Decision details

To Award a Contract to Carrington West for a Senior Planning Policy Officer for Three Months

Decision Maker: Director of Community & Economic Development - Tracey Birkinshaw

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

To award a contract to recruitment consultancy Carrington West for planning policy support for a Senior Planning Policy Officer for a period of 3 months.

Reasons for the decision:

The local planning authority are currently experiencing capacity issues in dealing with planning policy work and this post is essential to delivery of the Council’s statutory function. This capacity issue was recently highlighted in a LGA/PAS peer review of the planning service.

 

This post provides a replacement to a current contract worker who has terminated contract and ends on 24th March 2023.

Alternative options considered:

Not to award contract – The Authority is at an important time in working on the Joint Strategic Plan and not filling the vacancy would mean extremely limited support/no support would be given from Cheltenham to this Plan whilst Tewksbury and Gloucester have dedicated resource. This is not an option given the priorities and ambitions of the Council.

 

Other reasons / organisations consulted

The contract is being managed on an hourly rate and cost confirmed via weekly timesheets. The contract will be managed by the Planning Policy Team Leader, should there be a need for extension of contract then this will be fully reviewed within the context of any ongoing capacity issues and the wider discussion around the recommendations of the Planning Peer review, budget and further decision made if required.

Consultees

Engagement undertaken with One Legal in respect of IR35.

Finance – confirmation that budget available

Contact: 01242 264126.

Publication date: 27/03/2023

Date of decision: 24/03/2023