Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2025):
165
Meetings (2024):
156
Meeting
Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 1st April 2025
10:00 AM
Tuesday, 1st April 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Tuesday, 1st April 2025
2:00 PM
Tuesday, 1st April 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
01 Apr 2025
01 Apr 2025
Location:
Chute Room - HCC
Chute Room - HCC
Meeting Attendees
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Independent Group Deputy
Committee Member
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence received.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Stephen Philpott and Keith House. Councillor Jackie Porter attended as the Liberal Democrat deputy.
2
Declarations of interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
There were no declarations made at this point. However, Councillor Malcolm Wallace declared being a member of the County Council’s Audit Committee but was advised this was not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest.
There were no declarations made at this point. However, Councillor Malcolm Wallace declared being a member of the County Council’s Audit Committee but was advised this was not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 November 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 08/11/2024 Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee 24 Mar 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting held on 8 November 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman welcomed Andy Lowe, Interim Director of Corporate Operations to his first meeting of this Committee, following the recent retirement of Rob Carr.
He also advised that Councillor Mellor had been invited to this meeting as Chairman of the Audit Committee with regard to Item 7 on the agenda and appointment of Co-opted Members Members on the Audit Committee.
He also advised that Councillor Mellor had been invited to this meeting as Chairman of the Audit Committee with regard to Item 7 on the agenda and appointment of Co-opted Members Members on the Audit Committee.
6
Pay and Legislation Update
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding the national pay award and potential employment related legislative changes.
Attachments:
- Document 6 EHCC Pay, Policy and Legislation Update - March 2025 Final 24 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding the Pay and Legislation update (Item 6 in the Minute Book).
The Director highlighted the salient points in the report including the pay award for 2024 and negotiations for the 2025 award. Members were also advised that it was being proposed to delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services.to make future decisions on the application of national pay and terms and conditions for staff employed on Soulbury terms and conditions.
Members noted the update on the MARS scheme and were informed that that, in the main, it had been well received.
RESOLVED:
1. That EHCC Committee notes that the 2024 national pay award for Local Government employees (those paid on Grades A-G EHCC terms and conditions and those on Teachers terms and conditions was implemented in December pay.
2. That EHCC also note that as per EHCC decision in March 2024, the pay award was implemented in December pay for Grades H and above.
3. That EHCC Committee notes that the 2024 national pay award for those on Teachers terms and conditions was implemented in December pay.
4. That EHCC note that the pay award for Soulbury staff for 2024 has now been agreed and will be implemented in April.
5. That EHCC delegates authority to make future decisions on the application of national pay and terms and conditions for staff employed on Soulbury terms and conditions, to the Director of Children’s Services, as comparable to delegations which already exist for other groups of staff.
6. That EHCC delegates authority to set the framework for application of Structured Professional Assessment (SPA) points to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Director of People and Organisation, comparable to delegations which already exist for other groups of staff.
7. That EHCC note the current positions of the 2025 pay awards for EHCC staff and Teachers.
8. That EHCC agree to apply the national pay award agreed (for those paid on Grades A-G EHCC terms and conditions) to staff on Grades H and above, with effect from 1 April 2025. This is on the basis that national negotiations are concluded and that the national pay award does not exceed 3% of the pay budget for those staff.
9. That EHCC note that officers have concluded consultation with recognised trade unions and the final Performance Management Policy has been agreed by the Director of People and Organisation.
10.That EHCC notes that a whole workforce (excluding schools) window was opened for staff to apply for the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme. 354 staff were accepted. This scheme was agreed by EHCC Committee in November 2024.
11.That EHCC Committee notes the current position on legislative changes and consultations in relation to upcoming legislation changes.
The Director highlighted the salient points in the report including the pay award for 2024 and negotiations for the 2025 award. Members were also advised that it was being proposed to delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services.to make future decisions on the application of national pay and terms and conditions for staff employed on Soulbury terms and conditions.
Members noted the update on the MARS scheme and were informed that that, in the main, it had been well received.
