HR committee

Tuesday 25th August 2026

Mayor's parlour, Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn

 

Present 

Councillors: P Harrison, R Lloyd, C Rogers, T Schmeising-Barnes

Observers: T Berry

Officers:       S Saunders (Town Clerk), D While (Responsible Financial Officer)

Minutes

  1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE CURRENT MUNICIPAL YEAR

    It was resolved that Councillor Rogers be appointed as Chairman.

  2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

    Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Griffiths and I Schmeising-Barnes.  Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes was appointed as a substitute for Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes.

  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    There were no declarations of interest.

  4. VERBAL REPORT FROM THE TOWN CLERK ON APPRENTICESHIPS

    The Town Clerk reported that thought was required to look at taking on a Gardening Apprentice. She had spoken to Pershore College, who were the training providers and they had suggested a Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship with intakes in April and October of each year. All the details were on the Government portal and the process to follow. A discussion took place and it was resolved that the Town Clerk would obtain further information in readiness for the Parks Committee budget meeting in January 2027. It was also suggested that two apprentices be taken on and this would be looked into further.

  5. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

    Decision: "Under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of "exempt information" as defined in paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

  6. UPDATE FROM THE TOWN CLERK ON STAFFING

    The Town Clerk advised Members that the current job description for the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent did not represent the current role and duties carried out.  The job had evolved over the past 3 years in light of the Localism Agenda and the postholder had taken on a vast amount of responsibility and it was perceived this had contributed to improved Council services.  Following a discussion, it was agreed that the job title be amended to Operations Manager and an increase in salary be awarded to spinal point 35.  It was also agreed that the salary scale would be changed to 27-35 (depending on experience) for any future appointments.

    Councillor Berry advised Members that he had received the resignation from the Town Clerk due to early retirement.  This would take effect from 31st March 2027.  A robust discussion took place and it was resolved to advertise the job internally at this stage.

    Recommendation:

    1. The current job title of the Parks &Cemetery Superintendent be amended to Operations Manager and the spinal point for the role would be 35 with effect from 1st September 2026. However, the salary scale would be amended to 27-35 (dependent upon experience) should the post become vacant in the future.
    2. Due to the resignation of the Town Clerk, a job advert would be circulated internally in the first instance. The hours would be increased from 30 hours to 37 hours together with the increase in hours of the Assistant Clerk from 30 hours to 37 hours with effect from 1st April 2027.

Chairman

The Meeting closed at 12.25 pm.