Date 10/03/09. Date 12/03/09. Date 12/03/09. Date 11/03/09. Name of TU rep. Maggi Myland issues only) Date 12/03/03. Date 19/03/09.

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1 DELEGATED POWERS REPORT NO. 766 SUBJECT: Establishment of receptionist for Learning Disabilities Service (Ballards Lane) to be recruited via Right4Work Programme Control sheet All of the following actions MUST be completed at each stage of the process and the signed and dated report MUST be passed to Democratic Service for publishing All reports 1. Democratic Services receive draft report 2. Democratic Services cleared draft report as being constitutionally appropriate 3. Finance clearance obtained (report author to complete) 4. Staff and other resources issues clearance obtained (report author to complete) Name of DSO Chidilim Agada Date 10/03/09 Name of DSO Chidilim Agada Date 12/03/09 Name of Fin. officer Andrew Filby Date 12/03/09 Name of Res. officer Date 11/03/09 Jacquie McGeachie 5. Trade Union response received (Staffing Name of TU rep. Maggi Myland issues only) Date 12/03/03 6. Legal clearance obtained from (report author to complete) 7. Policy & Partnerships clearance obtained (report author to complete) 8. Equalities & Diversity clearance obtained (report author to complete) 9. The above process has been checked and verified by Director, Head of Service or Deputy (report author to complete) 10. Signed & dated report, scanned or hard copy received by Democratic Services for publishing 11. Report published by Dem Services to website Name of Legal officer Phillipa Larbi Date 19/03/09 Name of P&P officer Andrew Nathan Date 10/3/09 Name of officer Julie Pal Date 10/03/09 Name Kate Kennally Date 19/03/09 Name of DSO Chidilim Agada Date 20/03/09 Name of DSO Chidilim Agada Date 23/03/09 Officer reports: 12. Head of Service informed report is published and can be implemented. Name of DSO Date Cabinet Member reports: 13. Expiry of call-in period Date 14. Report circulated for call-in purposes to COSC Name of DSO members & copied to Cabinet & Head of Date Service Date Chidilim Agada 23/03/09

2 ACTION TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS BY OFFICER (COUNCIL FUNCTION) Subject Officer taking decision Establishment of receptionist for Learning Disabilities Service (Ballards Lane) to be recruited via the Right4Work programme Deputy Director of Adult Social Services Date of decision 19 March 2009 Summary Officer Contributors Status (public or exempt) Wards affected Enclosures Reason for exemption from callin (if appropriate) To establish a receptionist position at the Learning Disabilities Service, to be to be filled via Right4Work Programme developing opportunities for Disabled People Amanda Jackson, Service Manager, Learning Disabilities Social Care Public All Role Profile for Receptionist Post Not applicable Contact for further information: Amanda Jackson Serial No. 766

3 1. RELEVANT PREVIOUS DECISIONS 1.1 Council meeting 15 July 2008 Item 9.1 Administration Policy Item Barnet Plan for Jobs (Right4Work) Recommendations which were agreed Council accordingly: Supports the Employability Barnet initiative aiming to increase employment levels for disabled people known to Adult Social Services Supports LBB entering into a one-year partnership with MENCAP to increase employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Requests Cabinet produce a feasibility study, outlining the benefits that could accrue to both the clients of this project and the Council itself. 2. CORPORATE PRIORITIES AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS 2.1 Supporting the Vulnerable the Learning Disabilities Service is a public-facing service where people with learning disabilities and their carers go to meet with professionals. The initial welcome they receive there is very important to the relationship they will have with the council. 2.2 A Successful City Suburb the Right4 Work programme give opportunities for disabled people to be able to join the workforce of the council and allows them to break their dependence on benefits and being service users 2.3 Strong and Healthy by enabling the above work opportunities there is a real opportunity to develop and enhance emotional health and self esteem, which will have a direct relationship with physical health. 2.4 More Choice Better Value the current arrangements involve the use of agency staff and other professionals covering the reception area. The partner organisations at the offices in 313 Ballards Lane have not secured permanent working arrangements and the creation of this post will enable the council to control the cost and maintain a high standard of customer service. 3. RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES 3.1 I have considered whether the issue involved are likely to raise significant levels of public concern or give rise to policy considerations and they do not. 4. EQUALITIES AND DIVERSITY ISSUES 4.1 The Right4 Work scheme is designed to give disabled people an opportunity to enjoy the same benefits of employment as the non-disabled population. 4.2 The establishment of this position supports the council in meeting NI146 which is a constituent part of the council s Local Area Agreement. 4.3 The establishment of this post also supports the council in meeting its statutory equality duty.

