The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
About 100 staff at South Holland District Council have been told their jobs could be put at risk as part of a review of services.
An uncertain few weeks are ahead for many families as high-level staff pore over frontline areas, including housing, community and environmental services.
South Holland District Council chief executive Anna Graves
Chief executive Anna Graves is leading the Place review as part of the council’s drive towards delivery of more efficient and effective services in a modern way – and which satisfy residents’ needs and expectations.
Staff in the affected areas – almost half of the council’s total personnel – were informed on Monday.(April 3)
Mrs Graves, who is also head of paid service, told The Voice that she is mindful of the effect the uncertainty will have on her staff and productivity and wants to complete the process by late May.
Feedback already gained from the services and views obtained from staff during the consultation process will be used to shape future models.
Mrs Graves said: “This is about making our services better. I want our staff to enjoy their jobs and remove the obstacles they see.
“The purpose for the consultation is not just getting to tick a box.”
She insisted that improved productivity and efficiency were more important than cash savings, but if the changes freed up money “all the better”.
The council will look to redeploy as many people as possible, but Mrs Graves conceded that it could be the right time for some to leave.
“If they can’t change, if they don’t want to change, if they don’t want to be part of the journey we are on then perhaps they are better off not with us,” she said.
One of the biggest reviews is focussed on housing.
The Voice understands that more than half of the tradespeople posts within the construction services unit (CSU) could be axed. A new model with 12 posts is believed to be on the table.
It’s also thought that the CSU offices in Spalding’s Victoria Street car park could be dispensed with.
Mrs Graves said there were areas of housing services which can be challenged, including how the council’s stock is maintained and let.
The review of community services will include the creation of a dedicated enforcement team to include community safety, enforcement and anti-social behaviour, to work in partnership with other stakeholders.
Grounds maintenance and the asset of Ayscoughfee Hall and gardens are among the environmental services review, but waste and recycling collections will remain unchanged, for now at least.
Mrs Graves, who oversaw a restructure of senior management 18 months ago, acknowledged that reapplying for roles will prove to be a difficult and challenging process for some.
She said: “We do recognise how important support is and HR will be providing that. Some people have been working for the council for a very long time and we’ll be giving them the best possible opportunities to present themselves well.”
