Agenda item

C Thomas presented the report circulated providing an update on progress. 

In relation to the Joint Planning Team Manager, it was noted that the job description and person specification had been evaluated at grade POD (£39,132 - £41,562).  However to attract suitable candidates it was suggested that a market supplement of 10% be added therefore the advertised range for the post would be £43,000 - £45,000.  The NBC Corporate Manager (Human Resources) had been involved in the recruitment of the Project Manager in North Northamptonshire and he had confirmed that the market supplement would be needed to attract suitable candidates.

C Thomas had discussed the recruitment process and agreed a timetable with Tribal. Tribal would produce the advertisement by 22 November 2006, the advertising deadline in the local and national press would be 30 November 2006, the closing date for applications being 14 December.  It was anticipated that the short-listing would be completed by 21 December 2006, the invitation for the assessment interviews would be distributed on 22 December 2006 with the interviews taking place on 8 January 2007.  It was then anticipated that the formal offer would be made by 12 January 2007 with the successful candidate earliest starting date likely to be the end of February 2007 (or longer depending on the notice period).

It was noted that work had commenced on producing the Resource Plan and it was anticipated that the resourcing of the remainder of the work programme would be reviewed and finalised, following formal approval by GOEM, at the end of January 2007.

C Thomas then drew the Steering Group’s attention to the suggestions that had been made in relation to the branding and re-badging of the Joint Planning Unit.

The Steering Group then discussed the arrangements for interviewing the candidates for the Joint Planning Team Manager post and it was suggested that it may be useful for the holder of the equivalent post in North Northamptonshire Area to assist with the interviews.  Councillor Barnes also suggested that it would be appropriate for there to be a Chair of the Interview Panel who could steer the process, enabling the Councillors to contribute more productively to the interview process.  C Thomas confirmed that he could ask the NBC Corporate Manager (Human Resources) to undertake this role if the Steering Group so wished.  If this was agreed he suggested that the professional officer should be from either South Northants or Daventry District Council. 

In relation to the seeking of office accommodation for the Joint Planning Teams, C Berry advised that consideration had been given to the Vacant Property Register maintained by the Borough Council and searches were also underway in the Daventry District and South Northants areas through the Invest In Northamptonshire database.  There were still some final checks to be undertaken before a list for consideration could be compiled. 

AGREED: (1) That the advertised pay range for the post of the Joint Planning Team Manager be noted.

                     (2) That the key dates for the recruitment of the Joint Planning Team Manager and that members of the Selection Panel to reserve the whole of 8 January 2007 for interviews.

                     (3) That the Interview Panel include, as well as a Councillor from each of the Local Authorities, the NBC Corporate Manager (Human Resources) to chair the Panel, the Joint Planning Team Manager from the North Northamptonshire and a professional officer be from either South Northants or Daventry District Council.

                     (4) That the members of the Steering Group consider the initial ideas detailed in the report in relation to branding.