Agenda and draft minutes

Members of Human Resources Committee are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the Agenda, and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no interests declared at the meeting.

A report from Assistant Director Operations (Strategy) is attached

Chris Horth Unit Manager – Environment Team, presented a report outlining the need for 3 additional in-house officers (fixed term) to ensure Bury Council delivers a suitable response to the declaration of a ”Climate Emergency” and to make the necessary progress towards carbon neutrality.

It was explained that in July 2019, the Council approved a notice of motion to declare a ‘Climate Emergency’, to be carbon neutral by 2030 (this target has subsequently been amended to 2038), and to make immediate policy changes to achieve the targets. The “Climate Emergency Declaration” has strong support from residents who are keen to see a suitable response from the Council. The Operations Department shall be the driver of this cross cutting council programme, and every departmental Head of Service will take a lead in their area to implement actions to reach carbon neutrality in council operations and also to facilitate and deliver carbon reduction programmes in the community.

Via the Council’s budget announcement (20/2/20), over £11 million was allocated to the Department of Operations in order to tackle the climate emergency, with wide ranging programmes being approved, including; -

·         Greening in the fleet - replacement of the Waste Management transport fleet

·         Establishing Green Township Forums to enable local communities to bid for funding for schemes that will improve the environment and contribute to the climate agenda

·         Large scale tree planting schemes across the Borough

·         The establishment of a climate change resilience fund to improve and protect flooded areas

·         The development of programmes to enhance the walking and cycling offer across the Borough

·         Emphasis on additional transport planning across the town.

In order to develop and implement a full climate action plan for Bury, and to implement suitable schemes and programmes, a number of essential posts are required to drive this agenda forward. It is proposed that they are fully funded, as invest to saves via revenue monies allocated to the climate agenda.  Approval to reallocate this funding has been given by Councillor Quinn.

It is proposed that the following posts will be established: -

Climate Action Officer (fixed term for 16 months)

Salary, Grade 12- £33,799 – £35,934 per annum.

The post holder will create and implement plans specific to areas of the overarching programme and manage and monitor local projects. The post holder will develop bids and associated paperwork to enable the Council to apply for relevant external funding. As the council’s public face for Climate Change, the post holder will liaise with local communities and stakeholders to set up and work alongside local groups to help develop and deliver our Climate Action Plan. The post holder will support and deliver carbon reduction initiatives across the borough and also in the council’s own operations, and will play a lead role and help affect behavioural change and develop carbon literacy amongst council employees and our communities.

Graduate Climate Action Officer (fixed term for 16 months)

Salary Grade 9 - £24,313 – £26,999 per annum.

A Graduate post will be recruited  ...  view the full minutes text for item HRA.376