Agenda item

To receive a presentation on the Libraries Business Plan from Senior Leisure Managers and a Workforce Representative Group’.  A report will be considered under exempt information at agenda item number 13.

To receive the presentation.

Councillor Shotton welcomed workforce representatives and service managers to the meeting who were in attendance to present their views on the Leisure and Libraries Business Plan. 

            The workforce representatives Paula Jones, Dafydd Young and Jay Davies presented their views which covered the following:

·         As a workforce they were supportive of the proposed Alternative Delivery Model (ADM)

·         They had confidence in the ADM

·         They believed they had the skills to enhance the services

·         The workforce was positive and enthusiastic about the future

·         They wanted to provide a stronger service for the future

·         They would work in collaboration with senior managers on opportunities

·         Desire to develop themselves as individuals and break down any barriers

·         Intended to lead by example and safeguard services for the public

·         They recognised the challenges ahead and were ready to embrace the changes

The management representatives Paul Jones, Sian Willams and Kate Leonard presented their views which covered the following:

·         There was an increased sense of ownership by the workforce

·         It made financial sense in the coming years to meet the aims of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)

·         Based on assets, the ADM would be eligible for up to 80% business rate relief which would make huge inroads into identifying the required efficiencies.  Efficiencies would be met and a trade surplus would be generated by making changes on how the service operated

·         A good and enthusiastic workforce who were placed in a strong position for ADM

·         Employee engagement had taken place with approximately 200 staff who generated good ideas for the service.  Managers had been heartened by the number of employees who had approached them with ideas of how the service could be shaped

·         Employees took great pride in the service and were looking forward to the future

·         Opportunities to build on the co-located library at Deeside Leisure Centre which was a good showcase of what could be offered

Councillor Kevin Jones said he had met with the staff on a number of occasions and welcomed the way in which they had embraced the challenge. 

Councillor Shotton explained that Cabinet Members had wanted to be confident and assured that the services could be protected in the current financial climate which had been demonstrated by those present.  The purpose in inviting the workforce and management representatives to address Cabinet was to hear their views on something that was unique and he welcomed all of the comments made.

Councillor Attridge expressed his thanks to those present saying he was heartened by what he had heard.

Councillor Bithell said he was pleased by the enthusiasm showed by the staff which would help to secure jobs and valuable services. 

Councillor Butler commented on other local authorities who had closed leisure facilities because of austerity and praised this as a way forward.

The Chief Executive thanked the workforce group and service managers for their attendance.  There was still a considerable amount of work to be done including the establishment of a Transition Board which would receive a high degree of support from himself, Councillor Shotton and other senior officers. 

RESOLVED:

That the presentations be received.