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:
Thursday, 19th March 2026
10:00 AM
Thursday, 19th March 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 19th March 2026
2:00 PM
Thursday, 19th March 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
19 Mar 2026
19 Mar 2026
Location:
Chute Room - HCC
Chute Room - HCC
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Committee Member
Councillor Zoe Huggins BEM
Apologies
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence received.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Keith House and Zoe Huggins.
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.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes , 10/10/2025 Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee 11 Mar 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
No deputations had been received.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman extended his congratulations to Jac Broughton upon her recent appointment as Deputy Chief Executive.
6
Pay, Legislation and Appointments Update
To consider a report of the Director of People and Organisation giving an update on the national pay awards, proposed legislation changes and other matters.
Attachments:
- Document Decision Report - Pay, Legislation and Appointments Update 11 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee received a report from the Director of People and Organisation providing an update on pay, legislation and appointments.
The report provided an update on the position regarding national pay awards for Hampshire County Council staff, including the budgeted assumption of a 2.5% increase, and explained that while any national award would be applied automatically to grades A–G, Committee approval would be required for application to grades H and above. It was noted that should any award exceed the budgeted provision, a further report would be brought back to the Committee.
The report also updated Members on teachers’ pay arrangements, including engagement with national bodies and the anticipated timescales for the School Teachers’ Review Body recommendations. The position regarding Solbury staff and Coroners’ pay was outlined, including the preference for national negotiations to be re?established. Updates were also provided on senior officer appointments following periods of interim arrangements.
Members were informed of legislative changes introduced by the Finance Act 2025, relating to the use of umbrella companies and potential tax liabilities for end hirers, together with mitigations in place, including arrangements through Connect2Hampshire. The report further outlined anticipated changes under the Employment Rights Bill, including proposals to reduce the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims.
The Director highlighted emerging work to develop a corporate People Strategy, particularly in the context of Local Government Reorganisation, with an intention to bring further reports to the Committee.
During discussion, Members raised questions regarding the potential financial impact of multi?year pay awards, teacher recruitment and retention challenges, the management of risks associated with umbrella companies, and the importance of regular oversight of workforce planning during the transition to Local Government Reorganisation.
RESOLVED:
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee:
a) Noted the position on the pay awards for EHCC staff, teachers, Soulbury and coroners.
b) Agreed to apply the national pay award agreed (for those paid on Grades A-G EHCC terms and conditions) to staff on Grades H and above, with effect from 1 April 2026. This was on the basis that national negotiations are concluded and that the national pay award does not exceed 2.5% of the pay budget for staff on Grades H and above.
c) Noted the actions taken to ensure staff were paid above the National Living Wage from 1 April 2026 as the national Pay Award would not be agreed before that time.
d) Noted the permanent appointment of the Director of Corporate Operations and Chief Financial Officer.
e) Noted the permanent appointment of the Deputy Director Corporate Operations and Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
f) Noted the updates in employment legislation and actions Officers were taking.
g) Noted plans to develop a People Strategy for the County Council.
The report provided an update on the position regarding national pay awards for Hampshire County Council staff, including the budgeted assumption of a 2.5% increase, and explained that while any national award would be applied automatically to grades A–G, Committee approval would be required for application to grades H and above. It was noted that should any award exceed the budgeted provision, a further report would be brought back to the Committee.
The report also updated Members on teachers’ pay arrangements, including engagement with national bodies and the anticipated timescales for the School Teachers’ Review Body recommendations. The position regarding Solbury staff and Coroners’ pay was outlined, including the preference for national negotiations to be re?established. Updates were also provided on senior officer appointments following periods of interim arrangements.
Members were informed of legislative changes introduced by the Finance Act 2025, relating to the use of umbrella companies and potential tax liabilities for end hirers, together with mitigations in place, including arrangements through Connect2Hampshire. The report further outlined anticipated changes under the Employment Rights Bill, including proposals to reduce the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims.
The Director highlighted emerging work to develop a corporate People Strategy, particularly in the context of Local Government Reorganisation, with an intention to bring further reports to the Committee.
