URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7558

Decision Maker: Assistant Executive Director Legal and Governance (Jemma Jones)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To address the complexity, scale, and profile of the Huyton HQ Programme it is proposed to establish a dedicated Programme Development Officer role. This will provide the necessary capacity to manage programme governance, milestone tracking, stakeholder engagement, and delivery assurance.   The Huyton HQ Programme forms a significant part of the wider regeneration proposals for Huyton Village.  It represents a high-priority capital development initiative with significant strategic, operational and reputational implications for the Council. Without additional resource to ensure effective co-ordination of all related activity to secure a smooth transition from the current Council estate to a new Council HQ, there is a risk of delays, reduced programme oversight and impact on wider service delivery.  

Content: To address the complexity, scale, and profile of the Huyton HQ Programme it is proposed to establish a dedicated Programme Development Officer role. This will provide the necessary capacity to manage programme governance, milestone tracking, stakeholder engagement, and delivery assurance.   The Huyton HQ Programme forms a significant part of the wider regeneration proposals for Huyton Village.  It represents a high-priority capital development initiative with significant strategic, operational and reputational implications for the Council. Without additional resource to ensure effective co-ordination of all related activity to secure a smooth transition from the current Council estate to a new Council HQ, there is a risk of delays, reduced programme oversight and impact on wider service delivery.   That a new two year fixed term Programme Development Officer post (Grade N- 1.0 FTE) be created in the Programme and Projects Team for the primary purpose of providing dedicated support to the new Huyton HQ programme.   Establishing a Project Officer (Grade K) post instead of a Programme Development Officer (Grade N): A Project Officer role was considered. However, due to the complexity, scale, and strategic profile of the Huyton HQ Programme, including its multi-stakeholder environment, high-value capital spend and alignment with corporate transformation, it was decided that a Programme Development Officer level post is required. This level of seniority ensures sufficient experience in programme governance, stakeholder management and cross-directorate coordination.   2.    Providing support within existing team capacity: rejected due to current Programme Development Officer capacity and projected work demands. Reallocation of internal resource would compromise support to other priority Council programmes/ projects.

Date of Decision: August 6, 2025