Purpose

To enable the Planning Service to meets its
statutory obligations for the determination of planning
applications while two members of staff are on maternity
leave.
Agreement by workforce panel in November 2025.

Content

To appoint an Agency Contractor to provide
maternity cover commencing March 2026.
Costs to be covered by Statutory Maternity Pay and salary savings.
This was approved by the Workforce Panel (001005) on 12th November
2025 when the relevant budget costs were agreed.
Recruitment to be made in conjunction with Essex County Council
(People Operations) - CO0096 Temporary and Permanent Worker Supply
Chain DPS

Alternative options considered

The decision to appoint an agency officer to
provide maternity cover has been made with consideration to LGR but
at the present time the matter is not impacted.