Issue - meetings

The Commission received a position summary from the Strategic Director for Business Change which referenced the number of interim positions currently in post. There was a renewed focus to deliver stability for the team, the workforce and for councillors.  Recruitment had commenced for two statutory posts, Service Directors for Legal and Finance.  The Directorate Leadership team would need a short time to reflect on the Mayor’s Bristol Plan; the Local Authority financial position ; and the need to protect frontline services; against the backdrop of emerging national picture and central government policy.

Officers tabled the Business Change structure chart. (attached)

The Service Directors for Change and Legal and Democratic Services introduced their service areas. 

The following points were raised in discussion:

1. It was agreed that Service Directors for HR, Policy, Strategy and Communications and Finance introduce their areas of service at the next meeting.

Action: Service Directors

2. It was noted that Citizen Services had moved into the Neighbourhoods Directorate and Procurement had moved to the People Directorate.

3. Restructuring was an inevitable next step in the move towards an automated self-serve environment.

4. A Finance Improvement Programme report was being considered by the Audit Committee, the outcomes would be shared at the next meeting.

Action: Anna Klonowski

5. Members asked for the current position with regards to the statutory Head of Paid Service post. Officers confirmed that the Strategic Leadership Team were covering the position on a weekly rotating basis. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that this was a legitimate temporary measure whilst the selection process for an interim Head of Paid Service was being progressed.