Decision details

As part of the overall HR Modernisation project the Cabinet will be asked to consider proposals to transfer some functions of the HR service to Elevate

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Human Resources presented a report which showed the performance of Elevate East London over the first six months of the joint venture together with proposals to open negotiations on the possible transfer of further Council services into the partnership arrangement.

The Cabinet Member advised that a number of additional services had been identified for potential transfer which would create an opportunity to make savings in support of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy without impacting on the delivery of frontline services and, in some cases, improving services.  These services were:

·  HR Service Centre (transactions)

·  Pensions and Payroll Administration

·  Property Services

·  Facilities Management Contract Management at PFI Schools

·  Technical Support and Help Desk Reception Team

·  Revenues and Benefits Client Team

In line with the joint venture arrangements, Elevate East London had prepared Strategic Business Cases which detailed the proposed transfers and the Cabinet Member advised on the next steps, including the commencement of TUPE consultations with the staff and Unions, in advance of a proposed transfer date of 1 April 2012.  It was noted that a further report would be presented to Cabinet in January 2012 clarifying the detailed financial, contractual and clienting arrangements.

In relation to performance during the first six months of the contract, it was noted that Elevate East London had met or exceeded most of the performance indicators measured.  In response to a point that several of the targets did not appear to be particularly challenging and should be reviewed, the Cabinet Member commented that the original targets had been based on the achievement levels prior to the partnership and that he was confident that the improvement that had already been achieved would continue.  The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources clarified that the performance targets would be reviewed each year.

Cabinet agreed:-

  (i)  To note the six-monthly performance report of Elevate East London for the period up to 30 September 2011 as detailed in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report;

  (ii)  The Strategic Business Cases and proposal by Elevate East London for the transfer of the services listed above from the Council to Elevate East London;

 (iii)  That Elevate East London proceed to prepare and submit to the Council a Full Business Case in relation to the proposed transfer of the services listed above to Elevate East London;

 (iv)  To authorise the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, in consultation with the Divisional Director for Legal and Democratic Services, to negotiate the terms of the transfer with Elevate East London prior to submission to Cabinet of the Full Business Case; and

  (v)  To authorise the Chief Executive and the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to begin the TUPE consultation with staff and unions.