Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 12, 2025

Purpose: To provide an informal presentation of the programme/project outline and take essential decisions whilst also to note the MTFP provision of £8m made in 26/27 revenue budget for potential increases in payroll.

Content: Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:   1.    That an external partner be procured through a tender process to work with the Council on developing and implementing a Pay and Grading framework, including the development of a final business case, for a new job evaluation scheme and new pay and grading structure for implementation in 2026/27. 2.    To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Resources, Strategy and Transformation in consultation with the Chief Executive and Lead Member for Transformation, HR and Localities to award the contract to an external partner following the procurement process. 3.    To delegate authority to the Chief Executive and the Service Director for HR and OD in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Transformation, HR, and Localities to undertake initial discussions in relation to collective bargaining with recognised trade unions. 4.    To approve the allocation of £3m of Transformation funding from the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts and/or Capitalisation Direction within the Capital Programme to enable the procurement of external specialist Pay and Reward consultancy support for delivering the pay and grading review, on the basis that a cost effective and affordable pay and grading structure is developed and modelled, supported by a detailed implementation plan, for future consideration by Executive and Scrutiny. 5.    To support the approach that it is intended to implement a modernised pay and grading structure that negates the need for an excessive number of recruitment and retention allowances and enables Somerset Council to retain and attract talent in a competitive job market.