Policy And Resources Committee - 19/04/2004

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 19th April 2004.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

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

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 15th March 2004 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DEPUTATION NURSERY NURSES STRIKE ACTION

The Committee acceded to a request from representatives of the Nursery Nurses and parents to address the Committee in support of the Nursery Nurses Strike Action. After the deputations had stated their cases, they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

II MINUTE OF MEETING OF PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 15TH MARCH 2004

The minute of meeting of the abovementioned Sub-Committee was submitted and approved (Appendix I).

III COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - REVIEW OF CLERICAL STAFF

There was submitted Joint Report No 246-2004 by Head of Communities and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking approval for the proposed changes to the Staffing Structure of clerical staff within the Communities Department.

The Committee approved the undernoted recommendations: -

(i)the regrading of the undernoted posts -

(a)15 posts of Receptionist graded GS1 (10,068 - 12,789) to Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) and extended from term time to full year as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)4 posts of Receptionist graded GS1 (10,068 - 12,789) to Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) and extended from term time to full year as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report;

(c)2 posts of Clerical Assistant based at Charleston and Finmill Centres, graded GS2 (12,789 - 13,416) to Senior Clerical Assistant graded GS3 (13,650 - 14,211).

(ii)the regrading of the undernoted posts -

(a)5 posts of Clerical Assistant graded GS1 (10,068 - 12,789) to GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) and extended from term time to full year as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report;

(b)9 posts of Clerical Assistant graded GS2 (12,789 - 13,416) to GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416), as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report, as and when the present incumbents vacate the post.

(iii)the deletion of the undernoted posts

(a)5 posts of Senior Clerical Assistant graded GS3 (13,650 - 14,211) based at Ardler Complex, Douglas Centre & Library, Kirkton Centre & Library, Menzieshill Centre & Library and Mitchell St Centre;

(b)3 posts of Senior Clerical Assistant graded GS3 (13,650 - 14,211) based at the Podium, providing clerical support to the Departmental second tier officers;

(c)1 part time (20 hour) post of Senior Clerical Assistant graded GS3 (13,650 - 14,211) based at the Podium, providing clerical support to a Departmental second tier officer;

(d)2 part time (23 hour) posts of Clerical Assistant GS2 (12,789 - 13,416) based at Mitchell St Centre;

(e)1 post of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) based in the Central Library, Bibliographic & Office Services (vacant from 1st April 2004);

(f)1 part time post (23 hour) of Clerical Assistant graded GS2 (12,788 - 13,415), based at The Podium. (This recommendation to be implemented in December 2004);

(g)1 post of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 10,068 - 13,416) currently vacant;

(h)1 post of Senior Clerical Assistant graded GS3 (13,650 - 14,211).

(iv)the establishment of the following posts -

(a)5 posts of Centre Administrator graded AP1 (14,211 - 15,204) in Ardler Complex, Douglas Centre & Library, Kirkton Centre & Library, Menzieshill Centre & Library and Mitchell St Centre;

(b)3 posts of Administration Assistant graded AP1 (14,211 - 15,204) to provide support to the three Departmental Second Tier Officers;

(c)2 part time (18.5 hour) posts of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) to be based at Mitchell St Centre;

(d)1 part time (18.5 hour) post of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) to be based at Central Library Bibliographic & Office Services Section;

(e)1 post of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) to be based at Central Library, Main Foyer Reception Area. (This recommendation to be implemented in December 2004;

(f)2 part time (18.5 hour) posts of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) to be based at The Hub Library & Learning Centre and Arthurstone Library (upstairs office);

(g)1 part time (20 hour) post of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) to be based at Douglas Centre & Library.

(v)the relocation of clerical assistant posts as detailed in appendix 5 to the report.

(vi)the transfer of the funding for a 15 hours Clerical Assistant post graded GS1/2 (10,068 - 13,416) to Leisure & Arts to be implemented when Leisure & Arts take over the administration of the Community Swimming Programme.

IV HOUSING DEPARTMENT - REGULATION AND INSPECTION SUPPORT TEAM

There was submitted Report No 250-2004 by the Director of Housing and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking approval for the formation of a Regulation and Inspection Support Team within the Housing Department for the purpose of meeting statutory requirements of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the promotion of the EFQM regime.

The Committee approved:-

(i)the establishment of a post of Principal Housing Officer graded PO5-8 (28,570 - 30,812) for a fixed term of 2 years; and

(ii)the establishment of two posts of Senior Housing Officer graded AP5 (22,958 - 25,006) for a fixed term of 2 years.

V COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - LITERACIES ACTION PLAN - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POSTS

There was submitted Joint Report No 261-2004 by Head of Communities and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking to establish six fixed term Adult Learning Worker (Literacies) posts in order to deliver on key elements contained in the Literacies Action Plan, approved by the Scottish Executive in February 2004.

The Committee approved:-

(a)the establishment of two posts of Adult Learning Worker (Literacies) graded CEW (17,340 to 22,398) for a fixed term to 31st March 2006;

(b)the establishment of four part time (18.5 hour) posts of Adult Learning Worker (Literacies) grade CEW (17,340 to 22,398 pro rata) for a fixed term to 31st March. 2006.

VI SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - DUNDEE CITY DRUG AND ALCOHOL ACTION TEAM - ESTABLISHMENT OFPOST

There was submitted Joint Report No 228-2004 by Director of Social Work and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking the Committee's approval to establish a post to provide support to the Dundee City Drug and Alcohol Action Team based within the Social Work Directorate.

The Committee approved the establishment of one post of Drug and Alcohol Development Worker graded PO1-4, 24,888 - 27,015, having noted that the costs would be fully funded by the Scottish Executive through the Dundee Drug and Alcohol Action Team support allocation.

VII EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - REGRADING OF EDUCATION WELFARE OFFICERS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN141-204 whereby reference was made to Article XVIII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 20th October 2003, wherein the Committee approved the regrading of Education Welfare Officers (12 posts) in the Home School Service of the Education Department.

The Committee was advised that, in addition to the 12 posts referred to above, a further 7 posts of Education Welfare Officer should have been included in the review of grade and approval was sought for these posts to be regraded from AP1 (14,211 - 15,204) to AP2 (15,582 - 16,866).

The Committee approved accordingly.

VIII SCIENTIFIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT - AMALGAMATION OF PART-TIME POSTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN142-2004 advising the Committee that the Scientific Services Unit of the Support Services Department currently had two part time posts of Laboratory Technician, which were vacant. To ease recruitment difficulties, the Scientific Services Manager had requested that one full time post of Laboratory Technician be created from the two part time posts.

Accordingly, the Committee approved the deletion of two part time posts of Laboratory Technician, graded T3/4 (17,340 - 21,732), and the establishment of one full time post of Laboratory Technician, graded T3/4 (17,340 - 21,732). The Committee also approved the appointment of a current temporary employee to this post.

IX LEISURE AND ARTS DEPARTMENT - REDESIGNATION AND REGRADING OF POST

There was submitted Agenda Note AN144-2004 advising the Committee that the requirements of the Zoo Licence Act in relation to Camperdown Wildlife Centre emphasised the requirement to include the provision of an interactive educational service to customers using the Centre, and that the role of the Chargehand Keeper had been expanded to include this element and as a consequence was expected to increase potential income opportunities.

In recognition of this change, the Committee approved the redesignation of the post of Chargehand Keeper to Senior Keeper and regraded it from Manual Worker 4 plus allowances to AP2 (15,582 - 16,866), having noted that the initial cost of implementing this would be 1,170 in a full financial year and would be met from the Leisure and Arts Revenue budget.

X DUNDEE CONTRACT SERVICES DEPARTMENT - EARLY RETIREMENT

There was submitted Agenda Note AN146-2004 seeking approval for the early retirement of a Dundee Contract Services employee (ER1/04) on the basis that the employee had reached the Local Government Pension Scheme threshold entitled the "Rule of 85". The retiral date would be 25th June 2004.

It was reported that the "Strain on the Fund" payment which Dundee Contract Services Department was required to make to the Tayside Pension Fund for Early Retirement would be 17,044 and this sum would be contained within Dundee Contract Services Department's 2003/2004 Revenue Budget.

The Committee approved accordingly.

XI HOUSING DEPARTMENT - EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY POSTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN147-2004 whereby reference was made to Article XII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 13th January 2003, wherein the Committee approved the extension of one post of Project Officer, grade AP4, 19,632 - 21,732, and 2 posts of Housing Officer, grade AP2/3, 15,582 - 19,029 in the Improvement and Maintenance Unit to work on the Scottish Executive Central Heating Executive Initiative until June 2004.

It was reported that in order to ensure the existing standard of service to tenants and as a result of further funding for replacement heating and the impact of the new prudential borrowing regime, the Director of Housing and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) had recommended that these posts be further extended to June 2006.

The Committee approved accordingly.

XII HOUSING DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST

There was submitted Agenda Note AN148-2004 whereby reference was made to Article V of the minute of meeting of the Housing Committee of 21st October 2002, wherein the Committee approved arrangements for preparing the Local Housing Strategy. In this connection, the Director of Housing had identified the need for a temporary post of Senior Housing Officer, graded AP5 (22,398 - 24,396), to co-ordinate research to identify housing needs and aspirations in the city. The Chief Executive had approved the establishment of the post for a 12 month period until 31st March 2004.

