report further to the Personnel Committee on the staffing complement of the operations group.

 

It had been identified that 4 posts were required: a Dundee Discovery Card Manager supported by posts dedicated to business development, systems and technical issues, and customer services.

 

Having considered the situation, the Chief Executive and the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) proposed that 3 employees who have been involved in the project since its inception should fill three of these posts with the option that it be on a secondment basis and that a post of Customer Services Officer should be established at a grade of AP5, 22,398 - 24,396.

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

XIX SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - STAFF SUPPORT SERVICE

 

There was submitted Joint Report No 461-2004 by the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) and the Director of Social Work proposing the establishment of a comprehensive and responsible staff support service to approximately 2000 employees of Dundee City Council Social Work Department and to contribute to local and national strategies to support staff.

 

The Committee approved the establishment of one post of Staff Support Officer, graded PO3-6, 26,250 - 28,578, as detailed in the report.

 

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 for 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 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - EARLY RETIREMENT

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN287-2004 proposing the early retiral of an employee of the Education Department on the grounds of the efficiency of the service with effect from 31st December 2008 in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulation 1998 and with maximum enhancement, in accordance with the Local Government (Discretionary Payment and Injury Benefits) (Scotland) Regulation 1998.

 

The Committee approved the early retiral on the basis detailed in the agenda note, having noted the financial implications.

 

 

 

 

LORD PROVOST JOHN R LETFORD, Convener