Agenda item

(a)        Report of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Council received a written report of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Morgan.

(b)       Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to Council

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Morgan presented the Annual Report of the Committee to Council.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

(c)        Reports of Overview and Scrutiny Panels

(i)         Report of the Constitution and Member Services Scrutiny Standing Panel – Employment Procedure Rules

Mover:            Councillor Philip, Chairman of the Panel

Councillor Philip presented a report following a review by a Task and Finish Scrutiny Panel which had explored concerns about contractual arrangements for previous Chief Executives.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

RESOLVED:

(1)        That, in accordance with the advice of Counsel, the attached Staff Employment Procedure Rules be adopted;

(2)        That the following seven deputies be appointed to the Restructuring Review Panel so as to ensure that the Council is able to comply with the requirements of the revised Employment Procedure Rules when adopted;

(a)        Councillor Breare-Hall – Conservative Group;

(b)        Councillor Philip – Conservative Group;

(c)        Councillor Rolfe – Conservative Group;

(d)        Councillor Watts – Conservative Group;

(e)        Councillor Wyatt – Conservative Group;

(f)         Councillor Pond – Loughton Resident’s Association; and

(g)        Councillor J H Whitehouse – Liberal Democrats Group;

(3)        That, when required, a second Panel be formed from among the seven members and deputies appointed to the Restructuring Panel to deal with any appeals under the Employment Procedure Rules against redundancy subject to the seven members concerned not having been involved in the original redundancy decision;

(4)        That all members and deputies serving on the Restructuring Review Panel be trained in the requirements of these rules and related legal requirements before the Directorate Restructuring process commences;

(5)        That the Finance and Technology Portfolio Holder be asked to review whether there is sufficient budgetary provision for training for Panel members in the current year;

(6)        That a similar pool of 14 Panel members and deputies be appointed at future Annual Council meetings so that the Council is able to respond promptly when the Employment Procedure Rules are engaged and that all appointed members and deputies be trained in the relevant procedures when required; and

(7)        That the Chairman and Vice Chairman of any Panel convened in future years for the purposes of the Employment Procedure Rules be appointed by Panel members at the meeting concerned.

(ii)        Report of the Constitution and Member Services Scrutiny Standing Panel – Convention on the Relationships between Political Groups and Councillors with Officers

Mover:            Councillor Philip, Chairman of the Panel

Councillor Philip presented a report which updated these conventions.

Report as first moved ADOPTED

RESOLVED:

(1)        That the attached revised conventions be approved; and

(2)        That the issues raised in consultation with Councillors concerning new members and email correspondence be referred to officers for appropriate advice to be given.