Contact: Michael Sherwood - Ext: 7332

1. Introduction

1.1. The Shadow Cabinet has reviewed the existing management arrangements relating to the Recreation and Heritage area which currently comprises the four individual departments of Libraries, Museums, Archives and Arts, Countryside and Community. The aim has been to develop a more robust arrangement common to a group of departments and a stronger and more consistent approach to corporate issues.

2. The Proposals

2.1. After a careful examination of possible alternative options as outlined in the covering front sheet, the Shadow Cabinet has proposed the appointment of a Chief Officer at Corporate Management Team level, revising service delivery arrangements for the existing principal and Recreation and Heritage functions while at the same time strengthening arrangements for corporate working and advice; the proposed model is illustrated in Appendix 1.

2.2. Certain important consequential changes should be noted. It is proposed that the current arrangement whereby one service manager combines the responsibilities of Assistant County Planning Officer in the Planning Department with Head of Countryside in the current department of Arts, Countryside and Community should be discontinued and, instead, an independent Head of Countryside reporting directly to the County Recreation and Heritage Officer should be appointed with a brief which includes increasing marketing and income. However, the clear common themes between the two Departments are acknowledged and arrangements will be put in place to see that these benefits are retained. In addition, it is proposed that the management of the River Hamble would fit more appropriately within the Planning Department with the exception of any issues that affect the use of land for recreational purposes within the River Hamble area.

2.3. The new department would be known as the Recreation and Heritage Department.

3. Financial Implications

3.1. The financial implications of the proposed structure are set out in Confidential Appendix 2. In summary the actual first year full costs are £79,400. This will require a budget increase for the Planning Department of £33,200 in recognition of a percentage share of the current Assistant County Planning Officer who manages the Countryside Service. The balance of £46,200 can be found by savings within the existing service budgets of the Recreation and Heritage Committee.

3.2. One-off pension costs can be accommodated in 2001/02 through a combination of turnover savings during implementation and other one-off savings. Two retirements avoid to some extent detriment costs had they remained in post after the restructure.

4. Implementation

4.1. The impending retirement of two of the existing departmental heads under the existing arrangements means that the proposed new structure could be implemented reasonably quickly allowing for the timescales in appointing a new County Recreation and Heritage Officer. Appropriate interim management arrangements would be put in place.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. That the revised structure for Recreation and Heritage functions set out in the attached Appendix 1 be approved.

2. That the new department be known as the Recreation and Heritage Department.

3. That the appointment of the Chief Officer under the revised structure be dealt with as a matter of urgency with appointments to the other senior posts being made as soon as possible thereafter.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose 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 this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

5aR35901