Work Programme
The Town Council has recently published an extensive work programme of activity on behalf of the public, which is led by various groups and committees as outlined below:
Corporate Governance and Personnel
• to advise Council on administrative, policy, strategy and governance matters and to ensure the effectiveness of the Council’s policies and procedures, including matters relating to devolution and local government reviews;
• draft the response on any consultation document which relates to the remit of the Group or which does not fall within the remit of any other Committee/Group, for consideration by Council;
• to consider, on behalf of the Council, any matter of concern/complaint as raised through the formal complaint procedure;
• to oversee and advise Council on human resource management, conditions of employment, staff and member training and development, staff pensions;
• to assist the Chief Executive Officer and advise Council on any human resource matter (including vacancies which arise, annual increments and honoraria) relating to the Senior Management Team, posts with a salary in excess of £40k pro-rata and any strategic post, irrespective of salary, directly approved or appointed by Council;
• to consider any matter of concern/complaint relating to the Member/Officer protocol and Code of Conduct in respect of any non-Councillor group/committee appointments;
• to ensure that the Employee Handbook is up-to-date and fit for purpose;
• to oversee the implementation of a competency-based framework and performance appraisal system.
Finance and Audit
• to carry out a review of the systems of internal control in March 2024;
• to carry out a risk management review for recommendation to Council in June 2024;
• to consider and approve the awarding of grants for 2023-24;
• to consider the draft budget proposals and medium-term financial plan for recommendation to Council in November 2023;
• to ensure that the financial regulations and RFO work programme are up-to-date and fit for Purpose;
• to carry out a financial impact assessment, including issues relating to the level of general Reserves.
Planning
• considering and responding to planning applications;
• overseeing and advising on the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan;
• overseeing and having input to the preparation of a Town Centre Masterplan.
Climate and Environment
• to deliver outputs outlined within the Climate and Environment Action Plan
Community Services
• to carry out a review of the town centre CCTV system in partnership with relevant Stakeholders;
• to continue to progress the recommendations made in the Community Youth Profile;
• to build upon the relationships arising from the Health & Wellbeing week 2022, working to deliver a partnership event in 2024;
• to support the child friendly Cirencester initial audit and co-ordinate response.
Land and Property
• completing the day to day operational aspects of the Amenity Land and Open Spaces Review, including the Memorials Policy, security, usage, improvements, lighting, tree inspections and maintenance, play areas, allotments and signage;
• short-term improvements to the Obelisk Community Rooms, making them fit for purpose for current use;
• exploring income streams and funding opportunities;
• to consider future uses of the Norman Arch and Cottage, in support of the strategic review;
• to utilise tree planting opportunities on CTC land.
Health and Safety
• to undertake a health and safety inspection of the Local Information Centre;
• to undertake a health and safety inspection of the Abbey Grounds Depot;
• to review the 2022-23 health and safety inspection of St Michael’s Park;
• to oversee the annual independent health and safety audit;
• to carry out the annual member-led internal health and safety audit.