Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D Hancock and Councillor P Kerry. 

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

Members were requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

No interests were declared.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of the Organisation Scrutiny Committee held on 14 March 2023.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Organisation Scrutiny Committee held on 14 March 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

To receive an update on Human Resources – Sara Gordon, HR & OD Manager.

The HR & OD Manager gave Members an update on changes in Human Resources. This included:

• The Senior Management Review was now completed and everyone had started in their new posts
• HR had started using Social Media more proactively for recruitment
• The D2N2 Recruiting Talent series was expanding into a new area for organisations in North East Derbyshire
• The Council was now accepting job applications via CV
• The Council was receiving a good number of applications, but there was still a national recruitment issue
• North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council now had their own Payroll teams
• Implementation of the Agile Working policy was progressing well
• The Accommodation Review was still ongoing, and the Senior Management Team had been asked to discuss proposals with their teams. Two sessions for officers to discuss the proposals would take place this week

Members asked how many vacancies were being advertised. Members were informed that 11 were being advertised at present.

Members stated that there was a figure in the Annual Budget titled ‘Remuneration’ and asked how much of the figure was made up of non-filled vacancies. The HR & OD Manager agreed to check the answer with Finance.

Members enquired where Rykneld Homes staff would park their vehicles when the Accommodation Review was concluded. Members were informed that the plan was for Rykneld staff to park in the existing Council spaces, but they would also be asked to park at Pioneer House if possible.

Members asked if the officers carrying out recruitment were given training. Members were informed that officers were given selection training courses, and every new manager was required to go on the course.  

RESOLVED – That Committee noted the update.  

To agree the draft report for Scrutiny Review.

The Chair presented the ‘Planning/Environmental Enforcement’ draft Scrutiny Review report.

RESOLVED - That the Committee approved the draft Planning/Environmental Enforcement Scrutiny Review report for submission to Cabinet.

To monitor the implementation of previous committee and review recommendations.

The Chair presented a table of outcomes from recommendations made by all Committees, and drew Members’ attention to the ones by Organisation Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED - That the Committee noted the update. 

To consider the attached Forward Plan of Executive Decisions dated 15 March to 15 April 2023.

The most up-to-date Forward Plan of Executive Decisions can be accessed via the following link:

https://democracy.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/mgListPlans.aspx?RPId=1137&RD=0&bcr=1

RESOLVED – That the Forward Plan of Executive Decisions be noted.

To consider whether the Committee’s Work Programme has been completed at year end.

RESOLVED – That the 2022/23 Organisation Scrutiny Committee work programme be signed off as complete.

To consider any other matter which the Chair of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no additional urgent items.  

The next meeting of the Organisation Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to take place in the new Municipal Year. 

To be confirmed.