Agenda item

Report by Alwen Williams, Programme Director

Approve the Staffing Structure for the Programme Office, and delegate the authority to the Programme Director in consultation with the Chief Executive of the Host Authority and the Statutory Finance Officer to amend the structure as required within the funding envelope.

Approve the appointment dates for the staff within the staffing structure, and appoint to the Programme Office prior to the Final Deal, where those posts are affordable within the core budget and the ESF budget (as listed in clause 4.2.5 of the report).

Subject to the matters set out in the report, authorise the Programme Director to proceed with the creation of the posts and undertake the appointments process in accordance with the Host Authority’s Policies and Procedures. 

Delegate the authority to the Programme Director, in consultation with the Host Authority Chief Executive and the Statutory Finance Officer, to accept a WEFO grant offer based on 50% of the total project cost for the period July 2018 up until June 2023. Confirm that the NWEAB accepts that it will contribute match funding at 50%, primarily by a combination of capitalisation of project costs and core budget.

The report was submitted by Alwen Williams, Programme Director

DECISION

To approve the Staffing Structure for the Programme Office, and delegate the authority to the Programme Director in consultation with the Chief Executive of the Host Authority and the Statutory Finance Officer to amend the structure as required within the funding envelope.

To approve the appointment dates for the staff within the staffing structure, and appoint to the Programme Office prior to the Final Deal, where those posts are affordable within the core budget and the ESF budget (as listed in clause 4.2.5 of the report).

Subject to the matters set out in the report, to authorise the Programme Director to proceed with the creation of the posts and undertake the appointments process in accordance with the Host Authority’s Policies and Procedures. 

To delegate the authority to the Programme Director, in consultation with the Host Authority Chief Executive and the Statutory Finance Officer, to accept a WEFO grant offer based on 50% of the total project cost for the period July 2018 up until June 2023.  To confirm that the NWEAB accepts that it will contribute match funding at 50%, primarily by a combination of capitalisation of project costs and core budget.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

The ESF grant would provide funding to the region for the development and delivery of the Growth Vision, through the establishment of a Programme Office. The Programme Office will start with a core team of officers partly funded through the ESF grant.

In terms of the budget, it was noted that it would be more cost-effective to appoint officers rather than appoint consultants on freelance contracts. It was emphasised that no appointments would be made until confirmation of the funding had been received.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, noting that it was an update on the grant application. The posts which were part of the application were noted, as well as the dates for appointing and starting in post.

In terms of the budget, it was noted that it would be more cost-effective to appoint officers rather than appoint consultants on freelance contracts. It was emphasised that no appointments would be made until confirmation of the funding has been received.

During the discussion the following matters were raised:

·         It was asked when confirmation would be given of whether or not the funding would be received. It was noted that the indications were that the application would be accepted and Conwy Council was thanked for the work of preparing the application.

·         The difference between programme manager and project manager was discussed. It was stressed that these posts continued to be developed and adapted to ensure that there is no duplication, specifically when looking at the role of officers within the Regional Skills Partnership which is already operational in the region.

·         In terms of receiving the funding, it was noted that once confirmation is received that funding is available, an application for back-payment would be made and then the funding would be claimed on a quarterly basis.