Decision details

To extend a contract to recruitment consultancy Carrington West for Planning Policy Manager for a further 3 months

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

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

To extend a contract to recruitment consultancy Carrington West for Planning Policy Manager for a further 3 months (up to 30th April 2025) to be reviewed in line with recruitment and the timing of a handover to permanent appointment.

Reasons for the decision:

On 28th October 2024, a decision was made to extend the contractor role until the 1st February 2025. 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, this led to a refreshed campaign under an amended job role of Planning Policy Manager. This follows engagement and consultation with Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.
The challenge in the planning sector at senior levels is well evidenced nationally and unfortunately Cheltenham has not escaped this challenge, as was reported to Audit and Overview and Scrutiny committees at the end of last year.
To ensure we address capacity issues in dealing with planning policy work which is critical as we are preparing the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Strategic and Local Plan, maintaining the current contractor is essential to delivery of the Council’s Statutory function. Working with HR, this decision aligns the current consultancy role directly with the recruitment process to ensure we maintain the resource needed. This will be reviewed with HR and the Finance Business Partner on a monthly basis to ensure that the contract can be drawn to a close as quickly as possible.

Alternative options considered:

Not to extend the 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.

Declarations: none

Other reasons / organisations consulted

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

Contact: Tracey Birkinshaw, Director of Community & Economic Development Email: [email protected].

Publication date: 31/01/2025

Date of decision: 30/01/2025