Decision details

To extend a contract to recruitment consultancy Carrington West for Planning Policy Manager support until end financial year 2023-24.

On 11 August 2023, a decision was made to extend this contractor role until end December 2023  This followed key recruitment drive for two roles to address recommendations highlighted in a LGA/PAS peer review of the planning service. We were successful in appointing to Head of Development Management, Enforcement and Compliance, but not to the role of Head of Policy and Place-Making.

A recruitment agency was subsequently appointed to support identifying potential candidates for the vacant role via a direct search.  This exercise as unsuccessful.  Work is now underway with the in-house recruitment team to map out a way forward.  To ensure we address capacity issues in dealing with planning policy work, maintaining the current contractor is essential to delivery of the council’s statutory function and as such the contract is extended to 29 March 2024.

Not to award contract – the authority is at an important time in working on the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury strategic and local plan and not filling the vacancy would mean extremely limited support/no support would be given from Cheltenham to this Plan whilst Tewkesbury and Gloucester have dedicated resource.  This is not an option given the priorities and ambitions of the council.

Engagement with HR and Finance.

The contract is being managed on an hourly rate and cost confirmed via weekly timesheets.  The contract will be managed by the Director of Communities and Economic Development.  Should there be a need for an extension of the contract then this will be fully reviewed within the context of any ongoing capacity issues and budget, and further decision made if required.