This week in Wokingham:

Key Staffing Role Appointment Postponed

The crucial appointment of a Service Director for the Environment, a role vital for driving Wokingham's environmental initiatives and climate action, has been postponed. The Employment and Staffing Committee, which was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 1 April 2026, was due to make this appointment.

This role is central to the council's commitment to being GREEN – the surroundings are clean, sustainable and have plenty of green spaces for all to enjoy, and we all contribute towards reducing our carbon footprint. The successful candidate would be instrumental in delivering the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), aiming to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency across the borough. The postponement means a delay in strengthening the leadership for these critical environmental efforts.

The committee was also set to discuss the exclusion of the public from certain agenda items, a standard procedure when sensitive personnel matters are to be discussed, as per the Local Government Act 1972.

You can find more details about the scheduled meeting here: Employment and Staffing Committee.

Other Matters

The Employment and Staffing Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 1 April 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Wokingham:

Wokingham Council Responds to Oxfordshire Reorganisation Plans

Wokingham Borough Council has formally responded to a government consultation on proposals to reorganise local government in Oxfordshire. The potential changes could see the creation of new unitary councils in the neighbouring county, with implications for how services are delivered and how Wokingham works with its neighbours.

The council's position, considered by Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Housing, Partnerships and the Local Plan, is to neither support nor oppose a single, Oxfordshire-wide unitary council. However, the council has raised concerns about proposals that would see West Berkshire Council removed from Berkshire and potentially form part of a new Ridgeway council.

The report highlighted that the proposals for a new Ridgeway Council were not developed in collaboration with other Berkshire authorities, and the potential impacts on existing Berkshire unitary authorities remain unclear. This lack of clarity could affect cross-border service delivery and strategic planning.

The consultation presented three options:

• Option 1: A single Oxfordshire-wide unitary council. This model was seen as potentially offering financial resilience and a unified planning system, but the report noted no specific reference to Wokingham Borough Council within this proposal.
• Option 2: Two unitary councils – Oxford and Shires, and Ridgeway (including West Berkshire). This option aimed for more localised services, but the report flagged concerns about the removal of West Berkshire from Berkshire and the lack of consultation with other Berkshire authorities.
• Option 3: Three unitary councils – Greater Oxford, Northern Oxfordshire, and Ridgeway (including West Berkshire). Similar to Option 2, this proposal aimed for responsive government but also raised concerns about the impact on Berkshire's existing structure.

The council's response aims to ensure that any changes do not negatively impact Wokingham's residents or its ability to collaborate effectively with neighbouring authorities. The potential for new unitary councils to be operational from April 2028 means that Wokingham will need to be prepared for shifts in regional governance.

You can find more details about the council's response to the consultation here: Executive - Individual Member Decisions.

New Policies to Shape Wokingham's Workforce and Online Presence

Wokingham Council is updating its policies to reflect modern working practices and ensure clear guidelines for staff. The Employment and Staffing Committee met to discuss and approve several key HR policies, including those for a modern workforce, social media use, and recruitment.

Modern Workforce Policy

A new Modern Workforce Policy aims to formalise three worker styles: Fixed, Community, and Hybrid. This framework is designed to support recruitment, retention, and productivity by setting clear expectations for employees and managers. The policy was developed after extensive consultation with staff and managers. Concerns were raised about how individuals unsuited to hybrid working would be managed, with assurances that the policy includes provisions for reviewing working arrangements based on performance or service needs.

Staff Social Media Policy

A proposed Staff Social Media Policy will replace the existing one, offering a more structured approach to staff use of social media. The policy aims to boost confidence in using social media for engagement while protecting employees and the Council's reputation. It clarifies that legal principles like libel and defamation apply online, and that existing Council policies, including the Equality and Diversity Policy and Officers Code of Conduct, are relevant to social media use.

Recruitment and Selection Policy

A new Recruitment and Selection Policy is set to streamline the recruitment process across the Council. It outlines a framework for best practice, ensuring fairness, merit, equality, diversity, inclusion, consistency, transparency, and safe hiring. The policy details responsibilities for managers, HR teams, and selection panel members.

Employment Rights Act 2025

The committee also reviewed the implications of the Employment Rights Act 2025. A significant change is the reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from two years to six months, effective from January 2027. This, along with uncapped tribunal awards, increases the Council's financial risk. The Council's response includes strengthening its probation policy to a standard three-month period with an optional extension, and providing enhanced support for new starters and managers.

