Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Beanland (Councillor Rachel Bailey attended as a Substitute Member) and Mike Biggin.

Members are reminded to disclose any interests that are relevant to any item on the Agenda.

There were no declarations of Members’ interests.

To approve the minutes of the Staffing Committee held on 21^st March 2022

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Staffing Committee held on 21^st March 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That:

That under Section 100(A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Order 2006, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the items of business listed below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A to the Act in the paragraphs indicated:

Item 3 - Blue Light Collaboration - Review of Arrangements

Paragraph

(3)  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

(4)  Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or officer holders under, the authority

Item 4 - Flexible Retirement and Pension Discretion relating to Statutory Officer

Paragraph

(1)  Information relating to any individual

(3)  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

This report is concerned with the future of the arrangements commonly referred to as Blue Light Collaboration.  Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Constabulary have operated with the benefit of a number of support functions delivered by staff employed by the Chief Constable – the Blue Light Collaboration

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive that provided information about a proposal to review all of the Blue Light Collaboration arrangements following the creation of the in-house Communications and Engagement Department earlier this year.

RESOLVED: That

[1]      the report be noted; and

[2]      Fire and Police review all of the Blue Light Collaboration arrangements and report the finding to the Staffing Committee in due course.

This report is concerned with the employment arrangements of an office holder (employee)

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive that sought comments on the exercising of pensions discretions that would support the flexible retirement of the Director of Governance and Commissioning.

RESOLVED: That

[1]      the risks associated with the retirement of two of the three statutory officers at the same time be noted;

[2]      the actions detailed at paragraph 11 of the report be noted; and

[3]      the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive to ensure contractual arrangements protected the Officer concerned working arrangements after the flexible retirement.