Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance (Monitoring Officer).

The Head of Legal Services presented the report on the Revised Apprenticeship Policy.

Members were advised that the Apprenticeship, Graduate Placement and Work Experience Scheme and its policies had been reviewed to ensure they met the new Government Apprenticeship Scheme that was introduced in May 2017. The new Apprenticeship Policy would replace the current policy and sit alongside the existing policies in the Apprenticeship, Graduate Placement and Work Experience Scheme.

There would also be a new pay condition introduced recognising the wider spectrum of apprenticeships that were now offered. This would cover from funding band 2 – GCSE level to funding band 15 – masters level.

The Council currently had nine apprentices the majority of which were part way through a 2 year apprenticeship. While there was no guaranteed job at the end of the apprenticeship the Council had retained some apprentices.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance (Monitoring Officer).

The Head of Legal Services presented the Revised Apprenticeship Policy.

The Apprenticeship, Graduate Placement and Work Experience Scheme and its policies had been reviewed to ensure that they were compliant with the new Government Apprenticeship scheme which had been introduced in May 2017. Following the review it was recommended that a new Apprenticeship Policy be adopted to sit alongside the existing policies in the Apprenticeship, Graduate Placement and Work Experience Scheme.

Members welcomed the changes and in particular the extension of the range of apprenticeships and the revised apprenticeships pay scale.

RESOLVED: (a)     That the terms and conditions for apprenticeship placements remain unchanged other than in relation to the pay policy for apprentices.

                        (b)     That the Apprenticeship Pay Structure linked to the Government’s Apprenticeship scheme as detailed in Option 2 of Appendix 4 be adopted.

                        (c)     That the Head of Paid Service or Director of Governance be authorised to approve any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to give effect to the revised arrangement.