Restructure proposal puts jobs on line

NRC CEO Malcolm Nicolson did not tell councillors about the restructure proposal.

Northland Regional Council's chief executive officer did not tell elected councillors about a large scale redundancy plan as staff matters are his responsibility.

Chief executive officer Malcolm Nicolson has also denied already making his mind up who was staying and going, if the proposal proceeded, after a press release said he hoped "several" of 11 people affected could still find work with the NRC.

He corrected the "confusion" yesterday, saying he should have said "the several staff" affected, and reiterated that there was no predetermination of the proposal's outcome.

Mr Nicolson presented the proposal to 11 staff this week, advising them their positions could be disestablished, and that 18 new roles could be created. The 11 roles include senior management staff. Whether the jobs go, will be known on May 4, after staff consultation.

Mr Nicolson told staff that change signalled by the elected councillors had led him to seek independent advice on the NRC's performance.

After analysing the advice, and considering feedback from staff and elected councillors, he had concluded a restructure proposal was necessary.

"It is my view that the current structure and the current skill sets taken together would not be able to adequately deliver the objectives set for us by the council."

Mr Nicolson did not tell councillors about the restructure proposal. "While council was briefed on the organisational review process, I can advise that councillors were not given advance notice of my proposal because employment matters of this kind are my statutory responsibility."

Mr Nicolson has also corrected a comment made in a press release yesterday on the restructure, after the Northern Advocate queried whether he had prejudged the yet to be ratified proposal.

Mr Nicolson originally said: "It is my hope that several of the employees affected by these proposals will consider redeployment or retraining into alternative positions created."

Mr Nicolson later corrected the comment.

"It would have been more accurate and grammatically correct, though rather clumsy, to have said 'It is my hope that the several employees affected'.

"There is no prejudgment here, and I certainly am not suggesting any hope that some employees may not consider new options."

NRC chairman Bill Shepherd said it was the CEO's responsibility to make staff decisions in response to the elected council's governance decisions.

"Consultation requirements with staff require that first priority for consultation is with staff, before councillors are notified of the details."

The restructure consultation period commenced on Monday. Staff have until April 13 to provide feedback. More meetings with staff are planned for April 20, and the 11 staff will know their fate on May 4. If the restructure proceeds and staff apply for new roles, they will know by June 22 whether they have been hired.