Decision details

To extend a contract to recruitment consultancy Carrington West for Planning Policy Manager support for a further 3 months until 1st February 2025.

On 14th June 2024, a decision was made to extend the contractor role until the 1st November 2024. This followed key recruitment drive to address recommendations highlighted in a LGA/PAS peer review of the planning service. Recruitment campaigns have been undertaken in a variety of ways for the role of Head of policy & place making, however to date have been unsuccessful. The challenges in respect of recruitment have continued, but this month there will be a refreshed campaign under an amended job role of Planning Policy Manager. This follows engagement and consultation with Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.

As recently reported to both the Audit and Overview and Scrutiny committees, this recruitment challenge experience is not unique to Cheltenham due to the national shortage of personnel across 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 February 2025 for a further 3 months. This runs parallel to the recruitment process.

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 senior officer support/no support would be given from Cheltenham to this Plan. This is not an option given the priorities and ambitions of the Council. In addition, changes to the national planning framework are envisaged in the new year 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.