Policy And Resources Committee - 13/12/2004

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 13th December 2004.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

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

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 8th November 2004 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE

(a) The minute of meeting of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee of 1st November 2004, a copy of which is appended hereto, was submitted and noted.

(b) The minute of meeting of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee of 29th November 2004, a copy of which is appended hereto, was submitted and noted.

II CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM

On a reference to Article VI of the Policy and Resources Committee of 13th December, 2004, there was submitted Report No 125-2004 by the Chief Executive and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) proposing the establishment of a Corporate Customer Service Team based on the existing operation on Floor 2 of Tayside House.

The Depute Chief Executive (Management) advised the Committee that a meeting had been held with Unions and that a small number of issues required further discussions.

Thereafter, the Committee approved the establishment of:-

(i)one post of Customer Service Centre Team Leader, graded PO5-8, 27,873 - 30,060;

(ii)one post of Senior Customer Services Advisor, graded AP3, 17,340 - 19,029; and

(iii)seven posts of Customer Services Advisor, graded GS3-AP2, 13,650 - 16,866, with a qualification bar at the maximum of AP1.

Having noted that, after these new posts had been filled, a further report would be submitted to delete a number of posts elsewhere (which would be vacated by the employees appointed to the new posts).

III IMPLEMENTATION OF INLAND REVENUE AUTHORISED MILEAGE RATES

There was submitted Report No 796-2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) advising elected members of the financial and other implications of implementing the Inland Revenue Authorised Mileage Rates in respect of the Casual User Car Allowance Scheme within Dundee City Council.

The Committee agreed that:-

(i)the mileage rates payable under the Council's Casual User Car Allowance Scheme be revised to the Inland Revenue Authorised Mileage Rates with effect from 1st April 2005;

(ii)the option to pay an additional 5p per mile for each passenger carried be adopted in order to promote efficient business travel practices and reduce the overall amount of mileage incurred;

(iii)the Inland Revenue Rates in force on 1st April each year be applied for the whole of the financial year and the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) be authorised to implement any adjustments to these rates from the following 1st April; and

(iv)all Council employees and the Trade Unions be given written notice of the effective date of the above changes to car mileage rates.

IV FINANCE DEPARTMENT (GENERAL) - REVIEW OF STAFFING STRUCTURE

There was submitted Report No 739-2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking Committee approval for the undernoted changes to the staffing structure of the Finance Department (General).

The Committee approved:-

(i)the redesignation of the post of Corporate Finance Manager to Head of Finance, with no change of grade;

(ii)the deletion of the post of Financial Services Manager, graded SCP68-71, 54,807 - 58,794, on the retiral of the present postholder;

(iii)the establishment of the post of Chief Accountant, graded SCP65-68, 51,045 - 54,807;

(iv)the deletion of the post of Senior Financial Services Officer, graded SCP59-62, 44,511 - 47,607 and the appointment of the current Senior Financial Services Officer to the post of Chief Accountant;

(v)the redesignation and regrading of the post of Principal Treasury and Investment Officer, graded PO15-18, 35,343 - 37,833, to Chief Exchequer Officer, graded SCP53-56, 38,682 - 41,463;

(vi)the redesignation and regrading of three posts of Principal Accountant, graded PO11-14, 32,244 - 34,554, to Accounting Manager, graded PO15-18, 35,343 - 37,833;

(vii)the regrading of the remaining six Principal Accountant posts from PO11-14, 32,244 - 34,554, to PO12-15, 32,991 - 35,343;

(viii)the regrading of the five Senior Accountant posts from PO7-10, 29,313 - 31,536, to PO9-12, 30,786 - 32,991;

(ix)the regrading of the post of Chief Internal Auditor from PO15-18, 35,343 - 37,833, to SCP53-56, 38,682 - 41,463;

(x)the establishment of a post of Principal Internal Auditor, graded PO12-15, 32,991 - 35,343;

(xi)the regrading of the post of Senior Internal Auditor, graded PO7-10, 29,313 - 31,536 to PO9-12 - 30,786 - 32,991;

(xii)the redesignation and regrading of one post of Internal Auditor, graded GS3-PO6, 13,650 - 28,578, to Senior Internal Auditor, graded PO9-12, 30,786 - 32,991;

