Apologies for absence were received from Councillors RI Matthews, PM Morgan, and AJW Powers.

To receive details of any member nominated to attend the meeting in place of a member of the panel.

Councillors J Hardwick and RJ Phillips were present as substitutes for Councillors RI Matthews and PM Morgan, respectively.  It had been indicated that Councillor EPJ Harvey was to substitute for Councillor AJW Powers but Councillor Harvey was not present at the meeting; apologies for absence were received subsequently.

To receive any declarations of interest by members in respect of items on this agenda.

Pay policy statement

Councillor RJ Phillips, non-pecuniary, due to his position as vice-chairman of the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2016.

The minutes of the previous meeting were received.

RESOLVED:      That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2016 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the 2017 pay policy statement for recommendation to Council.

The employment panel was invited to consider the pay policy statement 2017 for recommendation to Council.

The head of human resources and organisational development drew attention to the revised version of the document, published in a supplement during the previous day, and highlighted the principal changes.  In response to a question, the panel was advised that the document had been reviewed in the context of the source legislation to ensure that it was fully compliant.

RESOLVED:      That the pay policy statement summarising existing council policies be recommended to Council for approval.

RESOLVED:

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12(A) of the Act (as amended) as indicated below.

The report is exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 1 (information relating to an individual).

To make interim arrangements to fill the post of director for children’s wellbeing following the resignation of the current post holder.

This report is exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 1 (information relating to an individual).

The employment panel received a report on proposed interim arrangements to fill the post of director for children’s wellbeing following the resignation of the current post holder.

The head of human resources and organisational development explained the anticipated timeframe for the interim arrangements, including the circumstances under which a short term extension to the arrangements might be permitted, and outlined the key considerations which had informed the recommendation.

RESOLVED:      That the employment panel support the chief executive’s recommendation that the assistant director for education and commissioning is temporarily appointed into the role of director for children’s wellbeing.