Content

Decision
 
RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed
the financial implications of the restructure of the Electoral
Services Team approved by the Personnel Committee on 2 February
2026 at a cost in financial year 2026/27 of up to £57,686
inclusive of on costs.
 
Reasons for
decision
 
A review of staffing requirements identified
that the current structure was insufficient to meet existing
service demands and would not be able to cope with the expected
increase in workload arising from legislative changes and
forthcoming elections.
 
The review recommended the creation of a new
Deputy Electoral Services Manager post to strengthen operational
oversight, create a deputised position in the event of an absence
of the Electoral Services Manager, reduce reliance on temporary
staff, support succession planning and ensure that critical
functions can be delivered accurately and on time.
 
The Personnel Committee approved the new
structure at its meeting held on 2 February 2023 and consequently
approval is sought from the Cabinet for the funding required in
financial year 2026/27 for the new post of Deputy Electoral
Services Manager.
 
Alternative Options
Considered
 
Not fund the creation of the
new post - This would not
have addressed existing capacity pressures, creates continued risk
of service failure, and does not provide the resilience required
for statutory functions.
 
Rely on costly funding for
temporary agency staff – While this had been used to manage peak
periods, it is an inefficient long-term approach, increases costs,
and does not support the development of in-house expertise or
service continuity.