Business and Corporate Plan 2003-2004
Human Resources
In 2003-2004, our staff numbers will rise to about 770 (full time equivalents)
of whom approximately 280 will be salaried Inspectors and around 126
fee-paid Inspectors on a contract and consultant basis.
During the latter part of 2002-2003, we recruited an additional 33 salaried
Inspectors to deal with the growth in planning casework; as well as 15
salaried Inspectors to deal specifically with rights of way and access
casework.We also undertook two procurement exercises to increase the
numbers of our consultants who do planning work, as well as a separate
exercise which yielded an additional 5 consultants to do access work.We
expect the numbers of administrative staff to stay broadly level during
the coming year, although limited recruitment may be needed to deal with
natural wastage.
Changes in Employment Legislation
We are keeping abreast of changes in employment legislation – for example the new rights of staff to request flexible working and the requirement that all staff on fixed term contracts should have the same rights as staff on indefinite contracts. During 2003-2004 we may need to change the status of those staff who currently work on the basis of fixed term contracts.
Pay and Grading
As part of the 2002 pay negotiations a review of the Inspectorate’s
pay and grading systems took place. A key feature of the new arrangements
is new pay structures for both administrative staff and Inspectors. The
latter are now on a competence based pay system under which pay progression
is
determined by the acquisition of additional competences and increased productivity.
During 2003-2004 all Inspectors will be assessed and placed within the
revised pay scales/competence levels.
Equal Pay Audit
It is a government requirement that all Departments and central government
Agencies carry out an equal pay audit and prepare an
appropriate action plan. The audit will be completed by the end of March
2003 and during 2003-2004 we will be starting to implement the agreed
recommendations.
Health and Safety
During 2003-2004 we will continue to work closely with ODPM to take forward the government’s initiative to revitalise occupational health and safety.
Diversity
Diversity issues will continue to underpin all the Inspectorate’s personnel activities. We have prepared an action plan under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and are working with local authorities and other stakeholders to increase the number of people from ethnic minorities who enter the planning profession and hence may in the future qualify to be Inspectors.
