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To create a Joint Senior Policy Officer post
across Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council. The
post is to be hosted by Waverley Borough Council, with costs shared
on a 50/50 basis with Guildford Borough Council. The decision is to
take effect on Monday 5 January 2026.

Reasons for the decision

This decision is a pragmatic response to a
vacancy at Waverley, providing an opportunity to introduce a joint
role that supports both councils and strengthens collaboration. The
decision improves cross-council capacity and resilience without
requiring additional budget growth. The post will be recruited to
internally, supporting career development of existing staff by
offering progression opportunities while maintaining continuity of
service.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 Remain as is:
Do not create a joint post, and recruit to the vacancy on the
current Waverley establishment.
This is not recommended as it does not advance the objectives of
collaboration.
Option 2 Do minimum:
Delete the (soon to be) vacant Senior Policy Officer post at
Waverley; and,
Create a new Joint Senior Policy Officer post to recruit to
immediately.
This is the recommended option.
Option 3Do maximum:
Implement a fully joint team structure.
This approach is not recommended at this stage. Implementing a
joint structure would require a formal consultation process, which
would take time. During this period, recruitment would likely be
paused or, if appointments were made, new staff would need to be
included within the scope of the restructure. Delaying recruitment
would also create capacity pressures, impacting our ability to
deliver effectively.