(xiii)the deletion of one post of Internal Auditor graded GS3-PO6 - 13,650 - 28,578;

(xiv)the regrading of the post of Sales Ledger Manager from AP5-PO4, 22,398 - 27,015, to PO5-8, 27,873 - 30,060;

(xv)the redesignation and regrading of the post of Principal Pensions Officer, graded PO11-14, 32,244 - 34,554, to Pensions Manager, graded PO15-18, 35,343 - 37,833;

(xvi)the redesignation and regrading of the post of Senior Pensions Officer, graded PO1-4, 24,888 - 27,015, to Assistant Pensions Manager, PO5-8, 27,873 - 30,060;

(xvii)the redesignation and regrading of one post of Pensions Assistant, graded GS3-AP1, 13,650 - 15,204, to Senior Pensions Assistant, graded AP3, 17,340 - 19,029;

(xviii)the redesignation and regrading of the post of Principal Operations Officer, graded PO11-14, 32,244 - 34,554, to Payroll Manager, graded PO15-18, 35,343 - 37,833;

(xix)the redesignation and regrading of the post of Payroll Controller, graded PO1-4, 24,888 - 27,015, to Assistant Payroll Manager, graded PO5-8, 27,873 - 30,060;

(xx)the regrading of the post of Senior Administrative Assistant, Payroll Team, from AP3, 17,340 - 19,029, to AP4, 19,632 - 21,732; and

(xxi)an amendment to the career grade structure for Accountants which would remove all qualification bars apart from the bar existing currently at the maximum of AP5.

V LEISURE AND ARTS DEPARTMENT - ARTS DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE SECTION - REVIEW OFORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

There was submitted Report No 774-2004 by the Director of Leisure and Arts and the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) proposing temporary changes to the organisation structure of the Arts Development and Heritage Sections within the Leisure and Arts Department as a result of a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the McManus Galleries and Museums Redevelopment.

The Committee agreed to approve the undernoted temporary changes to the organisation structure of the Arts Development and Heritage Sections:-

(i)the post of Heritage Officer (Communities), graded AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396, be redesignated to Heritage Officer (Project Development);

(ii)the establishment of a fixed term post of Arts Development Officer (Project Development), graded PO1-4, 24,888 - 27,015, until October 2007;

(iii)the establishment of a fixed term post of Collections Management Officer, graded PO1-4, 24,888 - 27,015, until October 2007;

(iv)the post of Education Development Officer, graded AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396, be redesignated Arts and Heritage Education Development Officer;

(v)the establishment of a fixed term post of Front of House Officer, graded AP1-3, 14,211 - 19,029, until October 2007;

(vi)the post of Arts Development Officer, graded AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396, be redesignated Arts Development Officer (Environment) and transferred to the Environment Development Team;

(vii)the post of Arts Development Officer, graded AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396, be redesignated Heritage Officer (Oral History) and transferred to the Heritage Team;

(viii)the establishment of a temporary fixed-term post of Arts Development Officer (Exhibitions and Artist Liaison), graded AP3-5, 17,340 - 24,396, from November 2004 to October 2007;

(ix)the posts in (ii), (iii) and (v) being filled internally, with the current posts of the successful candidates being held vacant until the review in 2007; and

(x)the Arts and Heritage structure be reviewed prior to October 2007 on completion of the McManus Galleries and Museums redevelopment.

VI PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POST OF SENIOR PLANNINGOFFICER (PROJECTS)

There was submitted Report No 742-2004 by the Director of Planning and Transportation and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) outlining a proposal to establish a new post of Senior Planning Officer (Projects) in the Planning Services Division of the Planning and Transportation Department.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i)establish the post of Senior Planning Officer (Projects), graded PO7-10, 29,313 - 32,536, and to advertise this internally within the department; and

(ii)delete the subsequent vacant post on the appointment of the successful candidate which would be reported to Committee in the future.

VII HOUSING DEPARTMENT - PRIVATE SECTOR SERVICES UNIT STAFFING REVIEW

There was submitted Report No 704-2004 by the Director of Housing and the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking the Committee's approval to proposed changes to the establishment of the Private Sector Services Unit in order to maintain its previous performance in respect of Private Sector Housing Grant expenditure, Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing targets and associated legislative requirements.

