URL: https://mansfield.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1809

Decision Maker: Chief Executive Officer

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To seek approval from the Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service to extend the temporary contract of the Marketing and Communications Officer for the Destination Mansfield project until the end of March 2026. This extension is required to ensure delivery of key project outputs and to meet government funding expectations, including campaigns, website development, signage, and ambassador engagement, while options for longer-term sustainable delivery models are explored. The cost of the extension will be met in full from in-year savings within the Communications budget.

Content: Extension of Marketing and Communications Officer Post – Destination   Delegated Decision Ref: 25/36/CEO     To approve, under delegated powers of the Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service, the extension of the current temporary Marketing and Communications Officer post (T000525) for a period of four months (November 2025 – March 2026) at a cost of £10,352, funded from in-year savings within the Communications budget.     Reason for Decision:   Destination Mansfield is a £500k funded project designed to raise the profile of Mansfield as a place to live, work, visit and invest. The project is at a critical stage with government-funded outputs and expectations still to be delivered before the programme concludes in 2025/26. Key deliverables outstanding include: Finalisation of the Destination Mansfield website design. Delivery of new welcome signage. Three major campaigns: Investment, Young People, and Mansfield Ambassadors. Ongoing development of the Mansfield Ambassador scheme (currently 40+ members engaged). Exploration of sustainable delivery models, including a potential Community Interest Company (CIC) and alignment with the forthcoming Plan for Neighbourhoods funding package. The extension will ensure continuity in delivery, protect progress already achieved, and allow the Council to meet government expectations on outputs associated with the funding. Corporate Leadership Team has agreed in principle that the post can be extended provided sufficient in-year savings are available to fund the cost. These savings have been identified and approved by the Deputy Chief Executive. Financial Implications: The cost of extending the post for four months (November 2025 – March 2026) is £10,352 (Scale 4.3, based on 2025 payroll figures). This will be met from existing in-year savings within the Communications budget as follows: Saving on Communications Team Leader post (August) – £3,559 Saving on Research and Insight Officer (budgeted at 5.4, paid at 4.2) – £2,211 Saving on Communications Officer (2-month vacancy, May–June 2025) – £5,442 Total Savings Identified: £11,212 Total Cost of Extension: £10,352 Balance Remaining: £860 No additional funding is required.       Do nothing: Allow the contract to end in November 2025. This would result in the loss of delivery capacity, a gap in support for critical campaigns, and an increased risk of not meeting the required outputs of the Destination Mansfield project. Seek alternative external funding immediately: Attempts to secure continuation funding through the Long Term Plan for Towns and UKSPF were unsuccessful. While Plan for Neighbourhoods funding may provide longer-term support, this will not be available until April 2026, leaving a six-month delivery gap.   Failure to extend the role would risk delivery of government-funded outputs and the momentum already achieved through Destination Mansfield. This could negatively impact the Council’s reputation with partners, funders, and the local community. Extending the post supports the Council’s commitment to raising the profile of Mansfield as a place to live, work, visit, and invest.  

Date of Decision: November 7, 2025