During discussion, Members raised questions regarding the potential financial impact of multi?year pay awards, teacher recruitment and retention challenges, the management of risks associated with umbrella companies, and the importance of regular oversight of workforce planning during the transition to Local Government Reorganisation.
RESOLVED:
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee:
a) Noted the position on the pay awards for EHCC staff, teachers, Soulbury and coroners.
b) Agreed to apply the national pay award agreed (for those paid on Grades A-G EHCC terms and conditions) to staff on Grades H and above, with effect from 1 April 2026. This was on the basis that national negotiations are concluded and that the national pay award does not exceed 2.5% of the pay budget for staff on Grades H and above.
c) Noted the actions taken to ensure staff were paid above the National Living Wage from 1 April 2026 as the national Pay Award would not be agreed before that time.
d) Noted the permanent appointment of the Director of Corporate Operations and Chief Financial Officer.
e) Noted the permanent appointment of the Deputy Director Corporate Operations and Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
f) Noted the updates in employment legislation and actions Officers were taking.
g) Noted plans to develop a People Strategy for the County Council.
7
Members’ Allowances Scheme – Proposed Amendment
To receive a report of the Chief Executive asking the EHCC Committee to consider a proposal to amend the Members’ Allowances Scheme, including the recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), and make its own recommendations to the County Council.
Please note that an updated Appendix 2 (with the IRP’s recommendations) is to follow.
Please note that an updated Appendix 2 (with the IRP’s recommendations) is to follow.
Attachments:
- Document Decision Report - Members’ Allowances Scheme – Proposed Amendment 11 Mar 2026
- Document Appendix A - Members’ Allowances Scheme – Proposed Amendment 11 Mar 2026
- Document Appendix B - Members’ Allowances Scheme – Proposed Amendment 11 Mar 2026
- Document Appendix B - Proposed Amendment to Members’ Allowances Scheme 11 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive seeking approval to recommend a minor amendment to the Members’ Allowances Scheme.
The report explained that the scheme member co?opted members of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board received an allowance, while the other employer representative did not. The proposal sought to extend the co?opted member allowance to the other employer representative on the same basis. It was confirmed that the Independent Remuneration Panel had considered the proposal and supported the amendment, and that the cost would be met by the Pension Fund rather than the County Council’s revenue budget.
Members supported the principle of the amendment and requested that, where possible, future reports clearly highlight proposed changes to schemes or documents to assist scrutiny.
RESOLVED:
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee thanked the IRP for their work in considering this matter, and their recommendations as referred to in the report.
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee recommended to the County Council that approval be given to the proposed amendment to the Members’ Allowances Scheme as set out in the report
The report explained that the scheme member co?opted members of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board received an allowance, while the other employer representative did not. The proposal sought to extend the co?opted member allowance to the other employer representative on the same basis. It was confirmed that the Independent Remuneration Panel had considered the proposal and supported the amendment, and that the cost would be met by the Pension Fund rather than the County Council’s revenue budget.
Members supported the principle of the amendment and requested that, where possible, future reports clearly highlight proposed changes to schemes or documents to assist scrutiny.
RESOLVED:
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee thanked the IRP for their work in considering this matter, and their recommendations as referred to in the report.
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee recommended to the County Council that approval be given to the proposed amendment to the Members’ Allowances Scheme as set out in the report
8
Organisational Restructure - Chief Executives Update
To consider a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the organisational and Senior Leadership team changes (Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers) that were implemented in January 2026, following appointment of the current Chief Executive.
Attachments:
- Document Decision Report - Organisational Restructure - Chief Executives Update 11 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee received a report from the Chief Executive providing an update on the recent organisational restructure.
The report set out the rationale for the organisational design changes, including the strengthening of leadership capacity in key areas, improved alignment of strategic functions, clarification of reporting lines, and preparation for Local Government Reorganisation. Particular reference was made to changes affecting the previous Hampshire 2050 functions, planning and infrastructure services, and Deputy Chief Executive arrangements.