The Committee approved:-

(i)the establishment of the post of Housing Officer, graded AP2/3, 14,811 - 19,029, this post being filled by the member of staff currently undertaking these duties on a temporary basis;

(ii)the establishment of two posts of Clerical Officer, graded GS1/3, 10,068 - 14,211;

(iii)the establishment of a part-time (18.5 hours) post of Clerical Officer, graded GS1/3, 10,068 - 14,211;

(iv)the deletion of the post of Advice and Liaison Team Leader, graded AP5, 22,398 - 24,396;

(v)the deletion of the post of Housing Officer, graded AP1, 14,211 - 15,204; and

(vi)the regrading of a part-time (18.5 hours) post of Clerical Officer, graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416 to GS1/3, 10,068 - 14,211.

VIII SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY REPARATION ORDER SCHEME

There was submitted Report No 684-2004 by the Director of Social Work and the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking approval to establish posts which would allow the Council to establish a pilot scheme for the introduction of Community Reparation Orders in Dundee.

The Committee approved:-

(i)the establishment of one post of Senior Criminal Justice Assistant, graded AP3, 17,340 - 19,029;

(ii)the establishment of three posts of Criminal Justice Assistant, graded AP2, 15,582 - 16,866;

(iii)the establishment of three posts of Community Service Supervisor, graded AP2, 15,582 - 16,866, for a temporary period of six months; and

(iv)the establishment of one post of Clerical Assistant graded GS1/2, 10,068 - 13,416.

IX COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST OF UNIT LEADER (COMMUNITY SAFETY)

There was submitted Agenda Note AN440-2004 whereby reference was made to Article IV of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 14th June 2004 wherein the Committee approved the secondment of the existing Unit Leader (Social Inclusion) to the post of Unit Leader (Community Safety), for a fixed period to 31st March, 2006.

The Committee agreed to the permanent establishment of the post of Unit Leader (Community Safety), grade PO7-10, 29,313 - 31,536, and approved the permanent appointment of the current postholder to this post.

The Committee noted that the cost of these proposals was 26,014 in 2004/05 and 39,021 in 2005/06 and this would continue to be met from the funding secured from the Scottish Executive Initiatives related to Community safety. In the event of this funding not continuing, the employee holding the post of Unit Leader (Community Safety) would be redeployed in accordance with the agreed procedure.

X SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - THROUGHCARE SERVICE FOR EX-PRISONERS - ESTABLISHMENT OF POSTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN441-2004 whereby reference was made to Article II of the minute of meeting of the Personnel Committee of 20th October 2003.

It was noted that additional funding had now been granted from August 2004 from the Scottish Executive for the expansion of voluntary aftercare services for prisoners not subject to statutory supervision.

The Committee approved the establishment of three Resettlement Workers posts, graded AP2, 15,582 - 16,866, in order to expand the provision to short term prisoners, having noted that the cost of the above increase in establishment was 61,160 in a full financial year and would be 100% funded by the Scottish Executive through monies allocated within the Criminal Justice grant allocation.

XI SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - WORKING FOR FAMILIES PROJECT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST

There was submitted Agenda Note AN442-2004 whereby reference was made to Article IV of the minute of meeting of the Economic Development Committee of 18th October 2004, wherein it was reported that Welfare Rights had been successful in the tender for the Money Advice Support Project.

The Committee therefore approved the establishment of two Temporary Money Advice Worker posts, graded AP4, 19,632 - 21,732, until 31st March 2006, having noted that the costs of the proposal were 52,170 in a full financial year and would be funded from the Working for Families budget awarded to the Council by the Scottish Executive.

XII SUPPORT SERVICES DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST OF SOLICITOR (ANTI-SOCIALBEHAVIOUR)

There was submitted Agenda Note AN443-2004 making reference to Article I of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 28th June, 2004, wherein it was agreed to apply for funding for, amongst other things, a Solicitor dedicated to working on anti-social behaviour cases and advising the Anti-Social Behaviour Team on new legislation.

It was reported that the Scottish Executive had now agreed to fully fund a post of Solicitor (Anti-Social Behaviour), graded AP5-PO10, 22,398 - 31,536, for two years with the potential for extension thereafter.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Management) advised the Committee that to attract candidates it was proposed to establish this post on a permanent rather than fixed term basis.

