Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Paid Service detailing proposals for a Senior Management Reorganisation.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the content of the report and delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council, to make any further changes required within the structure following the assimilation and job interview processes.

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced a report which outlined proposals for a senior management reorganisation across the Council.

Prior to considering the item all Strategic Directors withdrew from the meeting given the nature of the proposals being considered and their impact on the senior management structure, with the Chief Executive and Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations remaining in order to provide the necessary advice in relation to any comments raised.

In considering the proposals Cabinet noted the context and rationale behind the review, which had been designed to reflect not only the financial pressure in relation to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023-27 but also the progress being made in delivery of the Council’s wider transformation programme including work on digital services, community engagement and customer service.  The proposed changes would result in the deletion of four Strategic Director posts along with the posts of Assistant Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Director of Legal, HR, Audit & Investigations and their replacement by six Corporate Director posts who together with the Chief Executive would form the Council’s management Team.  This would involve a net reduction of one CMT post, with the proposed structure detailed within Appendix 2 of the report.  Members were advised that formal consultation on the proposed structure was due to end on 20 June 2022.

Cabinet recognised and supported the rationale outlined in relation to the proposed new structure and in seeking to link:

·             universal customer facing services;

·             community engagement in terms of driving regeneration, planning, skills and employment work as part of levelling up and promoting equality;

At the same time, however, it was also noted that the extent of changes identified represented a pragmatic approach reflecting the outcome of the consultation process to date.

Having noted the way in which the proposals had been designed to support the ongoing process of strategic and coordinated change alongside the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the content of the report and delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council, to make any further changes required within the structure following the assimilation and job interview processes.