It was reported that further funding had now become available to allow the continuation of research and the production of information, which would inform the development of Dundee's Local Housing Strategy. The Committee therefore approved the extension of the post for a fixed term period until 31st January 2005, having noted that the cost of implementing this proposal was 30,002 in a full financial year and would be met from the Local Housing Strategy fund from the Scottish Executive.

XIII COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - DUNDEE HEALTHY LIVING INITIATIVE

There was submitted Agenda Note AN149-2004 whereby reference was made to Article XII of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 21st October 2002, wherein the Committee approved the staffing establishment for the Dundee Healthy Living Initiative and, in particular, one part time post of Clerical Assistant, 18 hours per week, graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416 (pro rata), on a fixed term basis until 31st December 2006. It was reported that this post should have been established on 20 hours per week, and the postholder had been undertaking the increased hours since January 2003.

It was further noted that the development and scale of activity of the project, with particular reference to monitoring and evaluation, had resulted in an identified need for a further increase in clerical support hours and it was, therefore, proposed to increase the hours of work of the post to full time (37 hours), for the duration of the project. In addition, further funding had been secured and the project would now run until 28th February 2007.

The Committee approved this proposal, having noted that the funding of this post would be met from the Health Improvement Fund allocated to the Dundee Health Action Team.

XIV COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - CHANGES TO STRUCTURE

This item was withdrawn.

XV COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POST

There was submitted Agenda Note AN151-2004 seeking approval for the establishment of one fixed term post of Community Capacity Worker graded CEW (17,340 - 22,398) until 31st March, 2005, in order to promote the active engagement of target communities in opportunities and initiatives to strengthen their capacity and long term sustainability. The post would be based in the North East of the City

The Committee approved accordingly, having noted that the cost of establishing this post would be 27,386, including employers costs in financial year 2004/2005 and would be funded externally through the SIPS Fund.

XVI CORPORATE PLANNING DEPARTMENT - REGRADING OF POST

This item was withdrawn.

XVII PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT - EMPLOYMENT DISABILITY UNIT - REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

There was submitted Agenda Note AN153-204 advising the Committee that the Manager of the Councils Employment Disability Unit (EDU) had received a formal request from the Motivacio Foundation in Budapest to participate in a Conference on employment strategies for people with disabilities, in October 2004.

The Committee approved the participation of two members of staff from the EDU, having noted that all costs would be met by the Motivacio Foundation.

XVIII PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT - EMPLOYMENT DISABILITY UNIT - REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

There was submitted Agenda Note AN154-2004 advising the Committee that the Manager of the Councils Employment Disability Unit (EDU) had received a formal request from the Formem Federation in Portugal to deliver a workshop and a keynote address on job finding strategies for people with disabilities at its annual conference in Pvoa do Varzim in May 2004.

The Committee approved the EDU Managers participation, having noted that all costs, including salary, would be met by the Formem Federation.

XIX FINANCE DEPARTMENT - APPLICATIONS FOR REGRADING

There was submitted Agenda Note AN185-2004 advising the Committee that, in accordance with the agreed procedure, 3 Clerical Assistants in the Sales Ledger Team of the Finance Department had submitted applications that their posts should be regraded from the current level of GS1/3 (10,068 - 14,211) to AP2 (15,582 - 16,866). Following a review of the duties and responsibilities of the posts, the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) confirmed that the applications for regrading had been substantiated and recommended that these posts and 7 other similar posts in the same team, should be regraded GS3/AP1 (13,650 - 15,204). In addition, it was recommended that these posts should be redesignated to Accounts Officer or Recovery Officer, depending on the requirements of the Depute Chief Executive (Finance).

In the same team, 2 Administrative Assistants had submitted applications that their posts should be regraded from the current level of AP2 (15,582 - 16,866) to AP5 (22,398 - 24,396). Again, following a review of the duties and responsibilities of the posts, the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) confirmed that the applications for regrading had been substantiated and recommended that the posts should be regraded to AP3 (17,340 - 19,029). In addition, it was recommended that one of these posts should be redesignated Senior Accounts Officer and the other Senior Recovery Officer.

Finally, it was recommended that the post of Sales Ledger Controller should be redesignated Sales Ledger Manager.

The Committee approved the above proposals.

XX CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUNDS - TRANSFER OF STAFF

This item was withdrawn.

LORD PROVOST JOHN R LETFORD, Convener.