Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 20th June 2025
10:00 AM
Friday, 20th June 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 20th June 2025
2:00 PM
Friday, 20th June 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
20 Jun 2025
20 Jun 2025
Location:
Chute Room, EII Court, The Castle, Winchester
Chute Room, EII Court, The Castle, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Zoe Huggins and Keith House. Councillor Arun Mummalaneni attended as the Conservative deputy.
2
Declarations of interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 April 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 01/04/2025 Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee 11 Jun 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting held on 1 April were confirmed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations on this occasion.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman welcomed Councillor Jackie Porter to the meeting following her appointment to this Committee at the Full Council meeting in May 2025.
He also advised that he was involved in informal meetings regarding the appointment of the new Chief Executive. It was noted that the outcome of this would be reported Cabinet in accordance with the standing orders.
He also advised that he was involved in informal meetings regarding the appointment of the new Chief Executive. It was noted that the outcome of this would be reported Cabinet in accordance with the standing orders.
6
Pay, Legislation and Appointment Update
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation giving an
update on the national pay awards, legislative changes and an appointment.
update on the national pay awards, legislative changes and an appointment.
Attachments:
- Document 2025-06-20 6 EHCC Pay Legislation and appointments paper - June 2025 11 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director for People and Organisation (Item 6 in the minute book) which provided updates on pay awards, the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers and the Government White Paper on immigration controls.
The Director introduced the report drawing attention to the current pay awards negotiations. It was noted that the National Employers had proposed a 3.2 pay increase for Grades A-G. This figure exceeded the amount previously agreed by the Committee earlier in the year for Grades H and above. As a result, an additional recommendation was included for approval, subject to the conclusion of national negotiations and on the assumption that the Employers' offer remains unchanged.
Members were also informed of the recent Supreme Court ruling on “For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers”. In response, the Equality and Human Rights Commission had launched a consultation to update its Code of Practice. Officers confirmed that the County Council would take a consistent, sensitive and ‘one organisation’ approach to any required changes. It was further confirmed that any legislation changes or consultations would be closely monitored to ensure County Council policies and processes remain compliant and up to date.
Key points noted during discussion:
· A contingency had been included in the February Full Council budget report to accommodate a potential increase in the pay award for Grades H and above.
· In light of the Supreme Court ruling, Members were advised that unisex toilets within the Council complex have been clearly labelled, and communications will be issued to inform staff of these changes.
The Committee concluded by congratulating Emma Noyce on her appointment as Deputy Director of Hampshire 2050.
RESOLVED:
1. That EHCC note that the NJC National Employer’s side has made a full and final offer to the Trade Unions’ side for the pay award to apply from 1 April 2025. That offer is an increase of 3.2% on all pay points and allowances.
2. That EHCC note that UNISON, Unite and GMB have all rejected the offer, and are consulting their members on potential industrial action.
3. That EHCC agree a pay award of 3.2% to apply to staff on Grades H and above, with effect from 1 April 2025. This is subject to the conclusion of the national negotiations and on the assumption that the Employer’s offer does not change.
4. That EHCC note the current position on the pay award for teachers from 1 September 2025.
5. That EHCC note the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers and the current actions officers are taking in relation to this case.
6. That EHCC note the Government White Paper on immigration controls and the impact this could have on any future recruitment of those workers from overseas that need sponsoring.
7. That EHCC note the conclusion of the appointment process for the Deputy Director of Hampshire 2050.
The Director introduced the report drawing attention to the current pay awards negotiations. It was noted that the National Employers had proposed a 3.2 pay increase for Grades A-G. This figure exceeded the amount previously agreed by the Committee earlier in the year for Grades H and above. As a result, an additional recommendation was included for approval, subject to the conclusion of national negotiations and on the assumption that the Employers' offer remains unchanged.