RESOLVED:
1. That EHCC Committee notes that the 2024 national pay award for Local Government employees (those paid on Grades A-G EHCC terms and conditions and those on Teachers terms and conditions was implemented in December pay.
2. That EHCC also note that as per EHCC decision in March 2024, the pay award was implemented in December pay for Grades H and above.
3. That EHCC Committee notes that the 2024 national pay award for those on Teachers terms and conditions was implemented in December pay.
4. That EHCC note that the pay award for Soulbury staff for 2024 has now been agreed and will be implemented in April.
5. That EHCC delegates authority to make future decisions on the application of national pay and terms and conditions for staff employed on Soulbury terms and conditions, to the Director of Children’s Services, as comparable to delegations which already exist for other groups of staff.
6. That EHCC delegates authority to set the framework for application of Structured Professional Assessment (SPA) points to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Director of People and Organisation, comparable to delegations which already exist for other groups of staff.
7. That EHCC note the current positions of the 2025 pay awards for EHCC staff and Teachers.
8. That EHCC agree to apply the national pay award agreed (for those paid on Grades A-G EHCC terms and conditions) to staff on Grades H and above, with effect from 1 April 2025. This is on the basis that national negotiations are concluded and that the national pay award does not exceed 3% of the pay budget for those staff.
9. That EHCC note that officers have concluded consultation with recognised trade unions and the final Performance Management Policy has been agreed by the Director of People and Organisation.
10.That EHCC notes that a whole workforce (excluding schools) window was opened for staff to apply for the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme. 354 staff were accepted. This scheme was agreed by EHCC Committee in November 2024.
11.That EHCC Committee notes the current position on legislative changes and consultations in relation to upcoming legislation changes.
7
Members' Allowances Scheme - Independent Remuneration Panel Process and Appointments
To consider a report of the Chief Executive setting out proposals for the use of the IRP and the continuation of the current Scheme in light of the Local Government Reorganisation timetable and postponement of the election from May 2025.
Attachments:
- Document 7 Apr 2025 - EHCC - IRP Report Clean (final) 24 Mar 2025
- Document 7i Appendix 1 - IRP Report-Co-opted Independent Members of Audit Committee 24 Mar 2025
- Document 7ii Appendix 1 - IRP's Recommendations on Allowance for Independent Co-opted Members of AC 24 Mar 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the Members Allowances Scheme and the Independent Remuneration Panel. It also included a proposal on the appointment of co-opted members on the County Council’s Audit Committee.
The Head of Legal Services outlined the proposed new approach to seeking the Independent Remuneration Panel’s (IRP) recommendations in respect of proposed amendments to the Members’ Allowances Scheme as well as
continuing the current appointment of IRP members pending the outcome of Local Government. He also advised on the proposal to appoint two Independent Co-opted Members of the Audit Committee, each with an allowance of £2,000.
During discussion, Members heard:
· The new proposal for the Independent Remuneration Panel would allow the process to become more efficient in terms of officer time and savings. It would still be transparent as recommendations of the IRP would be published, their findings would be considered by this Committee as well as Full Council public meetings and the minutes of each meeting would be published on our website.
· These changes would also ensure the IRP is appropriately independent from the County Council and would be consistent with the approach taken in other local authorities.
RESOLVED:
1. That the EHCC Committee notes the legal framework governing the Members’ Allowances Scheme and the IRP, as set out in this report; and
2. That the EHCC Committee agrees the proposed new processes by which the IRP will be asked to consider amendments to the current Members’ Allowances Scheme, as set out in paragraphs 27 to 30; and
3. That the EHCC Committee agrees to officers approaching the current IRP and confirming whether they are content to be reappointed and if so, to recommend to the County Council that the current IRP members are reappointed with effect from 1 March 2026 for a period of 2 years or until the outcome of local government reorganisation is implemented, whichever is sooner; and
4. That (if recommendation 3 is approved) the IRP be asked to provide written recommendations on a proposal to continue the current Members’ Allowances Scheme from 1 April 2026 for 2 years, or until the outcome of local government reorganisation is implemented, whichever is sooner; and
5. That the EHCC Committee delegates authority to the Deputy Director – Legal Services and Monitoring Officer to determine from time to time if any future proposed amendments to the Members’ Allowances Scheme are substantial and therefore require further recommendations from the IRP; and
6. That the EHCC Committee recommends to the County Council that, should it agree the proposed amended Terms of Reference for the Audit Committee, including the recruitment of two Independent Co-opted Members, then a new allowance of £2,000 per annum be created for these new roles, in accordance with the recommendations of the IRP.
The Head of Legal Services outlined the proposed new approach to seeking the Independent Remuneration Panel’s (IRP) recommendations in respect of proposed amendments to the Members’ Allowances Scheme as well as
continuing the current appointment of IRP members pending the outcome of Local Government. He also advised on the proposal to appoint two Independent Co-opted Members of the Audit Committee, each with an allowance of £2,000.
During discussion, Members heard:
· The new proposal for the Independent Remuneration Panel would allow the process to become more efficient in terms of officer time and savings. It would still be transparent as recommendations of the IRP would be published, their findings would be considered by this Committee as well as Full Council public meetings and the minutes of each meeting would be published on our website.
· These changes would also ensure the IRP is appropriately independent from the County Council and would be consistent with the approach taken in other local authorities.
RESOLVED:
1. That the EHCC Committee notes the legal framework governing the Members’ Allowances Scheme and the IRP, as set out in this report; and
2. That the EHCC Committee agrees the proposed new processes by which the IRP will be asked to consider amendments to the current Members’ Allowances Scheme, as set out in paragraphs 27 to 30; and
3. That the EHCC Committee agrees to officers approaching the current IRP and confirming whether they are content to be reappointed and if so, to recommend to the County Council that the current IRP members are reappointed with effect from 1 March 2026 for a period of 2 years or until the outcome of local government reorganisation is implemented, whichever is sooner; and
4. That (if recommendation 3 is approved) the IRP be asked to provide written recommendations on a proposal to continue the current Members’ Allowances Scheme from 1 April 2026 for 2 years, or until the outcome of local government reorganisation is implemented, whichever is sooner; and
5. That the EHCC Committee delegates authority to the Deputy Director – Legal Services and Monitoring Officer to determine from time to time if any future proposed amendments to the Members’ Allowances Scheme are substantial and therefore require further recommendations from the IRP; and
6. That the EHCC Committee recommends to the County Council that, should it agree the proposed amended Terms of Reference for the Audit Committee, including the recruitment of two Independent Co-opted Members, then a new allowance of £2,000 per annum be created for these new roles, in accordance with the recommendations of the IRP.
8
Chief Officer Group (COG) Update
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation on changes made, or in the process of being made, to the Chief Officer Group.
Attachments:
- Document 8 EHCC report - COG Changes April 2025 24 Mar 2025
Minutes
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding changes made, or in the process of being made, to the Chief Officer Group (COG) (Item 8 in the Minute Book).
The Director presented the main points in the report regarding changes to the Chief Officer Group.
The officers answered members’ questions and commented on points of detail, including the length of interim posts before they were made permanent and succession planning for Chief Officers.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
a) Noted the progress in relation to the appointment of a Director Corporate Operations and Chief Finance Officer.
b) Noted the appointment of the second Deputy Chief Executive.
c) Noted the further proposed reduction in the COG baselined and budgeted headcount.
The Director presented the main points in the report regarding changes to the Chief Officer Group.
The officers answered members’ questions and commented on points of detail, including the length of interim posts before they were made permanent and succession planning for Chief Officers.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
a) Noted the progress in relation to the appointment of a Director Corporate Operations and Chief Finance Officer.
b) Noted the appointment of the second Deputy Chief Executive.
c) Noted the further proposed reduction in the COG baselined and budgeted headcount.
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