The Committee therefore agreed to approve the establishment of a post of Solicitor (Anti-Social Behaviour) commencing January 2005, having noted that the cost of this post was 10,017 in the current financial year and 40,068 in a full financial year.

XIII SUPPORT SERVICES DEPARTMENT - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND TRADING STANDARDS SECTION -ESTABLISHMENT OF POSTS

On a reference to Article I of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 28th June, 2004, there was submitted Agenda Note AN444-2004 seeking approval for the establishment of three posts of Temporary Environmental Warden, graded Tech 2, 14,811 - 16,449, for an initial two year period.

It was noted that the Scottish Executive had approved, under the Funding to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour, sufficient finance to establish three Environmental Warden posts within the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Section for a two year period, in order to provide a dedicated resource to assist with the investigation, monitoring and resolution of rubbish related complaints within the domestic housing sector.

The Committee approved this proposal having noted that the financial implications for implementing these proposals would be 9,535 in 2004-2005, 60,232 in 2005-2006 and 53,195 in 2006/2007. This expenditure would be met from the Scottish Executive funding referred to above.

XIV HOUSING DEPARTMENT - ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UNIT - ESTABLISHMENT OF FIXED TERM POST

There was submitted Agenda Note AN445-2004 advising that the Housing Department had secured funding from the Scottish Executive to put in place policy and procedural documents to support the delivery of the service of the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit.

The Committee therefore approved the establishment of one post of Senior Housing Officer, graded AP5, 22,398 - 24,396, for a period of two years until 31st December 2006, having noted that as all costs would be met by the Scottish Executive, there were no implications for the Housing Revenue Account or Council Tax.

XV HOUSING DEPARTMENT - EXTENSION OF FIXED TERM POSTS - TENANCY SUPPORT SERVICE (HOUSINGSUPPORT UNIT)

There was submitted Agenda Note AN446-2004 making reference to Article III of the Personnel and Management Services Committee of 13th January 2003, wherein the Committee approved the establishment of a number of fixed term posts for a period of twelve months to 31st March 2004 and, to Article VI of the minute of meeting of the Personnel Committee of 15th March 2004, wherein the Committee approved the extension of this period to 31st March 2005.

It was reported that funding for this service would be in place from the Supporting People Grant until 31st March 2006 and accordingly, the Committee approved the extension of the undernoted temporary posts until that date:-

7                     One post of Housing Support Co-ordinator, graded AP5, 22,398 - 24,396;

7                     Six posts of Housing Support Officers, graded AP2, 15,582 - 16,866;

7                     One post of Assistant Housing Officer, graded GS3, 13,650 - 14,211.

The Committee noted that all costs would be met from Supporting People Grant, there would be no implications for the Housing Revenue Account or Council Tax.

XVI FINANCE DEPARTMENT - REVENUES DIVISION - ESTABLISHMENT OF POST

There was submitted Agenda Note AN447-2004 advising that, due the to the proposed introduction of plastic cards to replace the system of Council Tax payment books, the staffing requirements within the Operations Team required to be reviewed.

Accordingly, as a result of the changes to workload the Committee approved the undernoted establishment changes:-

7                     the deletion of one vacant part-time post (22.3 hours) of Senior Machine Operator, graded GS3, 13,650 - 14,211;

7                     an increase in hours from 22.3 hours to 37 hours for one post of Senior Machine Operator, graded GS3, 13,650 - 14,211;

having noted that the financial implications of these changes would result in a saving of 2,969 in a full financial year and a saving of 742 in the current financial year.

The Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public 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 7A of the Act.

XVII LEISURE AND ARTS DEPARTMENT - ARTS DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE SECTION - EXTENSION OFTEMPORARY POST/EARLY RETIRAL

There was submitted Agenda Note AN448-2004 relative to a proposal to extend the duration of a temporary post of an employee of the Arts Development and Heritage Section until 30th November, 2008, and in addition, approved the early retirement on the grounds of efficiency of the service of this employee at a date no later than 30th November 2008. This retirement would be in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 1998 and would be with maximum enhancement in accordance with the Local Government (Discretionary Payments and Injury Benefits) Regulations 1998.

LORD PROVOST JOHN R LETFORD, Convener.

APPENDIX I