Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sara Armstrong, Jeff Hanna, Dawn Logan, Anne-Marie Moriarty, Lisa Northover, Kate Salmon, and Lawrence Williams.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

None.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 28 January 2026.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2026 be approved as a correct record.

Voting: Nem. Con.

This report seeks approval for key employment and pension arrangements necessary to establish the new Bournemouth Town Council and enable the recruitment of a suitably qualified Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer. As a designating body under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations 2013, the Town Council may choose whether to participate in the LGPS and must formally resolve to designate eligible posts. Adoption of the National Joint Council (NJC) “Green Book” terms and conditions, together with associated NALC policies, is also recommended to provide a modern, lawful, and sector?standard employment framework.

The Head of Democratic Services presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report sought approval for key employment and pension arrangements necessary to establish the new Bournemouth Town Council and enable the recruitment of a suitably qualified Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer. Adoption of the National Joint Council (NJC) “Green Book” terms and conditions, together with associated NALC policies, was also recommended to provide a modern, lawful, and sector?standard employment framework.

Some Members raised concerns that that report did not include detail of other options available to the Shadow Town Council. Members were mindful that the options recommended would have financial impact on the residents of Bournemouth.

In response, Members were informed that the alternative option was to not adopt the recommended pension scheme. However, to not adopt the standard LGPS model could result in further fees and an inability to recruit preferred candidates.

Other Members felt that it was good practice to adopt the recommended scheme and Terms. The recommendations were moved, seconded, and when put to a vote it was:

RESOLVED that:-

a)    Bournemouth Town Council shall participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme as a designating body;

b)    the post of Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer shall be eligible for membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme administered by Dorset County Pension Fund, with effect from 1 April 2026;

c)    the National Joint Council (NJC) “Green Book” Terms and Conditions of Employment and the associated NALC model employment policies be adopted for the post of Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer;

d)    the Head of Democratic Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer be authorised to enter to any agreements or contracts for supplies and services for the Town Council which are deemed necessary for the effective operation of the Town Council.

Voting: F10: A0 (11 abstentions)