Decision details

To extend a contract to recruitment consultancy Carrington West for Planning Policy Manager support for a further 4 months until 1st November 2024.

On 1st March 2024, a decision was made to extend the contractor role until the end of the June 2024. 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 & compliance, but not to the role of Head of policy & place making. The challenges in respect of recruitment have been ongoing. Unfortunately, this experience is not unique to Cheltenham due to the national shortage of personnel within the planning profession, particularly in more senior roles.
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 1st November 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 Tewksbury and Gloucester have dedicated resource. This is not an option given the priorities and ambitions of the Council. In addition, changes to the national planning framework are envisaged post general elections and we need to be in a position to respond appropriately to this.

Engagement with HR and Finance, alongside regular updates to the Cabinet portfolio lead.