Issue - meetings

The Board welcomed Nicola Fedigan, from Connect2Halton, who gave an overview on the services offered. Connect2Halton was a joint venture company launched in September 2024, (50% owned by Halton and 50% owned by Kent Council) dedicated to recruiting a flexible workforce such as temporary and casual workers. The key features and benefits were as follows:

·       100% of the profits were returned to the public purse (50/50 split);

·       external agencies were managed to ensure compliance;

·       it provided a one stop shop approach for managers;

·       produced a significant reduction in off-contract spend; and

·       it was based within Council offices and therefore focussed on local engagement, not national agencies.

Additional information was given following Members questions:

·       questions were asked on the numbers of people in the candidate ‘pool’ and the areas of work they provided cover for;

·       a meeting had been arranged with officers from Adult Social Care to discuss the provision of staff for the care sector using Connect2Halton;

·       the service was prioritising Halton residents for casual work; and

·       managers were being encouraged were possible, not to recruit staff from other agencies and to use Connect2Halton.

          Nicola Fedigan was thanked for her informative presentation.

RESOLVED:  That the presentation and comments made be noted.