Issue - meetings

To consider the creation of a Skills and Growth Company.

1.    Approval be given to the detailed business case for the implementation of a council owned Skills & Growth company.

2.    That a Skills and Growth company be created with the necessary governance arrangements, and arrangements made with other Council owned and controlled companies.

3.    That delegated authority be given to relevant Service Managers and Officers to undertake all necessary and consequential action arising from the above recommendations including, but not limited to, entering into any necessary contracts, consultation, loans, leases, licences, pension admission agreements  and guarantees.

At its meeting on 21 July 2015 Cabinet approved a service review and options appraisal to deliver an integrated skills & growth vehicle. It gave delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Assets, in consultation with other relevant Portfolio Holders, the Head of Legal Services and the Chief Operating Officer, to implement the outcome of the review. 

The service review has been completed and resulted in the preparation of a detailed business case for change which was approved by the Portfolio Holder on 1 Sept 2015. However the council wishes to further review its requirements for Workforce Development and thus the Workforce Development has been de-scoped while a more detailed review of need and provision is completed. There remains an aspiration to deliver apprenticeship, leaderships and talent services commercially from the skills and growth ASDV. Therefore, should an opportunity arise from the review of Workforce Development, aspects of the service may be brought into scope at a later date, but are excluded for the purpose of this business case.

In accordance with the delegation from Cabinet the revised business case reflecting these changes was now considered.  The proposal would bring forward investment, create employment opportunities for all and attract and grow business creating high quality employment.  The services to be delivered by the company were expected to be those currently delivered by the Major Projects Team, Business Engagement and Inward Investment plus Rural Enterprise, and 14+Skills and Lifelong Learning.  The financial arrangements were further explained and it was anticipated they would be finalised by the end of January 2017.

RESOLVED

1.    That approval be given to the detailed business case for the implementation of a Council owned Skills & Growth company.

2.    That a Skills and Growth company be created with the necessary governance arrangements, and arrangements made with other Council owned and controlled companies.

3.    That delegated authority be given to relevant Service Managers and Officers to undertake all necessary and consequential action arising from the above recommendations including, but not limited to, entering into any necessary contracts, consultation, loans, leases, licences, pension admission agreements and guarantees.