The Employment Sub-Committee of Barnet Council was scheduled to consider proposals for two new senior roles within the council's finance and sustainability departments. The committee was also scheduled to review the council's Workforce Strategy for 2026-2028 and its Pay Policy Statement for 2026-2027.

Recruitment to Post of Assistant Director - Financial Sustainability Programme Delivery

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the creation of a new post, Assistant Director – Financial Sustainability Programme Delivery. This role was proposed to establish a dedicated team to support the council's efforts to achieve financial sustainability by 2029. The report indicated that this team would help increase capacity for delivering savings, preventing demand, and transforming services. The recommendation was to approve the creation of this post and authorise recruitment. The role was described as providing strategic leadership for the delivery of Our Plan for Financial Sustainability, working collaboratively across the council to identify and implement sustainable solutions to financial pressures.

Recruitment to Post of Assistant Director of Finance

The committee was also scheduled to consider the creation of a new role, Assistant Director of Finance. This proposal stemmed from recommendations made in an External Assurance Review commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The review highlighted risks and made recommendations concerning procurement and internal audit. The report suggested that an additional Assistant Director post would provide the necessary management and leadership capacity to address these risks and support the implementation of CIPFA's recommendations. This new role would also oversee the Head of Exchequer and was intended to support the Executive Director of Finance (S151 Officer) in ensuring high-quality financial administration. The recommendation was to approve the creation of this role and authorise recruitment.

Workforce Strategy 2026–2028

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the council's Workforce Strategy for 2026-2028. This strategy was developed taking into account the council's priorities and staff views, aiming to keep pace with a rapidly evolving external environment, particularly in relation to technological and financial challenges. The strategy was built upon four key themes and was informed by a staff survey with a response rate of over 25%. Discussions were scheduled to cover how the strategy aligns with residents' needs, particularly around collaboration, and how it addresses financial challenges and supports staff through initiatives like digital innovation.

Pay Policy Statement 2026-2027

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Pay Policy Statement for 2026-2027. The sub-committee was asked to refer this statement to the full Council for approval. A late submission from Unison was circulated to members, and the committee was scheduled to discuss this in an exempt session. Following this private discussion, the Assistant Director Human Resources and OD was to advise the sub-committee on potential minor amendments to the Pay Policy Statement before its submission to the full Council.