Decision details

To establish a Legal Apprentice within the Legal Team and recruit to the post.

The cost of this change will be cost neutral as Rykneld Homes will fund this.

To increase the hours of the Legal Support Officer from 28.45 hours to 32.15 hours for a 6 month period and then review.

The cost of this temporary change is £1112.83 Such cost could be met partly by the vacant post within the team but if due to other outsourcing there is insufficient budget, such cost will be met from other council budget.

To pay an honorarium to the Legal Support Officers to reflect the work being undertaken. Their salary to increase from £21,967.92 to £23,194.27 (pro rata 32.30 hours).

The cost of this change will be £1,225.63pa plus on costs.

Following a review of the work within the Legal Team and discussions with the Managing Director of Rykneld Homes Limited, it has been agreed to increase the Legal Team by the addition of an Apprenticeship post. This will also aid succession planning. The post is to be part funded by Rykneld Homes Limited.

Following a review of the team and whilst there remains a vacancy, the increase of hours will assist in supporting the Legal Manager and other post holders within the team to meet business demands.

An honorarium is to be paid to the Legal Support Officer. This role is evolving and the salary needs to reflect the work type undertaken and responsibility of the post holder. This post may further develop as the team evolves and such reward reflects the growth of this post holder. Changes within the team are uncertain and therefore rather than a permanent change be made, a temporary change is a better solution currently.

Other options for the structure have been explored but these options are the most effective and will enable the Legal Team to improve the service it provides particularly in relation to Housing work for Rykneld.