Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item. It was noted that each of the six Area Councils had Neighbourhood Engagement Officers.  These had been  employed on fixed term contracts.  The posts supported businesses, groups and residents in line with up to date covid guidance. 

Members heard that, within the Dearne area, the role had become integral to the time and in addition to the covid specific work undertaken had also led on a significant number of added value pieces of work. These included updating community notice boards, mapping business in the area, developing ‘feature Fridays’ which served to promote local businesses, working with the Housing Officer to address unsightly houses and gardens, supporting pop-up Police stations, organising first aid courses, developing a mental health resource pack and developing the Best Bar None scheme in the area, amongst other things.

The report proposed allocating funding to extending the post for a further two years, with the second year being subject to funding availability, performance and the need for the post.

Members were very supportive of the proposal, noting the positive impact the officer had made within the Dearne, going above and beyond.

RESOLVED that approval be given to extend the Neighbourhood Engagement Officer Post for two years from 1^st April, 2022 until 31^st March, 2024, at a cost of £33,500 per year, with the second year subject to performance, availability of finance and continued need for the post.