Archived decisions

Contact: Kevin Gardner, Head of Legal Practice, ext 7381

1. Summary

The following decisions are sought

1.1 That John Wilkinson, Assistant County Education Officer (Lifelong Learning), be nominated as Director representing the County Council's interest on the Board of South Central Connexions Partnership Limited, following the resignation of Andrew Seber, on legal advice.

1.2 That Roger Mead, Assistant County Education Officer (Resources and Planning) be nominated as Alternate Director representing the County Council's interest on the Board of VT Southern Careers Limited (in the event that Andrew Seber is unable to attend), following the resignation of John Wilkinson, on legal advice.

2. Reason

2.1 The changes proposed follow receipt of legal advice to the effect that the Council's appointees to the Boards of both companies should be separate, to avoid any conflicts of interest arising. The object of the South Central Connexion Partnership is to provide the Connexion service to young people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The County Council is committed to ensuring that the interests of young people are served by the Connexions Service, in keeping with Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy "Maximising Life Opportunities".

3. Other Options Considered

3.1 None

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer Consulted

4.1 Andrew Seber, County Education Officer, is a Director of VT Southern Careers Limited (a service provider to South Central Connexions Partnership Limited). Andrew Seber has recently resigned as Director of South Central Connexions Partnership Limited.

4.2 John Wilkinson has recently resigned as Alternate Director of VT Southern Careers Limited.

5 Dispensation Granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 The Board of South Central Connexions Partnership Limited meets on 26^th May 2004 to consider the outcomes from an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on 21^st May 2004. It is important that the County Council is represented on the Board at this meeting. On receipt of legal advice, Andrew Seber has resigned as Director, and if the appointment of John Wilkinson is not made before the meeting on 26^th May 2004, the County Council will not be represented at that meeting.

Approved by Date of Decision

Councillor D G Allen .......................