The Chief Officers Employment Panel of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 27 July 2021 to discuss the creation of a new D1 level post for Head of Change and Flexible Futures. The panel approved the creation of this post, despite some councillors expressing concerns about the council's overall management structure and expenditure.

Head of Change and Flexible Futures Post

The panel discussed the creation of a new D1 level post, Head of Change and Flexible Futures, which would oversee the council's Flexible Futures programme and strengthen governance around project management by running the Project Management Office (PMO). This role is intended to be for a fixed term of two years, with the potential for the PMO aspect to continue beyond that. The cost of this new role is estimated to be an additional £18,000 per year for two years, funded from the modernisation transformation budget.

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, introduced the report, explaining that the post was necessary to lead the introduction of agile ways of working and to enhance project management governance. He noted that the current Head of Change and Business Transformation has been acting in this capacity and receiving an honorarium.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton expressed significant reservations about the proposal, stating, I'm uncomfortable with this. I read all the documents that we were sent. I've given a lot of thought. And I just think we're building such a massive empire here with so many people and costing us so much money as just as a matter of principle. I can't see why we haven't got the capacity to deal with this as things stand. I'm not happy about it. She argued that the council's management structure was becoming top heavy and inappropriate.

Councillor Stephen Greek also voiced his opposition, stating, I mean, I think in general, I mean, you know, we're the the objective here is agile working. This this seems to be the opposite of agile working. It's not doesn't seem to be an agile approach to just, you know, create an expensive new position. He also echoed concerns about the escalating costs associated with the accommodation strategy.

Councillor Varsha Parmar questioned the timeline for establishing the role, asking, what timescale you're looking at? And you said it's a head position, but like we've just alluded to, it sounds like a divisional director role. So maybe is that the title we're going to give or whatever when the person is interviewed, whatever. She also raised concerns about the new post holder's freedom to develop the project and make changes.

In response to concerns about the timing of the role's creation, Charlie, an officer, explained that the work had begun during the pandemic, but establishing a formal chief officer role with proper evaluation and budgeting had been delayed due to the council's stretched resources and the complexities of the process. He added that the current incumbent had been acting in the role and that interviews were scheduled to take place shortly after the panel's decision.

Despite the objections, the panel voted to approve the creation of the Head of Change and Flexible Futures post at grade D1. The decision was made with four votes in favour and three against.