CUSTOMER AND SUPPORT SERVICES LEAD MEMBER BRIEFING
17th November, 2008
Meeting commenced: 9.00 a.m.
“
ended: 10.35a.m.
PRESENT: Councillor Hinds - in the Chair
Councillor Devine
Councillor B. Lea attended at the invitation of the Chairman
OFFICERS: A. Westwood - Strategic Director of Customer and Support Services
J. Spink - City Treasurer
M. Bleese - Head of Human Resources
D. Horsler - Assistant Director, Organisational Development
A. Rich - City Solicitor
M. McHugh - Senior Democratic Services Officer
1.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
2.
RECORD OF BRIEFING
The record of the Briefing held on 10th November, 2008, was agreed as a correct
record.
3.
COUNCIL TAX UPDATE
An update with regard to the collection of Council Tax, Business Rates and Arrears
was to be e-mailed to Councillors Hinds and Devine.
4.
FILLING OF VACANT POSTS
D. Horsler gave an update report on the current position regarding the filling of
vacant posts within the Authority.
RESOLVED: THAT the filling of vacant posts, as detailed in the report now
submitted, be approved.
5.
CAPITAL PROPOSALS
RESOLVED: THAT authority to proceed with capital proposals in respect of the
following schemes be granted:(a)
(b)
(c)
Section 106 agreements in Irlam and Cadishead.
Installation of a LEAP at Oakwood Recreation Ground, Oakwood Park,
Walkden.
Investment for Buile Hill Park and Worsley Courthouse.
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(d)
(e)
6.
Investment for Citywide - School staff and welfare catering, building cleaning.
Purchase/renewal of grass cutting equipment for grounds maintenance
services.
GOVERNMENT OFFICE NORTH WEST - PROMPT PAYMENT
RESOLVED: THAT the letter from Government Office for the North West regarding
prompt payment of bills be noted.
7.
PROVISION OF PERSONAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS
A report of the Strategic Director of Customer and Support Services regarding the
provision of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) for people who need
assistance in evacuating their place of work or visitors to premises controlled by the
Council in an emergency was submitted.
RESOLVED: (1) THAT all Directors ensure that appropriate arrangements are in
place in the case of fire or other emergency situation, for the safe evacuation of
persons who believe they will need assistance in evacuating their place of work (and
any visitors who may similarly need assistance). That these arrangements should
include the drawing up of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) as
necessary.
(2) THAT the forms and procedures as now submitted are adopted for
drawing up PEEPS, and that they are reviewed regularly.
(3) THAT copies of up to date PEEPS are held by Search Officers,
Area Control Officers and the Head of Human Resources. The Head of Human
Resources will support the drawing up and review of PEEPS and ensure liaison with
relevant facility management arrangements.
(4) THAT any revenue or capital implications of implementing a plan
should be prioritised by Directors.
(5) THAT Directors include PEEPS in their health and safety review
processes.
8.
ITINERANTS
Councillor B. Lea attended and advised the Lead Member of possible proposals for
the Duchy site caravan standings which had been considered by the Sustainable
Regeneration Group and presented to the Swinton Political Executive. It was noted
that management of the site was via the Group and it was agreed to progress this
back to them for consideration and implementation. No Lead Member approval was
required,
EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RESOLVED: THAT, under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the
public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the
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grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as specified in
the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.
9.
THINK EFFICIENCY - PROCUREMENT QUICK WINS PHASE 2
A report of the City Treasurer was submitted identifying the scope for a second wave
of procurement quick wins involving call monitoring, foster care agencies, refuse
collection agency staff and creative design services and proposing that KPMG
continue to be engaged in supporting the Council to implement revised contractual
arrangements.
RESOLVED: THAT Standing Orders be waived in this instance; and that the
quotation from KPMG for their support in implementing wave 2 of the procurement
quick wins be approved.
10.
AGILE WORKING - PHASE 1 PILOT
A report of the City Treasurer and Director of Change was submitted outlining initial
proposals for the implementation of a pilot for agile working that focuses on
efficiencies and other benefits that can be brought about by technological, propertybased and cultural change in working practices. Three areas of service have been
chosen as initial pilots that can demonstrate how each of these different aspects can
delivery efficiency with a view to a wider roll-out if the pilot proves to be successful.
RESOLVED: THAT Standing Orders be waived and accepts the quotation from
Shoal Consulting for the phase 1 pilot to implement the agile working proposals.
11.
OTHER BUSINESS
The following items were discussed and noted 



Cheque fraud
Policies Review - Redeployment Policy
- Managing People through Organisational Change
Pay and Grading Update
Standards Committee Members Update
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