Members were also informed of the recent Supreme Court ruling on “For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers”. In response, the Equality and Human Rights Commission had launched a consultation to update its Code of Practice. Officers confirmed that the County Council would take a consistent, sensitive and ‘one organisation’ approach to any required changes. It was further confirmed that any legislation changes or consultations would be closely monitored to ensure County Council policies and processes remain compliant and up to date.
Key points noted during discussion:
· A contingency had been included in the February Full Council budget report to accommodate a potential increase in the pay award for Grades H and above.
· In light of the Supreme Court ruling, Members were advised that unisex toilets within the Council complex have been clearly labelled, and communications will be issued to inform staff of these changes.
The Committee concluded by congratulating Emma Noyce on her appointment as Deputy Director of Hampshire 2050.
RESOLVED:
1. That EHCC note that the NJC National Employer’s side has made a full and final offer to the Trade Unions’ side for the pay award to apply from 1 April 2025. That offer is an increase of 3.2% on all pay points and allowances.
2. That EHCC note that UNISON, Unite and GMB have all rejected the offer, and are consulting their members on potential industrial action.
3. That EHCC agree a pay award of 3.2% to apply to staff on Grades H and above, with effect from 1 April 2025. This is subject to the conclusion of the national negotiations and on the assumption that the Employer’s offer does not change.
4. That EHCC note the current position on the pay award for teachers from 1 September 2025.
5. That EHCC note the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers and the current actions officers are taking in relation to this case.
6. That EHCC note the Government White Paper on immigration controls and the impact this could have on any future recruitment of those workers from overseas that need sponsoring.
7. That EHCC note the conclusion of the appointment process for the Deputy Director of Hampshire 2050.
7
Hampshire County Council - Annual People Report 2024 - 2025
To consider a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing the Annual People data for 2024/25.
Attachments:
- Document 7 EHCC report - Annual People Report 2024 to 2025 - 2025-06-20 11 Jun 2025
- Document 7i Annex one - Annual People Report - 2024-2025 11 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding the County Council’s Annual People Report for 2024/25 (Item 7 in the Minute Book).
Councillor Jackie Porter declared an interest in this item regarding Local Government Reorganisation as she is a Cabinet member at Winchester City Council.
The Director introduced the report and advised Members that the report title had changed from previous years from workforce to people, to better reflect the humanity, individuality and person-centric nature of the County Council’s work and values.
The Director outlined the challenging financial landscape in which the County Council was currently operating and emphasised the proactive measures being taken to mitigate its impact. This included transformation programmes designed to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services and to build long-term resilience for the future.
During questions, Members were informed:
· The County Council remained more attractive to females because of the flexibility it can provide for certain roles
· Challenges in recruiting staff in the catering sector remain
· The overall cost of people working at the County Council included on-costs and pay awards
· Work was underway to retain staff in anticipation of Local Government Reorganisation including targeted communications and engagement with and feedback from employee networks.
· Information would be provided on whether Education Catering Services were experiencing an uptick in turnover as we lead into change.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
1. Reviewed the content of the Annual People Report (Annex One)
2. Noted the progress of the work undertaken across the County Council over the last 12 months.
Councillor Jackie Porter declared an interest in this item regarding Local Government Reorganisation as she is a Cabinet member at Winchester City Council.
The Director introduced the report and advised Members that the report title had changed from previous years from workforce to people, to better reflect the humanity, individuality and person-centric nature of the County Council’s work and values.
The Director outlined the challenging financial landscape in which the County Council was currently operating and emphasised the proactive measures being taken to mitigate its impact. This included transformation programmes designed to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services and to build long-term resilience for the future.
During questions, Members were informed:
· The County Council remained more attractive to females because of the flexibility it can provide for certain roles
· Challenges in recruiting staff in the catering sector remain
· The overall cost of people working at the County Council included on-costs and pay awards
· Work was underway to retain staff in anticipation of Local Government Reorganisation including targeted communications and engagement with and feedback from employee networks.