4 5. USE OF RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS (Finance, Procurement, Performance & Value for Money, Staffing, IT, Property, Sustainability) 5.1 There is written agreement that cost of this post will be split between Barnet Primary Care Trust, Barnet (BPCT) and Enfield Mental Health Trust (BEHMHT) and London Borough of Barnet. BPCT and BEHMHT having both agreed to pay a sum of 7,500 each per annum. The money will be recovered annually from the other partners by invoice and will include an element of on-costs to compensate the council for the HR and administration time needed to manage the post-holder. The post will be paid at a salary up to a total of 20,000 per annum (pro rata for part time) (shared) and is likely to be a job-share by a number of disabled people. The LBB contribution will be funded from the existing budget for the Assessment and Care Management Team. This budget is currently underspent and it is proposed to include this post within the structure of the team. 6. LEGAL ISSUES 6.1 None other than in the context of this report 7. CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS 7.1 Constitution, Part 3, Responsibility for Functions - Paragraph 6.1: Chief Officers (ie the Chief Executive, Directors and Heads of Service as listed in Article 12) can take decisions, in consultation with the Cabinet Member concerned (or without consultation where it is a decision authorised to be taken by the Chief Officer under the Contract Procedure Rules or it involves the implementation of policy or earlier decision of the Council or Cabinet or Committee or it is in respect of operational matters within the Chief Officer's sphere of managerial or professional responsibility and is not significant in terms of budget or policy) to discharge the functions allocated to them or dealt with by them or their staff, except for matters specifically reserved to Executive Members, Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Committees, Committees or Council in all matters where they have managerial or professional authority. 7.2 Constitution Part 3, Responsibility for Functions paragraph 6.2: They may use whatever means they consider appropriate to discharge those functions including enagaging and deploying staff. 8. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 8.1 Right4Work is a scheme within Barnet Council promoting employment opportunities for disabled people. Working in partnership with Mencap, the council has a Project Manager based in the Human Resources Service to support the recruitment process. The adoption of the scheme in Barnet follows a very successful version in the London Borough of Sutton and a number of private organisations Reasonable adjustments are made so that candidates who have difficulties with traditional recruitment interviews can be given the opportunity to have a work trial to demonstrate their skills for a particular role.

5 The scheme has the backing of the whole council and its Members, and indirectly linked to the achievement of National Indicator 146 in the Barnet LAA. The post will add value to the Learning Disabilities Service as a number of clients and their family members attend appointments at the service or contact by telephone. To have a consistent public-facing dedicated member of staff is both supportive for them and efficient for professionals who often have completing priorities. 8.2 The relevant Trade Unions have been consulted on the creation and grade of this post. 9. LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS 9.1 Report for Council Meeting of 15 July Any person wishing to inspect the background papers listed above should telephone Amanda Jackson OFFICER S DECISION I authorise the following action 10.1 To establish receptionist post within Ballards Lane, Learning Disability Service at scp To recruit to the receptionist post under the Right4Work Scheme. Signed Kate Kennally Deputy Director, Adult Social Services Date 19 March 2009

6 Role Profile Job Title Receptionist Barnet Band and scale range scp ,262 18,345 Reports to Service Manager, Learning Disability Service area Learning Disability Service, Adult Social Services Number of staff responsible for none Budget responsibility ( ) none Purpose of Job: To provide a range of reception and clerical duties for the Learning Disabilities Service based at 313 Ballards Lane. Key accountabilities Promoting the Rights of People with Disabilities To challenge inequality and a promote a positive image of people with disabilities To challenge outdated practices and attitudes To ensure that people with disabilities are fully included in service development Reception Support to the Service Main Duties And Responsibilities Answering and directing incoming telephone calls Accurate taking and transmission of messages Greeting and directing visitors to the appropriate area or person Answering routine questions about the service and handing out leaflets/information Dealing with incoming and outgoing post and it s distribution throughout the building Accepting deliveries Maintain the reception area in good order. To support and provide cover to other secretarial staff during sickness, holidays and at other times when deemed necessary by the Service Manager. In the absence of the receptionist to greet callers, in conjunction with other administrative staff, to let callers, including service users, their relatives and representatives of other agencies into the office. To notify relevant staff of their arrival. Any other clerical duties related to the post. Keep a diary of the use of meeting rooms, individual appointments and external attendees at all meetings.

7 Time Management To respect others and to arrive in good time for work and any meetings and other events. To prioritise tasks and ensure that each is given adequate time to be achieved. To manage own time effectively. Professional Development To learn from experience and the experience of others within the team, both formally and informally. To attend training, and implement new learning, on a range of topics, as defined through Annual Appraisal and supervision Working in Partnership with other Significant People To signpost and seek the advice and support of relevant professional colleagues To promote effective communication with all stakeholders To network and build positive relationships with other agencies and providers Qualifications Type Professional qualifications/memberships Education Level required none Working knowledge of Health & Safety, Literacy and Numeracy Skills Desired Technical / Knowledge Type IT Skills Description Skills in Microsoft Office Behavioural Competencies Competency Key to role Communication Skills Polite and courteous to all visitors and telephone callers Able to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively. Able to promote positive professional relationships Provision of appropriate information Can demonstrate the ability to to meet the needs of the individual and resolve queries Flexibility and Positive Attitude Can demonstrate ability and

8 Teamwork willingness to respond to changing needs of the workplace To work in a way which demonstrates flexibility Can demonstrate the ability to contribute to the work of an excellent team All candidates will be subject to an enhanced CRB check