You can read more about these policy updates here: Employment and Staffing Committee.

Parking Controls Under Review Across the Borough

Proposed changes to Wokingham Borough Council's parking regulations were considered, aiming to create a more consistent and enforceable system across the borough's Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). The Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, Councillor Adrian Betteridge, reviewed the outcomes of a statutory consultation on these proposed amendments to the Wokingham Borough Council (Prohibition and Restriction of Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Parking Places) (Consolidation) Order 2023.

The consultation received 177 responses, including 146 objections. Key concerns raised by residents included:

• Extended Operating Hours: Many residents felt that longer restrictions in the evenings and on weekends would make it harder for visitors, carers, and tradespeople to access their homes.
• Access to Community Facilities: In areas like Ormonde Road, concerns were raised that restrictions could impact access to vital community groups such as the Wokingham Men's Shed and allotments, particularly for older residents or those with mobility issues. Officers have recommended removing proposals for one specific area to address these concerns.
• Replacement of White Access Markings: The proposal to replace advisory white access markings with legally enforceable double yellow lines was met with objections, with residents arguing it would reduce parking capacity.
• Permit Costs and Eligibility: Questions were raised about potential increases in permit costs and changes to who is eligible, particularly affecting lower-income households, carers, and older residents. The council states that permit charges are intended to be cost-neutral, covering administration and enforcement.
• Displacement and Road Safety: Residents in some areas worried that tighter restrictions elsewhere could lead to increased congestion and safety risks on narrower streets and junctions.

The proposed changes aim to ensure consistent parking management across CPZs. The report indicated that the implementation of these changes would have an estimated cost of £30,000 in the current financial year, with an anticipated saving of £33,500 in the next financial year from additional income generated by visitor permits and pricing adjustments.

More details on the proposed parking order amendments can be found here: Executive - Individual Member Decisions.

Other Matters

The Council met on Thursday 26 March 2026. Further details on the discussions and decisions from this meeting will be made available once published by the council.

In the past week, the Wokingham Council has held several meetings. Here’s a detailed look at what transpired and how it impacts our community.

Executive - Individual Member Decisions - Wednesday 26 June 2024

The council made two key decisions during this meeting: awarding a five-year contract for the provision of Adult Social Care systems to Liquidlogic Ltd and extending a contract for out-of-hours emergency repairs to council housing.

Procurement of Social Care System - 5-Year Contract

The council awarded a five-year contract for the provision of the Liquidlogic Adult Social Care System to Liquidlogic Ltd for £478,261. The decision was based on a report that highlighted Liquidlogic as the sole provider capable of meeting the council’s needs. The report stated:

There is only one supplier in the market that can offer the required modules and functionality to meet the needs of the Council. Liquidlogic is the sole provider of the Liquidlogic Adults’ and Children’s Social Care system, and as such, the Council was unable to run a competitive process.

The proposal from Liquidlogic scored 84% in the council's procurement process, surpassing the threshold of 70%, which the report described as representing best value for money.

Housing Repairs - Extension to Out-of-Hours Emergency Repairs Contract

The council also agreed to a six-month extension to its contract with Mears Group for out-of-hours emergency repairs to council housing. This extension was deemed necessary to allow more time for the procurement of a new contract. The decision follows an initial extension made in March 2024, with ongoing negotiations about the scope and cost of a new contract.

The Housing Revenue Account business plan 2023-28 had included a commitment to deliver a new repairs contract by April 2024. However, the complex nature of the procurement process has delayed this timeline. The report noted:

Due to the complex nature of this procurement this original timeline has proven unachievable. However, it is critical that the council seeks to secure best value for residents.

The current contract with Mears Group is no longer delivering value for money due to industry-wide inflationary pressures.

Cancelled Meetings

Several other meetings scheduled for this week were cancelled:

1. Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 25 June 2024: Meeting cancelled.
2. Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 26 June 2024: Meeting cancelled.
3. Executive - Thursday 27 June 2024: Meeting cancelled.

Understanding the Executive - Individual Member Decisions

The Executive - Individual Member Decisions meeting is a forum where individual members of the Executive make decisions on specific matters within their portfolio. This process allows for more focused and timely decision-making on issues that require specialised knowledge or urgent attention.

The Role of Liquidlogic Ltd in Adult Social Care

Liquidlogic Ltd is a prominent provider of software solutions for social care services in the UK. Their systems are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social care delivery, helping councils manage and coordinate care for vulnerable adults and children. The decision to award the contract to Liquidlogic underscores the council's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance social care services.

