Issue - meetings

To note the response of the Cabinet to recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Management Board in respect of the use of interim, agency and consultancy staff.

Further to Minute No. 92(5) of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 17th February, 2017, a cross-party review had taken place to seek assurance that the Council measured performance and value for money in its use of agency staff and consultants and was taking appropriate action to maintain spend within acceptable limits.  The group completed its review in the summer of 2017 and submitted a final report to Cabinet on 17^th September, 2018.

Under the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the Cabinet was required to respond to any recommendations made by Scrutiny. All of the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board were formally accepted by the Cabinet. The recommendations from scrutiny were welcomed and contributed to the ongoing strengthening of arrangements to manage the use of agency, interim and consultancy staff by the Council.

This report was, therefore, submitted to ensure that all Members were aware of the implementation of recommendations from the review.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board placed on record his thanks to the Cabinet, Members involved and relevant officers for their involvement in the review.

Resolved:-  That the Cabinet’s response to the scrutiny review on the use of Agency, Interim and Consultancy Staff, set out at Appendix A to the report submitted, be noted.

Mover:-  Councillor Allen                        Seconder:-  Councillor Read

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Alam

Commissioner:         Ney (in advisory role)

Recommendations:-

1.    That the Cabinet’s response to the scrutiny review on the Use of Agency, Interim and Consultancy Staff be approved.

2.    That the Cabinet’s response be referred to the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 17 October 2018.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed the outcome of the review following concerns by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board at the increasing and significant forecast of in-year agency and consultancy overspend.

The review sought assurance that the Council measured performance and value for money in its use of agency staff and consultants and was taking appropriate action to maintain spend within acceptable limits. The recommendations made by Members were based on information and evidence collated during the course of the review and their challenge of existing practices and developing protocols.

The Cabinet accepted all twelve broad recommendations arising from the scrutiny review and the submitted schedule provided the detail.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board welcomed the positive response and acceptance from the Cabinet and the progress would continue to be closely monitored.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Cabinet’s response to the scrutiny review on the Use of Agency, Interim and Consultancy Staff be approved.

(2)  That the Cabinet’s response be referred to the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 17th October, 2018.