Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st November, 2011 be approved as a correct record.

Reference was made to Minute N23 (Proposed Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme) where it was noted that the Government had submitted further proposals and changes to prevent further industrial action.  These proposals were subject to consultation and had not been accepted by all public sector Trades Unions.

Reports to the Cabinet Meeting on 18^th January, 2012, were noted.

Members were provided with information on service delivery and staffing issues primarily:-

(a)     Human Resources had issued statutory HR1 notices for up to 200 job losses in the next financial year.  Trades Unions had been informed and were currently being consulted.

(b)     Consultation was also taking place regarding the temporary changes to terms and conditions of employment which had been necessary last year and to determine what further steps might have to be necessary to help bridge the continuing budget gap.

(c)     Letters had been issued to staff regarding the ending of their formal secondment agreement to enable the reintegration of RBT staff back to the Council by 31^st January, 2012.  Bespoke information was available on the Council Intranet and discussions would be taking place on the transitional arrangements and future managerial responsibilities.

(d)     In terms of the shared services with Doncaster for transactional HR and Payroll activities, the proposal had been positively received by the Executive Board in Doncaster and would be considered further by their Cabinet at its meeting on the 18^th January, 2012.

(e)     The plans to introduce Public Health back into Local Authorities by April, 2013 was progressing and Rotherham had been encouraged by Regional colleagues to commence discussions to help prepare for ‘shadow’ arrangements to commence in advance of formal regulations coming into effect.

(f)      Discussions were taking place with representatives from the Transport Executive to undertake a “Critical Friend Analysis” of their staffing structures and financial management practices to ascertain if any potential opportunities could be identified for their consideration.

(g)     Once services were located and operational from Riverside House, it was proposed that the current practice of a Christmas closure would have to be reviewed.  Discussions would be taking place with Trade Unions to set out the proposals and then to communicate to employees.

(h)   A brief update was provided with regard to progress in relation to the Budget 2012/13.

Resolved:-  That the information and actions being taken be noted.

Sarah McCall, Contracting Officer, Commissioning, Policy and Performance, presented the report which summarised RBT’s performance against contractual measures and key service delivery issues for October and November, 2011 a across the areas of:-

·        Customer Access.

·        Human Resources and Payroll.

·        ICT.

·        Procurement.

·        Revenues and Benefits.

Full details of performance against operational measures for October and November, 2011 for all workstreams were set out in detail as part of the report and further explanations provided on various matters.

Discussion ensued on the transitional arrangements for staff whilst maintaining service delivery, targets relating to the payment of invoices and the popularity of the payment channels on offer.

Resolved:- That  RBT’s performance against contractual measures be noted.

- Monday, 6^th February, 2012 at 9.30 a.m.

Resolved:-  That a further meeting be held on Monday, 6^th February, 2012 at 9.30 a.m.