· Information would be provided on whether Education Catering Services were experiencing an uptick in turnover as we lead into change.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee:
1. Reviewed the content of the Annual People Report (Annex One)
2. Noted the progress of the work undertaken across the County Council over the last 12 months.
8
Connect2Hampshire - Update on Hampshire's Temporary Staffing Agency
To receive a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing an update on the County Council’s joint venture agency, Hampshire & Kent Commercial Services LLP (trading as Connect2Hampshire).
Attachments:
- Document 8 EHCC - Connect2Hampshire update - June 2025 11 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Committee received a report of the Director of People and Organisation regarding an update on Hampshire’s temporary staffing agency, Connect2Hampshire (C2H) (Item 8 in the Minute Book).
Members heard that Connect2Hampshire had effectively supported Hampshire County Council's temporary workforce needs, especially in hard-to-recruit areas such as within the residential and nursing care agency provision. C2H had shown strong financial performance by reducing reliance on expensive off-contract agencies and operating with a solid, well-established model.
It was reported that for the 2024/25 financial year, the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) was projected to declare a net profit of approximately £1.073 million, with the County Council's 50% share estimated at £536,000, similar to that received in 2023/24.
A light-touch review conducted in Q4 of 2024/25 confirmed the value of the arrangement and provided confidence to continue with the agreement for the remaining four years of the ten-year agreement, until 31 March 2029.
During the discussion, Members were advised that work would need to be carried out on how Connect2Hampshire would be managed post the Local Government Reorganisation.
The Committee agreed that it would be helpful to include the accounts of C2H within the report. Officers confirmed that this would be included in all future reports.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted:
a. The update for Connect2Hampshire in relation to 2024/25, including its performance during this period in relation to the provision of temporary agency workers to the County Council, including continued decline in off-contract agency use outside of C2H.
b. The continuing governance arrangements in place and strong financial performance of Connect2Hampshire, including the County Council’s final net profit position for 2023/24 and estimated net profit share for 2024/25.
c. The ‘substantial’ rating outcome of a planned audit by the Southern Internal Audit Partnership in Q4 2024/25 that reviewed the governance and assurance framework overseeing C2H's activities and performance.
d. The completion of a strategic review of the current Connect2Hampshire arrangements, providing the necessary assurance for the continuation of the Connect2Hampshire agreement, beyond the initial six-year period for up to a further four years, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2029.
Members heard that Connect2Hampshire had effectively supported Hampshire County Council's temporary workforce needs, especially in hard-to-recruit areas such as within the residential and nursing care agency provision. C2H had shown strong financial performance by reducing reliance on expensive off-contract agencies and operating with a solid, well-established model.
It was reported that for the 2024/25 financial year, the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) was projected to declare a net profit of approximately £1.073 million, with the County Council's 50% share estimated at £536,000, similar to that received in 2023/24.
A light-touch review conducted in Q4 of 2024/25 confirmed the value of the arrangement and provided confidence to continue with the agreement for the remaining four years of the ten-year agreement, until 31 March 2029.
During the discussion, Members were advised that work would need to be carried out on how Connect2Hampshire would be managed post the Local Government Reorganisation.
The Committee agreed that it would be helpful to include the accounts of C2H within the report. Officers confirmed that this would be included in all future reports.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee noted:
a. The update for Connect2Hampshire in relation to 2024/25, including its performance during this period in relation to the provision of temporary agency workers to the County Council, including continued decline in off-contract agency use outside of C2H.
b. The continuing governance arrangements in place and strong financial performance of Connect2Hampshire, including the County Council’s final net profit position for 2023/24 and estimated net profit share for 2024/25.
c. The ‘substantial’ rating outcome of a planned audit by the Southern Internal Audit Partnership in Q4 2024/25 that reviewed the governance and assurance framework overseeing C2H's activities and performance.
d. The completion of a strategic review of the current Connect2Hampshire arrangements, providing the necessary assurance for the continuation of the Connect2Hampshire agreement, beyond the initial six-year period for up to a further four years, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2029.
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