Issue - meetings

Report from the Cabinet Member for HR & Corporate Affairs attached.

Councillor Tahir Rafiq, Cabinet Member for HR and Corporate Affairs presented the report regarding the organsiational structure review and voluntary exists proposals.

Two applications were presented on the basis that the posts to be disestablished as a result of agreeing the severance requests are at Deputy Chief Officer level and so Cabinet support is required. The other two proposals would incur costs above a hundred thousand pounds and so Cabinet support is requested prior to ultimate approval by Council next week.

Members wished to place on record thanks to the Assistant Director of Operations for all the work done and his dedication to the Council and its residents for forty six years and note this will be acknowledge further at the appropriate time. The Leader noted that there will be time to give personal tributes to staff before leaving the authority.

In response to a query regarding the deletion of posts, members were assured that strategically we can be confident that following team adjustments it can be delivered. Lynne Ridsdale, Chief Executive, provided further reassurances to members that she supports entirely the caution and sensitivity to demands on the Senior Leadership Team and noted that it is key to recognise the Assistant Director of Operations for his contributions to the Council. Members were reminded of a piece of analysis that looked at the balance of resources and did indicate some efficiencies that could be considered and a further update on analysis and options will be considered at a future date.

DECISION

Cabinet:

• Agreed the deletion of the post of Assistant Director (Operations) with effect from 31 October 2025 and the departure of the current postholder via Voluntary Early Retirement.
• Agreed the deletion of the post of Joint Head of Communications, Engagement & Marketing with effect from 1 April 2025 and the departure of the current postholder via Voluntary Severance.
• Recommended to Council that the Voluntary Early Retirement of the Group Engineer (Street Lighting & Operations) is approved.
• Recommended to Council that the Voluntary Early Retirement of the Head of Homelessness & Housing Options is approved.
• Thanked the Assistant Director (Operations), Joint Head of Communications, Engagement & Marketing, Group Engineer (Street Lighting & Operations) and Head of Homelessness & Housing respectively for their contribution to the Council and people of Bury over their time with the Authority.

Reasons for recommendation(s):

The proposals in this report make a budget saving which will support the council’s financial position in 2024/25.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

None.