The Importance of Effective Housing Repairs

Effective housing repair services are crucial for maintaining the safety and well-being of residents in council housing. The extension of the contract with Mears Group ensures that emergency repairs can continue while the council works towards securing a new, cost-effective contract. This decision aligns with the council's broader commitment to providing high-quality housing services and achieving best value for residents.

We hope this update has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the recent Executive - Individual Member Decisions meeting and the ongoing efforts to improve social care and housing services in Wokingham. Stay tuned for more updates on local government activities and how they impact our community.

In the past week, the Wokingham Council has held two significant meetings. Here’s a detailed look at what transpired and how it impacts our community.

SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) - Monday 10 June 2024

The SACRE meeting primarily focused on the ongoing review of the Religious Education (RE) syllabus. This review is crucial as it shapes the curriculum that schools across Wokingham will follow. Here are the key points discussed:

1. Syllabus Review Update: Angela Hill, the Religious Education Advisor, provided an update on the current status of the syllabus review. The draft syllabus is still under development and has undergone extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including faith representatives, teachers, and other interested parties. The aim is to have a more finished version by November 2024, with a final implementation target of September 2025.

2. Consultation and Feedback: The draft syllabus has been shaped by feedback from Ofsted reports and aims to be academically rigorous and inclusive of both religious and non-religious worldviews. Angela Hill highlighted that the current draft has received a warm reception overall, but there are still areas that need refinement based on the feedback received.

3. Inclusion of Non-Religious Worldviews: A significant part of the discussion revolved around the inclusion of non-religious worldviews, such as humanism, in the RE syllabus. This inclusion aims to reflect the diverse beliefs of students and ensure that the curriculum is inclusive and balanced.

4. Representation and Constitution Amendments: The meeting also addressed concerns about the representation of different faiths and worldviews within the SACRE. Emily Waddilove clarified that the local authority has the legal right to decide on SACRE membership. The decision to include a humanist member was made following a court ruling that mandates equal consideration for non-religious worldviews.

5. Teacher Feedback and Training: Feedback from a survey sent to headteachers highlighted concerns about the reduction in curriculum time for RE and the need for better support for teachers. Upcoming training sessions for primary and secondary teachers were discussed, focusing on providing practical resources and support for implementing the new syllabus.

6. Future Meetings and Events: The dates for the next SACRE meetings were confirmed, with an extraordinary meeting planned to discuss the draft syllabus further. The possibility of holding a launch event for the new syllabus in March 2025 was also discussed, with teachers expressing a preference for an earlier date to allow time for preparation.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet, Public reports pack, and the Minutes of Previous Meeting.

Planning Committee - Wednesday 12 June 2024

The Planning Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, but unfortunately, the transcript for this meeting is not yet available. We will provide a detailed update once the notes are summarised.

Understanding SACRE and Its Role

The SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) is a statutory body that advises the local authority on matters related to religious education and collective worship in schools. Each local authority in the UK is required to establish a SACRE. The primary responsibilities of SACRE include:

• Advising on RE Syllabus: SACRE reviews and recommends the RE syllabus that schools within the local authority should follow. This syllabus must reflect the religious diversity of the community and include both religious and non-religious worldviews.
• Monitoring RE and Collective Worship: SACRE monitors the provision and quality of RE and collective worship in schools. It ensures that schools comply with legal requirements and provide high-quality education.
• Supporting Schools: SACRE provides support and guidance to schools on RE and collective worship. This includes offering training for teachers, providing resources, and facilitating discussions on best practices.

The Importance of Religious Education

Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in promoting understanding and respect for different beliefs and cultures. It helps students develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a broader perspective on the world. By including both religious and non-religious worldviews, the RE syllabus aims to be inclusive and reflective of the diverse society we live in.

How You Can Get Involved

Community involvement is crucial for the success of SACRE and the development of the RE syllabus. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Attend SACRE Meetings: SACRE meetings are open to the public. Attending these meetings can provide you with insights into the decision-making process and allow you to voice your opinions.
• Provide Feedback: If you have any feedback or suggestions regarding the RE syllabus, you can contact SACRE members or attend consultation events.
• Support Schools: Schools often need support in delivering high-quality RE. Volunteering your time or providing resources can make a significant difference.

We hope this update has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the recent SACRE meeting and the ongoing efforts to improve religious education in Wokingham. Stay tuned for more updates on local government activities and how they impact our community.