Agenda item

The future delivery of the Education and Skills Service

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which sought approval of the Shareholder Agreement in relation to Barnet Education and Learning Service, attached at Appendix D. Further approval was sought for the annual Barnet Education and Learning Service Business Plan, attached at Appendix E.

 

Councillor Cooke expressed some concern with regards to the option selected in that it would lead to an inferior pension arrangement for some employees who were not part of the LGPS, creating a 2 tier work force with staff doing a similar job being on different terms and conditions . He further felt there would be issues around continuity of service.

The Executive Director for Children and Young people clarified that members of staff could not opt into the LGPS if they become an employee. They would be employed on the terms and conditions that had been advertised for which the work based pension had been put in place.

 

The Labour Group confirmed their agreement to noting recommendations 1-4 but would not support recommendation 5 and 6

 

Upon being put to the vote the recommendations as set out in the report were declared carried by a majority vote

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee

 

1.     That the Policy and Resources Committee note the content of the report.

 

2.     That the Policy and Resources Committee note the decision to terminate the current contract with Mott MacDonald.

 

3.     That the Policy and Resources Committee note the decision to novate the current contract with Mott MacDonald to the newly created Barnet Education and Learning Service Ltd and for the option to extend the contract to 31st March 2026 to be exercised.

 

4.     That the Policy and Resources Committee note the decision to novate the current contract which Mott MacDonald holds with ISS to provide catering services to the council and to commission Barnet Education and Learning Service Ltd to manage the contract on behalf of the council.

 

5.     That the Policy and Resources Committee approve the Shareholder Agreement in relation to Barnet Education and Learning Service, set out at appendix D.

 

6.     That the Policy and Resources Committee approve the annual Barnet Education and Learning Service Business Plan, set out at Appendix E.

 

Supporting documents: