Agenda item

Consideration was given to the report which detailed the aspect of resilience work centred around activities conducted to address the human aspects both during and following an emergency or incident, an essential, important and integral aspect of any response to an emergency or incident in providing sufficient and appropriate support to those involved, responding and the wider communities affected.

At present, Rotherham MBC had a vacant post (0.6FTE Band J SCP 32 – 35) that was responsible for the development, training and exercising of humanitarian assistance plans and integration with partner arrangements.  Equally, as a result of a review across the Adult Social Care function in Sheffield City Council funding for the equivalent 0.6FTE Grade 8 (SCP 32 - 35) was earmarked to fund a role to undertake the same functions.

It should be noted that the planning and preparation work was distinct from the actual response and deployment of assets in the event of an emergency or incident.  The latter was delivered by the respective Councils directly and a collaboration of many different teams and services from across each Council.  Mutual aid would be available should this be needed across partners.

Early 2023, this decision was revisited with a rapid review undertaken by responsible directors and senior leaders.  It was, therefore, recommended to the Joint Committee that, in principle, the resources as set out in the report should transfer to the Shared Service to undertake the planning and resilience arrangements associated with the Humanitarian Assistance work on behalf of both Shared Service partners.

This was, of course, on the basis of achieving a true holistic emergency response capability across each council, removing any duplicated efforts and streamlining processes.

Subject to formal agreement a transfer date was yet to be agreed, but this should take place as soon as possible and be built into the timetable.

In terms of funding the proposed transfer each partner was to transfer the equivalent 0.6FTE Grade 8/Band J post into the Shared Service.

In accordance with the Joint Committee agreement, this equal additional contribution, would see the funding split again, marginally shift to approx. 62% (Sheffield CC) and 38% (Rotherham MBC) funded, subject to finance business partner confirmation based on the specific monetary contributions that were yet to be defined.

Discussion ensued on the need to ensure a holistic response from each Council on a locality based approach.

Agreed:-  (1)  That the transfer of resource into the Shared Service, in order to adopt and undertake the humanitarian assistance planning and resilience arrangements of each shared service partner be approved.

(2)  That associated amendments to the substantive Shared Service legal agreement be made to confirm this transfer.

(3)  That responsibility be delegated to respective Directors to collectively agree the specific financial terms of this transfer and any associated shift in Council percentage contributions the overall Shared Service

(4)  That responsibility be delegated to respective Directors to agree a suitable timeline for delivery, notwithstanding risks associated with any further delays to permanent recruitment which may be encountered.