Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Human Resources Committee Item 11

4 July 2008

Code of Practice on Contracts - Workforce Management Information System

Report of the Chief Officer

Contact: Geoff Howsego Director of Human Resources 02380 644000 ext 2362

1

Summary

The purpose of this report is to bring to the attention of Members a particular aspect of the Code of Practice on Contracts as it specifically applies to the work of the Human Resources (HR) Directorate.

2

RecommendationError! Bookmark not defined.

That the report be noted.

3

Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined.and Background

The originating papers have already been considered and resolved through the Finance and General Purpose Committee and the resulting minutes will have also been submitted to the full Fire and Rescue Authority in advance of the Human Resources Committee meeting.

4

Basis of the Submitted Reports

4.1

The following provides the detail of the submitted papers. These were discussed as Exempt items at the Finance and General Purposes (F&GP) Committee on 24 April 2008 and recorded as exempt minute 102 - Item 20 of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority on 4 June 2008.

4.2

The minutes state that: A business case analysis had demonstrated that further exploitation of the existing SAP platform, provided by Hampshire County Council, was the most efficient and effective way to proceed, as it could be incorporated into existing SAP systems (such as Payroll) eliminating the need to have parallel systems in place, and enabling the sharing of bespoke SAP-based applications with other Fire Authorities that utilised SAP. Members expressed concern that, given the problems that had arisen with the initial introduction of SAP, it was important to ensure that the system in place was the correct one for the authority. It was explained that extensive development work would be carried out on the system prior to implementation to tie in with the specific and different management information needs of the authority, as opposed to Hampshire County Council.

4.2

The Committee resolved:

(1) That the annual report on Contracts is noted.

(2) That in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of Practice Note 8 (exemption) of the Code of Practice relating to Contracts, approval is given for the negotiation of single tender contract with Hampshire County Council for the supply of specific software developments to improve the provision of human resources management information from the current SAP application on the basis that it is an extension of an extension of an existing contract.

5

Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

This paper provides a note for information for members of the HR Committee. The actions have been detailed in previous papers to the F&GP Committee.

6

Risk Analysis

The Code of Practice allows for a single tender process, as detailed above. Failure to follow this procedure and/or properly inform members of the relevant committees and the Authority, could lead to a breach in our own procedures and subsequent criticism or may be actionable by third parties who may have been excluded from the tendering process. By carefully following our own internal procedures and ensuring all relevant committees and the Authority are correctly informed, the risk to the organisation should be effectively managed.

7

Resource Implications

7.1

Human Resources

There are no specific HR implications in relation to this notification. However, there are significant HR implications in the implementation of the project, which is outside the remit of this paper.

7.2

Physical Resources

Not applicable

7.3

Information and Communications Technology Resources

Not applicable

7.4

Financial Implications

Not applicable.

8

Equality Impact Assessment

8.1

The proposals within this report are considered compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Background Information (Section 100D of Local Government Act 1972)

The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report:

None

Note: The list excludes: (1) published works; and (2) documents that disclose exempt or confidential information defined in the Act.