Issue - meetings

To consider the report on the proposed centralised model for the Marketing and Communications Functions.

The Assistant Chief Executive for People and Organisational Development introduced the report which set out the proposals for streamlining marketing and communications functions and creating a centralised model for this service.  The new structure would enable the Council to make key efficiency savings in the areas of procurement, marketing work, and staff costs. Printing services would be outsourced and there were existing printing framework contracts in place which would be called upon for a service.   There would be a phased closure of the print room with a single machine maintained by an operative for a period of 12 months to provide a service to the democratic function of the Council.  Printing facilities would be reviewed 12 months and the interim period would be used to develop report planning practices in the Council to eradicate the number of reports requiring emergency printing.

The committee considered a deputation from Sean Fox, Employee side, who welcomed the changes made to the report since the last meeting of the committee in September. However the Employee side still had reservations about the focus of the review, particularly in relation to the print room service, and how savings figures had been arrived at.  There had been considerable effort made by current operatives of the service to ensure a good service with completive prices offered which, in their view, was not reflected in the review findings on cost.  In relation to these points the committee noted that the contract framework agreements for printing were standard agreements and would have penalty clauses attached for unmet demands.  The committee agreed that they would only consider proposals on the use of procurement contracts if the cost was less than what was currently being offered by in house service.

RESOLVED

1. That the committee note the formal consultation for the Marketing and Communications and the associated efficiencies took place from the 06 September until 6^th October 2010.

2. Approve the proposals for a Marketing and Communications Service as detailed in appendix 1, and subject to the amendment at paragraph 11.5 as set out in the main report. That the committee note that this amendment will not alter the overall financial savings mentioned in the report as provision had been made for the temporary retention of some in house capacity.

3. That the timetable for delivery be noted.