Decision No:

CAB0066-2005SEP26

This record relates to B3(c) on the agenda for the Decision-Making

RECORD OF EXECUTIVE DECISION

26TH SEPTEMBER 2005

DECISION-MAKER:

Cabinet Member for Resources

PORTFOLIO AREA:

Resources

SUBJECT:

Homeworking for Council Staff

REPORT OF:

John Sears

Tel: 023 8083 2583                  

Email: john.sears@southampton.gov.uk

THE DECISION

Having read the report, including its recommendations and proposals, and following consideration of all other relevant matters, the decision-maker made the following decision:

1.

That the Homeworking Code of Practice outlined in the Documents in the Members’ rooms should be used to determine all future requests for dedicated Homeworking;

2.

All future requests for Homeworking should be based on broadband Internet access and secure remote access protocols to be developed by IT Services;

3.

Authorise payment of telephone and Broadband Internet Connections to Homeworkers as set out in Section B3;

4.

In accordance with Financial Procedure Rules to add a scheme of £130,000, phased in 2005/06, to the Capital Programme, to be funded from the earmarked receipts from the sale of the former Trading Standards Offices at 316 Winchester Road, for the projects set out In Recommendations 5 and 6;

5.

To approve in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules expenditure of £30,000 in 2005/06 as a contribution towards the development of a proven, fit for purpose remote access capability to allow Home workers an efficient connection to the Corporate Internet;

6.

To approve in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules expenditure of £100,000 in 2005/06 to upgrade existing or proposed dedicated home work arrangements (access arrangements, SCC provided IT equipment, and production of the Code); and

7.

That the Desktop Refresh programme currently being implemented by IT Services should be varied to allow for the provision of Laptops, Docking Stations and appropriate ancillary equipment for future dedicated homeworkers, provided that the additional costs incurred over and above the provision of scheduled Desktop PC replacements is funded by the relevant Division.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

To rationalise the current arrangements for homeworking and streamline the process for encouraging, authorising and implementing arrangements for dedicated homeworking.

It is suggested that in future requests for homeworking should be made to the relevant Service Manager and, if approved at that level, reported to the Property & Accommodation Board for final approval in terms of the accommodation/IT issues involved. The Property and Accommodation Board should manage the £100,000 fund for setting up Homeworkers as part of this process, so that funds are only released where clear flexible working or accommodation advantages can be demonstrated.

SCC should pay an allowance towards a Broadband service to each approved homeworking employee of £15 per month, this amount to be reviewed by HR/ITS on an annual basis to reflect market prices, together with a telephone line allowance (unless already paid) these costs to be funded by the employees Division.

DETAILS OF ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

The Council could decide not to support homeworking in future although this is likely to act as a disincentive to flexible working and the improvement of space utilisation within Council offices, and will not assist Council’s desire to be an employer of choice.

Homeworking arrangements could remain as they are now, but take up has been small and both implementation and work in practice is seen as difficult and substandard.

Alternative arrangements for homeworking could be considered, but the guidance set out in this report work well in other organisations.

OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS CONCERNING THE DECISION

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The decision-maker(s) did not declare a personal or prejudicial interest in the Matters set out in the report.

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE RECORD:

We certify that the decision this document records was made in accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000 and is a true and accurate record of that decision.

Date:

Decision Maker:

Councillor D Beckett

26th September 2005

Proper Officer:

Dale Sumner

SCRUTINY

Note:  This decision will come in to force at the expiry of 5 working days from the date of publication subject to any review under the Council’s Scrutiny ‘Call-In’ provisions.

Call-In Period

28th September 2005 to 4th October 2005

Date of Call-in (if applicable) (this suspends implementation)

Call-in Procedure completed (if applicable)

Results of Call-in (if applicable)