The East Midlands Combined County Authority meeting on 17 June 2024 focused on establishing key governance structures, approving a pay and grading framework, and setting the budget for the upcoming year. Significant decisions were made regarding the appointment of statutory officers, the adoption of a draft constitution, and the approval of a strategic and investment framework.

Proposed Statutory Officer Structure

Amanda Mays, Interim Operations and People Lead, introduced a report recommending various staffing appointments in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and other legislation. The council resolved to appoint interim statutory officers, including Mark Rogers as Interim Head of Paid Service, Mark Kenyon as Interim Section 73 Officer, and Jodie Townsend as Interim Monitoring Officer and Interim Senior Information Risk Owner. An Appointments Panel was established to recruit for Chief Officer roles, and it was noted that the recruitment of the final Chief Officer post, the Monitoring Officer, would be subject to a subsequent board report.

Combined County Authority Governance

Jodie Townsend, Interim Monitoring Officer, presented a report on procedural governance matters. The council approved the draft constitution and delegated authority to make urgent amendments to the Interim Monitoring Officer in consultation with the four Lead Members of the Constituent Councils. The D2 Strategic Leadership Board (Derbyshire) and The City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee (Nottinghamshire) were appointed as nominating bodies for representatives to the Combined County Authority. Additionally, the council confirmed that the elected mayor would be known by the title of 'Mayor' and approved the Local Assurance Framework.

Mayoral Election

The council confirmed the appointment of Melbourne Barrett as the Combined County Authority Returning Officer and agreed on the Returning Officer Fees.

Combined County Authority Pay and Grading Framework

Amanda Mays introduced a report outlining the proposed pay and grading framework. The council approved the framework and associated pay scales, agreed to use the Korn Ferry Hay scheme for job evaluation, and decided to use the National Joint Council pay spine for the local grading structure. The council also supported the production of a Market Supplement Policy and Redundancy and Early Retirement Policy, and agreed that Chief Officers would receive a spot salary without bonuses or performance-related pay. Additionally, the council decided to apply for Living Wage accreditation and noted progress towards joining the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Combined County Authority Budget 2024/25

Mark Kenyon presented the budget and financial arrangements for the new combined authority. The council approved the interim operating budget for 2024/25, accepted grant funding subject to conditions, and opted into the national Public Sector Audit Appointments scheme for external auditors. The council also agreed that Derbyshire County Council would provide a full finance system and service as an interim arrangement and adopted the Treasury Management Strategy and Financial Regulations of Derbyshire County Council and the Standing Orders of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Combined County Authority Strategic and Investment Framework

Richard Grice, Interim Strategy and Delivery Lead, introduced a report on the Combined Authority’s Strategic and Investment Framework. The council approved the strategic framework as a basis for interventions and investments in 2024/25 and the development of a longer-term regional inclusive growth strategy. The council also approved the 2024/25 delivery plans, the further development of the strategic framework into a long-term strategy, and an initial investment plan for March-June 2024. Additionally, the council delegated the submission of the Adult Education Budget Readiness Conditions to the Interim Chief Executive of the EMCCA, subject to consultation with constituent council members.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Minutes of Previous Meeting.