The Chief Executive explained that the changes were intended to ensure that the organisation was appropriately structured to meet current and emerging challenges, while also providing clarity, resilience and accountability. It was noted that the changes resulted in a net saving of approximately £215,000, consistent with budget assumptions.
During discussion, Members welcomed the revised structure and commented on the importance of organisational agility, workforce stability, cross?service working and cultural change alongside structural change. The Committee expressed support for the approach taken and recognised the challenges facing the organisation in the context of Local Government Reorganisation.
RESOLVED:
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee:
· Noted the background context to the organisational restructure.
· Noted the approach taken and the principles that underpinned the redesign of the Organisation.
· Noted the changes which have been implemented to the organisational structure (directorates and service reporting lines), as outlined in paragraphs 19 to 22 and Appendix 1, and as summarised below:
o The disbanding of the Hampshire 2050 directorate.
o The realignment of services across Universal Services and People and Organisation.
· Noted the various changes in responsibility of members of the Senior Leadership Team (Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers, who form the Chief Officer Group), as outlined in paragraphs 23 to 28 and Appendix 2.
· Noted the Chief Executives decision to retain a single nominated Deputy Chief Executive role (an additional accountability alongside substantive Director responsibilities of a selected Chief Officer), as outlined in paragraph 29.
· Noted the rationale for the changes proposed to the Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer pay framework to reflect the changes in responsibility as outlined in paragraphs 30 to 33, and agreed the revised framework at Appendix 3, noting that the amendments do not increase the salary parameters of the existing framework, and the broader net savings that will be delivered through the changes made to Chief Officer roles.
· Noted that no changes are proposed to the existing delegated authority to the Chief Executive (previously agreed by the EHCC on 8 November 2022) to agree the renumeration of Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers in line with the proposed new salary framework, and in respect of Special Severance Payments, as noted in paragraph 34.
The report set out the rationale for the organisational design changes, including the strengthening of leadership capacity in key areas, improved alignment of strategic functions, clarification of reporting lines, and preparation for Local Government Reorganisation. Particular reference was made to changes affecting the previous Hampshire 2050 functions, planning and infrastructure services, and Deputy Chief Executive arrangements.
The Chief Executive explained that the changes were intended to ensure that the organisation was appropriately structured to meet current and emerging challenges, while also providing clarity, resilience and accountability. It was noted that the changes resulted in a net saving of approximately £215,000, consistent with budget assumptions.
During discussion, Members welcomed the revised structure and commented on the importance of organisational agility, workforce stability, cross?service working and cultural change alongside structural change. The Committee expressed support for the approach taken and recognised the challenges facing the organisation in the context of Local Government Reorganisation.
RESOLVED:
That the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee:
· Noted the background context to the organisational restructure.
· Noted the approach taken and the principles that underpinned the redesign of the Organisation.
· Noted the changes which have been implemented to the organisational structure (directorates and service reporting lines), as outlined in paragraphs 19 to 22 and Appendix 1, and as summarised below:
o The disbanding of the Hampshire 2050 directorate.
o The realignment of services across Universal Services and People and Organisation.
· Noted the various changes in responsibility of members of the Senior Leadership Team (Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers, who form the Chief Officer Group), as outlined in paragraphs 23 to 28 and Appendix 2.
· Noted the Chief Executives decision to retain a single nominated Deputy Chief Executive role (an additional accountability alongside substantive Director responsibilities of a selected Chief Officer), as outlined in paragraph 29.
· Noted the rationale for the changes proposed to the Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer pay framework to reflect the changes in responsibility as outlined in paragraphs 30 to 33, and agreed the revised framework at Appendix 3, noting that the amendments do not increase the salary parameters of the existing framework, and the broader net savings that will be delivered through the changes made to Chief Officer roles.
· Noted that no changes are proposed to the existing delegated authority to the Chief Executive (previously agreed by the EHCC on 8 November 2022) to agree the renumeration of Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers in line with the proposed new salary framework, and in respect of Special Severance Payments, as noted in paragraph 34.
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